A True Spirit of Christmas – What the Christmas Experience Truly Should Be

It was shortly after Thanksgiving when I started working on my Christmas shopping list.  I had already decided on what to get Mom, Dad, and most of my family before my outing at Thanksgiving occurred.  Luckily, my family and I gotten back to a semi-normal relationship a couple weeks before Christmas, so I was able, albeit hurriedly, to get presents for them.

That just left one person - Ian.  I'd already picked up gift cards for Frank and Carol to their favorite stores - Frank loves to read and Carol loves scented candles.  I'd hinted around at Ian a few times, asking what he was asking Santa to bring him for Christmas this year, but he wouldn't bite.  So, I resorted to plan B - I called Carol.

"Hello Paul, how are you?" Carol asked when she answered her phone.

"I'm doing well.  I hope you and Frank are," I said.

"We are.  We're just taking a short break.  We just brought the Christmas decorations down from the attic and Frank and I are going to start decorating the house today and we're going to go get the tree this weekend.  You're coming with Ian to go with us, right?" Carol asked.

"Yes.  He asked me a few days ago if I wanted to go and help pick one out.  He told me that he wants to get one for his place as well," I said.

"That's wonderful!  Frank will have another victim, I mean person, to tell his corny Christmas jokes to and listen to him sing the wrong words to Christmas songs," Carol said.

I heard a click on the line followed by "I resemble that".

"Hey Frank, how's it going?" I asked.

"Doing good Paul.  Yourself?" Frank asked.

"I'm doing well, but I'd be doing a lot better if I knew what to get Ian for Christmas.  I was hoping that you and Carol could help me with that," I said.  After about a thirty-minute conversation, I found out that Ian likes a great number of things, including keeping a journal.

I said my goodbyes to Frank and Carol, telling them that I would see them this weekend to go tree hunting.  When the call ended, I opened the Amazon app on my phone and started looking for journals.  I found a nice-looking leather-bound journal and bought it.  With that, my list was complete, and I could sit back and enjoy the time between now and Christmas.

The remainder of the week passed quickly, and I spent Friday night with Ian.  We got in bed, kissed, and I had just laid my head on his chest.

"Babe, Mom told me that you called and asked about what to get me for Christmas," Ian said.

"I did," I said.  I moved back over to my side slightly so that I could look at him.  "I hope that you're not mad.  I tried asking you a few times, in different ways, but you wouldn't tell me anything.  You're not mad, are you?" I asked.

Ian leaned over and gave me a gentle kiss.  "No, I'm not mad at you.  I don't need anything.  The only thing I want this Christmas is to spend time with you," he said.  That earned him a long make-out session followed by a good hour of passionate sex.

When we got to Frank and Carol's house the next morning, Frank was sitting at the kitchen table with Carol, both enjoying their morning coffee.  Frank dropped the top of his paper, looked at his watch, and then cocked his eyebrow at Ian.  "It's his fault we're late," Ian said as he walked over to the coffee pot to get him a cup.

"How is it my fault we're late?" I asked.  "I spent the night with you."  I looked at Ian and he was giving me an evil grin.  When I looked at his mom and dad, they were looking at me questioningly.  "I am not the only guilty party here," I said.  "He wouldn't let me leave the shower this morning."

Ian walked back over to me.  "That's right," he said.  "I had to make sure you were squeaky clean you dirty boy."  Ian gave me a gentle kiss.

"Do I need to go get the water hose and cool you two off?" Frank asked. 

Carol looked over at Frank.  "You were just as bad when you were his age," she said.

"I still am," Frank said, giving Carol a lewd grin and reaching over and giving her a slight pinch on her bottom, causing her to squeal.

"Frank Watson, you devil!" Carol exclaimed.

Frank reached over to do it again, but Carol swatted his hand, jumped up, and ran out of the kitchen.  This caused Frank to chase after her.  While there was lots of giggling and squealing coming from the living room, Ian took me in his arms and gave me a long, gentle kiss.

"Are your parents like this?" Ian asked.

"Probably worse," I said.  "But, as long as they're happy, healthy, and one of them doesn't break a hip - they can act like teenagers all they want."

Frank and Carol come back into the kitchen a few minutes later, winded, and Carol is straightening her hair a bit.  "If the two of you are done playing grab ass, let's go get some Christmas trees," Ian said.

"Ian Watson!" Carol exclaimed.  "I ought to wash your mouth out with soap." As she turned to walk out of the kitchen, she slapped Frank on the ass and took off running and laughing.

"God, I love that woman," Frank said and he took off after her.  Another squeal was heard from the master bedroom.

Ian just shook his head.  "At least you get it honest," I said grinning at him.  That earned me a pinch on the butt and another kiss.

We all got in Frank's truck and headed for the mountains.  Ian and I sat in the back and held hands the entire way there.  Frank entertained us with his jokes and we all sang Christmas songs, wrong words and all.  Like Ian and I, Frank and Carol held hands as well.

When we arrived at the Christmas tree farm, there were a few customers milling around looking for that perfect tree.  "We’ve been coming here for years," Ian said.  "It’s been a family tradition for as long as I can remember."  Frank found a parking spot and Ian opened his door to jump out to go start looking for trees no sooner than Frank had stopped.  The chill of the mountain air came rushing in the truck.

"Ian Watson, close that door!" Carol exclaimed.  Ian closed his door, a little wicked grin on his face.

"Son, every year we come to get a tree you do this and every year you get yelled at by your mother," Frank said deadpan.

"Frank Watson, don’t you dare open your door until I get my coat on!" Carol scolded him.  Carol had no sooner said the words when Frank and Ian opened their doors and stepped out of the truck, leaving the doors open.  "Assholes, both of you!" she said putting her coat on.

"Carol, dear, it’s a balmy thirty-six degrees out here.  It’s shorts weather," Frank said grinning.  I snickered, got out of the truck, and walked around to where Ian was standing.

"Mother, such language," Ian said.

Carol exited the truck, came around to where we were standing, and walked up to Frank.  "Well then," she said, "go ahead and put on some shorts, and when your dangly bits freeze up, don’t come crying to me."

Frank wrapped his arms around Carol, gently rubbed her back, and whispered something in her ear.  We hear Carol giggle.  "Yeah, you’re right.  I would," she said.  Frank stands back up straight with a big grin on his face and offered his arm which Carol took.

Ian and I watched as his parents walked towards the entrance of the tree farm.  "Just for the record, I wouldn’t let your dangly bits get cold," I said.  "I like them too much."

"You say the sweetest things sometimes," Ian said.  He held out his hand and I took it.  We started walking towards the entrance ourselves.  "You should consider writing greeting cards."

"Okay, well how’s this for a holiday card.  Thanks to you my Christmas, and my balls, won’t be blue this year," I said.

"That’s quite good," Ian said.  "Come up with some more and we’ll submit them to the card companies."

When we caught up with Frank and Carol, they were talking with an older gentleman and his wife.  "Ian, you remember Mr. and Mrs. Potts, don’t you?" Frank asked when we approached the group.

"I do," Ian said.  "It’s good to see you and your wife again."

"Who is this handsome gentleman?" Mrs. Potts asked.  Ian smiled and looked at me.  I turned and looked behind me because I thought someone was behind me.

Ian leaned over towards me.  "She's talking about you," he whispered loudly.  I sheepishly grinned and turned back around.  The group had a little chuckle at my antics.

"I'm Paul, ma'am," I said.  "It's nice to meet you and your husband."

"It's very nice to meet you too," Mrs. Potts said.  "You two look very good together."

"Thank you," Ian said.  He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Margo, let's not keep these folks.  Eli is out on the lot helping customers.  He'll help you with your tree," Mr. Potts said.

"It was good seeing you again.  I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas," Frank said.

"Thank you for coming to see us again and we hope that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas as well," Mr. Potts said.  We all exchanged goodbyes and Mr. and Mrs. Potts went back inside of the little building next to the entrance.  Ian ran over to a barrel and got two poles out of it.  One end was of pole was painted red.

"When you find your tree, you flip the pole over so that the red part is up in the air and they'll come by and cut down your tree," Ian said.  He handed one pole to Frank and kept the other.

"Let's go find our trees," Frank said.  He and Carol go walking off, arm in arm, in search for the perfect Christmas tree.

"You ready to go find our first Christmas tree?" Ian asked, smiling at me.  He was literally vibrating with excitement.

My first Christmas with someone that truly loved me and wanted to be with me.  I think the moment overtook me for a moment and Ian saw it in my eyes.  The next thing I knew was I was being wrapped in his arms.  "Babe, are you okay?" he asked.

I pulled back from him a little, so I could look into his eyes.  "I've never been better," I said, wiping a stray tear away.

Ian pulled me close to him again.  "I love you, Paul," he said.

"I love you too, Ian," I said.  "Let's go get that tree."

A huge grin spread across Ian's face.  He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss, stepped back and took my hand.  "Let's go," he said.

Ian and I walked all over the lot in search of the perfect tree.  A couple looked promising and we were just about to go back to rethink those when we walked behind one that didn't meet Ian's standards.  We both stopped in our tracks when we saw this tree.  When I looked over at Ian, he was just staring at it.  His eyes looked like they were as big as fifty-cent pieces.  "We found it," he said.

The tree stood every bit of seven foot tall.  We walked around it, examined it, and couldn't find any imperfections in the tree.  Ian turned his pole so that the red end was up.  We waited for about ten minutes and nobody showed up.  "You stay here with this pole and guard this tree with your life," he said.  "I'm going to find Eli or one of the other guys who are cutting trees."  Ian handed me the pole and took off towards the main shed.

Luckily, nobody come by and Ian returned with Eli in tow.  In short order, Eli fell the tree and he and Ian carried it back to the main shed to get it bundled up.  I didn't get a good look at Eli while he was cutting down the tree, but once we got back to the shed and he took off his toboggan, I did.  Eli was around 6'2", sandy blond hair, blue eyes, and very handsome.  Couldn't tell much about his build except that he was thin to muscular and had a nice butt.

"You picked out a really nice one," Eli said.

"Thanks," Ian said.  "It's our first Christmas together."  Ian put his arm around my waist and gave me a quick peck.

"Congratulations," Eli said.  "Drake and I have been together for five years now."  Eli motioned over to the guy who was helping him bundle up the tree.  The guy looked up, smiled, and came over to Eli.  He was a little shorter than Eli and a little thinner.  He was redheaded, with hazel eyes, and a beard.  When he got over to Eli, the two gave each other a quick kiss.

"Since this is your first Christmas, let us give you your first ornament for your tree," Drake said.  He walked into the little building where the Mr. and Mrs. Potts were and came back with a box, which he handed to Ian.  "Wait until you get home to open it.  It's packaged so that nothing will move around and break," Drake said.

We thanked Eli and Drake for their help and for the ornament.  Eli helped Ian load the tree on the back of the truck.  Frank and Carol had already picked out a tree and were in the little building talking to Mr. and Mrs. Potts and having a hot chocolate.  Frank and Ian paid for the trees, we said our goodbyes to everyone, got back in the truck, and started back down the road towards home.  More bad jokes were told, more songs were sung badly, and we shared the story of finding the perfect tree.

"We walked right by that same tree twice and didn't even think of looking behind it," Frank said.

The trip home was uneventful, thankfully, despite the amount of traffic on the roads.  When we arrived back at Frank and Carol's house, Ian and I helped them get their tree in their house and in the stand before we loaded our tree on Ian's truck and headed towards his house.  We made a slight detour to pick up the pizza that Ian had ordered before we left his parent's house.  We got the tree inside, in the stand, and unwrapped before we dug into the pizza.

We sat in the living room on the carpet, eating at the coffee table so we could admire the tree.  We shared stories of some of our favorite Christmas memories.  A lot of Ian's stories had me in stitches.  The adults in his family started doing Secret Santa years ago, but it somehow evolved into Dirty Santa.  I almost mall fountained when Ian told me the story of the matching purple dildos that his bothers got for Christmas a couple of years ago.  "The funniest part wasn't the fact that they drew each other's name," Ian said.  "It was the fact that when they opened them, they immediately began sword fighting with them, and they ended up outside.  There was about six inches of snow on the ground and there were two grown men outside in short bath robes, toboggans, and boots sword fighting with big purple floppy dildos on the front lawn.  Mom was absolutely mortified.  Granny was laughing so hard she wet herself.  Someone got a video of it.  I'll have to find it and show it to you."

I shared the stories of the fly traps and the yellow puddle.  Ian laughed so hard, he snorted and that got me laughing.  When we eventually calmed down, Ian leaned over and gave me a long, gentle kiss.

"Box!" Ian exclaimed.

"Squirrel!" I exclaimed.

Ian pounced on me and tickled me until I gave in.  He gave me a kiss on the cheek and I made a displeased sound.  He looked at me and cocked his eyebrow.  I touched my lips a couple of times.  I got another long kiss with some tongue.

"Let's see what that ornament looks like," Ian said when our kiss ended.  "Come on, I'll help you up."  He stood up and helped me up off the floor.  I sat down on the couch while Ian retrieved the box with the ornament.  Ian sat down beside me, set the box on the coffee table, opened the lid, and carefully removed the ornament.  It was a clear glass orb.  Suspended inside were two turtle-doves sitting on a branch and hanging from that branch was a small rainbow flag.  Everything inside the orb was glass and it was exceedingly beautiful.

When Ian went to put the ornament back in the box, he noticed there was a card in it.  He removed the card and placed the ornament carefully in the box.  He read the card quickly and handed it to me to read.

I laid the card on the coffee table and snuggled up next to Ian.  "This has been one of the most memorial days of my life.  I cannot put to words what you mean to me and how much I love you," I said.

"I feel the same way about you," Ian said.  He stood up and extended his hand to me.  I took it and he helped me up off the couch.  He led me to the bathroom and we took a long, warm shower together.  When the shower was done, we moved to the bedroom where we spent a couple of hours making love before falling asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, after we ate breakfast, Ian and I decorated the tree.  We took a few pictures and sent them to Frank and Carol.  I helped Ian clean up his place, gave him a long kiss, promised that I'd see him later in the week, and left to go home to take care of things at my house.

Sunday and Monday flew by quickly.  While I was at work Tuesday, Ian called me and told me that he was taking me out Wednesday night and I would need to dress warm.  When I asked where and why, he would only tell me that it was a surprise.

Of course, Wednesday went by at a snail's pace.  When it was time to go home, I left the office as quickly as I could – I didn't even wait on my co-worker.  I wasn't sure what Ian had planned, so when I got home, I showered, put on the warmest clothes I could find, got the heaviest coat I owned out of the closet, and waited for Ian.  Around five-thirty, Ian arrived, and we left to go to this surprise.

One of the towns near us has a Christmas light show every year and that was the direction we were heading.  When I questioned Ian about it, all he would tell me was that I would have to wait and see.  We pulled into the entrance to the light show and I just smiled.  It wasn't busy yet, so we made it to the gate in just a short amount of time.  When we got to the gate, Ian handed the person at the ticket boot a piece of folded paper and his credit card.  "They'll be waiting on you," the attendant said when he handed back the paper, credit card, and the receipt.  I gave Ian a questioning look.  All he did was smile.

We made it to one of the areas where there was a large display of lights and where they were doing hayrides and carriage rides.  Ian pulls off the path and into the parking area for these rides.  "Ready for your surprise?" he asked when he shut off the truck.

"Sure," I said.

We get out of the truck and walk over to one of the attendants there at the stable.  "May I help you?" she asked.  Ian handed her the folded paper, which she opened and read.

"Right this way," she said.  She led us to one of the horse-drawn carriages that was waiting.  Ian helped me in and we covered up with the blanket that was provided.  The coachman gave the horses their signal and off we went.  Although it was cold, I got to enjoy looking at the lights instead of concentrating on not running into the person in front of me and I got to hold Ian's hand the entire time.  We stopped about halfway through and got some hot chocolate and bought a couple of souvenirs at the gift shop.  All too soon, though, it was over.  We thanked the coachman and gave the horses a sugar cube each, got into the truck and left.

"That was amazing!" I exclaimed.  "I would never have done that by myself.  Experiencing the lights on a carriage ride with you is something I'll always remember."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it.  That was a first for me too," Ian said.

We stopped in the next town over and ate dinner and grabbed some doughnuts before heading home.   When Ian brought me home, he walked me to the door and gave me a goodnight kiss.  "Have a good night, handsome," he said.

"You too, stud," I said.  "Call me when you get home."  I got another quick kiss before Ian walked back to his truck and headed home.  As promised, he called when he got home, and we told each other good night.

The work week finally came to an end and Friday night I went over to Ian's.  Ian had the tree lit and there were presents under it.  I couldn't help but sneak a peek to see if one of them was mine – under the pretense that I was admiring the tree up close.

One of Ian's friends, Jen, came over.  Ian had asked her to come over and take a few photos of us with the tree.  She ended up taking quite a few.  Ian set up his laptop and we were scrolling through them seeing which ones we liked the most.

"You're a very lucky man, Paul, to snag a man like Ian.  I get questioned all the time by girls and guys alike if he's taken," Jen said.

"I don't know I managed to get so lucky, but I thank God that I was," I said.

"Actually Jen, I'm the lucky one," Ian said.

I leaned over to Ian.  "You're getting lucky tonight stud," I whispered.  About the time that I gave him a peck on the cheek, I heard the camera snapping again.  The photos were hilarious!  It started out with a photo of me whispering in Ian's ear and his eyes cut towards me.  The subsequent photos show Ian's grin get bigger and bigger until it splits his face and you see me giving him a peck on the cheek.

Jen received a text message from some of her friends wanting to know if she wanted to go see a movie and she told them yes.  We thanked Jen for coming by and taking the photos for us.  We walked her to the door, both of us gave her a hug, and wished her a Merry Christmas.  Once she left, Ian took me in his arms and had just put his lips to mine when his cell phone rang.

"How's a guy supposed to get laid with all these interruptions," he asked loudly.  He looked at his phone and it was Carol.

"Someone had better be dead," Ian said when he answered the phone.

"There will be you if you've forgotten that we were supposed to make cookies tonight," Carol said.

"Oh, shit," Ian said.  He held the phone to his chest and mouthed the words 'I forgot' to me.  "No, I didn't forget."

"Good," Carol said.  "When will you be coming over?" she asked.

"I'm waiting on Paul to get here," Ian said.  "He should be here in about ten to fifteen minutes."  Ian held his finger over his lips, motioning for me to not say a word.

Carol started nattering on about something and Ian rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall.  I decided to take that opportunity to drop to my knees and undo Ian's zipper.  While Ian was talking to his mom, I went down on Ian.  He had to make a few excuses as to why his voice was quaking and he sounded out of breath.  "Paul's here we'll see you in a bit bye," Ian quickly said to his mom, barely getting his phone hung up before his orgasm hit.

"That was fucked up," Ian said after he caught his breath.

"I think she was planning on talking to you until you told her I got here.  Two birds, one stone," I said.  "Besides, I didn't want you to be all hot and bothered while we were making cookies."

Ian leaned down and gave me a tongue-filled kiss.  "I'm always hot and bothered whenever you're around," he said.  Ian helped me to my feet, tucked himself back into his pants, and zipped back up.  "Let's go make some cookies!"

"Cookies!" I exclaimed, putting my fists in the air.

Ian laughed and smiled.  "I love you," he said.

"I love you too," I said, giving Ian a quick peck on the lips.

We turned off the tree lights, locked the house, and make the trip to Frank and Carol's.  "Don't tell mom and dad about the photos.  I'm giving them a digital photo frame for Christmas and I'm going to upload some of them to it," Ian said when we arrived.

"Not a word," I said.

When we walked in the kitchen, it smelled so good in there.  Carol had already been busy making cookies but there were a couple that she and Ian always made together.  Carol handed us both an apron and we put them on.  Ian's apron said 'Kiss the Cook' so I gave Ian a quick kiss.  I stood back and watched while Ian and Carol made shortbread cookies.  I took out my phone and snapped a few photos of them.  Frank would sneak into the kitchen every so often to steal a cookie, if Carol wasn't watching.  I think the woman must have eyes in the back of her head because she seemed to always know when he was trying to steal one.  I'm not sure how she knew because I never heard Frank sneak in.  I did manage to get a couple of photos catching him in the act and I'll give those to Ian to upload for his parents. 

Once the first batch of dough was finished, Carol washed the bowl and beaters for the next batch.  "You're up," she said to me.  I step over beside Ian and he gives me a little peck on the cheek.

"So what cookie are we making?" I asked.

"We're going to make some gingerbread cookies," Ian said, smiling.

Carol sat back and watched as we followed her recipe.  This was my first experience baking with Ian, though we've cooked together.  I was doing all the work.  He, on the other hand, was hugged up right behind me telling me what I needed to do next – much like he did when we were cooking.  Ian would whisper things to me that would cause me smile.  Unbeknownst to Ian and me, Carol was taking pictures of us. 

We finally managed to get the dough made and stored in the refrigerator to chill for a bit.  Carol got the dough for the shortbread cookies ready and made twenty-four discs from the log of dough.  Once they were in the oven, the three of us sat at the kitchen table and I listened to Carol and Ian tell me about some of their favorite memories of making cookies.  Carol told me about Ian's experiment with no-bake cookies a couple of years ago.  As soon as Carol started the story, Ian started snickering and the further Carol got into the story, the harder it was for her to keep from laughing.  "The recipe called for dividing the batter into thirty-six small cookies.  Ian didn't do that," Carol said. 

"I piled all the batter on a cookie sheet and made what looked like a giant piece of poo," Ian said, trying not to laugh.

"None of the adults would touch it because it looked like a giant piece of shit," Carol said as she started to laugh.  "All the kids started grabbing at it, including Ian, and the next thing we know it's gone, but everyone's hands and mouths are covered with brown," Carol said completely losing it.  Ian started laughing.  The mental image of this got me to laughing.  Carol snorted.  Ian snorted.  I turned three shades of purple from laughing so hard.  Frank snuck in during the chaos and stole a whole tray of cookies.

We finally managed to calm down and catch our breaths. Carol noticed that a tray was gone and went to go retrieve it.  I reached over and took Ian's hand.  "Thank you so much," I said, looking into Ian's eyes.  "You and your family have made this the best Christmas I have ever had, and we've not even made it to Christmas yet.  I was talking to a friend of mine a few weeks ago and she told me something that rings true.  It's the memories you make that you carry with you through life that are the most important.  I get what you told me earlier when I asked you what you wanted for Christmas.  You wanted to make some memories," I said.

Ian smiled at me and nodded his head.  "To me, it doesn't matter what I might give you for Christmas or what you might give me for Christmas.  Gifts are nice but to me, the memory of doing something with someone you love is something I'll always have up here" Ian said tapping the side of his head.  "Material goods wear out, but memories are forever."

Ian leaned over and gave me a kiss.  "Let's get the gingerbread dough ready.  I'm ready for some cookies," Ian said.  When we turned from the table, we saw Carol leaning against the doorway smiling and wiping a tear away.

"You two remind me so much of your dad and I when we were just starting out," she said.  We went over and hugged Carol and then started working on the gingerbread men.

"Did you rescue any of the cookies from Dad?" Ian asked.

"No.  He'd already ate the entire tray by the time I got in there," Carol said.

It was Ian's turn to do some work, so he got to roll out the dough while I got to be a bit handsy.  I have to say, baking with Ian is quite the turn-on.  He purposefully took his time rolling the dough out, so I could feel the muscles in his arms, chest, and back.

"Would the two of you please hurry up.  You're supposed to be making cookies, not shooting a porn," Carol chided.

"We could be," I whispered into Ian's ear on the side opposite of Carol.  I heard Ian's groan, especially after I nibbled on his earlobe.

"That's totally not fair," Ian said.

"What was that you told me earlier?" I asked.  "Just making sure that you are," I said.

"I've made these before.  I think you need to roll out the dough," Ian said.  He quickly switched places with me and pressed himself against my backside.  I could feel his hardness.

"That, that right there is totally not fair," I said.

"Just making sure you know," Ian said.

"I'm not sure what you two are talking about, but I believe it's dirty," Carol said.

I looked over at Carol.  "And you would be right," I said.  Ian snickered and gave me a kiss on my neck.

As difficult as Ian was making my task, I did manage to get in a rub here and there.  I got the cookies cut, onto the baking sheet, and in the oven.

"I'm going to show Paul my old room," Ian said.  "Will you watch the cookies?" he asked.

"Yes," Carol said.  "But don't be gone too long.  They'll be done in about ten minutes."

"More than enough," Ian said under his breath.  He took my hand and quickly lead me out of the kitchen and up the flight of stairs.  He led me straight down the hallway to the last room on the right.  We entered the room, and he shut the door behind him and stood against it.  He pushed me to my knees and in the dark I heard him unbutton and unzip his jeans.

His left hand found my head and he guided me to his cock.  There in his childhood bedroom, I took another load from Ian.  As worked up as he was, it didn't take long.  When we finished, we had enough time left to have a very long, uninterrupted kiss.

"Feel better?" I asked when the kiss was over.

"I'll feel better when I can get you home in bed and take care of you properly," Ian said.

"We'll be back home soon, then you can take care of business," I said.

We head back downstairs but stop by the bathroom on the way down to relieve ourselves and make sure there's no evidence of our activities.  Carol is at the mixer once again when we enter the kitchen, mixing up the royal icing for the gingerbread cookies.  She sets the icing aside and covers the mixing bowl with a damp dishcloth.  The timer for the cookies goes off so Ian takes them out of the oven and puts them on a rack to cool.

"Come on in the living room.  We've got about twenty minutes before we can start decorating the cookies," Carol said.

We go join Frank in the living room.  He was reading his paper.  When we come in, he puts it down.  "Carol, do you remember the gingerbread men that Ian made that ended up with extra parts?" Frank asked.  Carol snorted and howled with laughter.

I looked over at Ian and he didn't look amused.  "For years, mom and I have made cookies at Christmas – it's been our thing.  She tried to get my brothers interested, but they never were.  One year, when I was fifteen, we had run out of something so mom left to go to the store and left us three boys here.  I was finishing up my first batch of gingerbread men when I needed to go to the bathroom.  I asked my brothers to put the cookies in the oven, set the timer, and remove them when the timer went off if I was not back yet.  They agreed so I made a bee line to the bathroom.  Little did I know, they used some of the leftover dough to make extra gingerbread man parts and stuck them to the cookies.  I was coming out of the upstairs bathroom when I heard the timer go off and the oven door open.  By the time I made it back downstairs, my brothers were gone, and I had discovered what they had done right about the time mom walked back into the kitchen," Ian said.

"What did you do with the cookies?" I asked.

"We decorated them," Ian said.

"No way!" I exclaimed.  Carol snorted again, and Frank burst out laughing.  Ian shook his head.

"There were four gingerbread men.  Mom made my brothers eat them – every bit," Ian said.  I snickered.

"Did that break them from doing that again?" I asked.

"No," Ian said.  "It just made them do it even more and the older they got, the more creative they got.  Not only with the cookies but with the frosting."

"Oh, how so?" I asked.

"When they created an entire BDSM scene, I banned them from the kitchen," Carol said.  "If you can come over for Christmas, I'll show you the pictures."  I burst out laughing.

Ian looked at his watch.  "Mom, those cookies should be cool by now," he said.  "Let's go decorate them."

We head back to the kitchen, Frank resumes reading his paper, and pulling a cookie every now and then from his hiding spot and eating it.

We separated the icing and mixed in some different colors.  Between the three of us, we get the cookies decorated quickly.  Ian handed me one of the finished cookies and took a bite of the one that he picked for himself.  They are very tasty and just the right consistency – not too soft and not hard as a brick.

We helped Carol clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher.  We said our goodbyes to Frank and Carol and make the trip back to Ian's.  As we made our way to the bedroom, we leave a trail of clothes.  By the time we get to his bed, we're completely naked.  Ian took me in his arms, gave me a long kiss, then laid me on the bed and slowly made love to me because he knew it would drive me insane.

We laid in his bed, a tangled mess of arms, legs, and sheets catching our breath when we're done.  We slowly untangled ourselves and straightened up the bed.  Ian took my hand and led me to the bathroom, where we took a shower together – mostly just standing under the rainfall shower head, holding each other and kissing.

After our shower, we raided the kitchen for something to eat.  Hunger sated, we turned off all the lights, turned the Christmas tree lights on, and cuddled on the couch in a blanket.  With a remote, Ian dimmed the tree lights and out of the big bay window, you could see it snow.

"I love you, Ian," I said.

"I love you too, Paul," Ian said.

We sat there quietly for the longest time just watching the tree and the snow.  I took Ian's hand and I kissed it.  I wished that I could capture this moment in time – the beauty of the Christmas tree and the lights with the snow falling in the background, Ian by my side, and the overwhelming joy and love that I have and feel for Ian.  In this moment, I am the happiest that I have ever been.  These memories that I've made with Ian are more precious to me than any gift that I will get.  For the moment, I let those happy tears that fell stay on my cheeks.

I'm not sure how long we had sat there, but when I heard Ian's grandfather clock chime, I knew it was late.  "Ian," I said.  I didn't get any response.  I looked over at him.  He'd fallen asleep.  I gently shook him to wake him.  "Babe, it's after one in the morning.  Let's go to bed," I said.  He groggily nodded his head and we clumsily got off the couch.  "You go on to bed, I'll turn off the tree and make sure the house is locked up," I said.  Ian turned and lumbered to the bedroom.  I turned off the tree, locked the door, and set the alarm.  When I got to the bedroom, Ian was already in bed asleep.  When I got in bed with him, he automatically pulled me into his arms and spooned me.  I was out like a light in no time myself.

We slept late the next morning.   I helped Ian wrap the last of his presents for his family and went with him to town to pick up a few stocking stuffers.  We stopped at the adult toy store and Ian bought a set of fuzzy handcuffs for his Dirty Santa gift.  While we were there, Ian got a text message from one of his friends asking if we'd like to go to lunch, so we went and had lunch with them.  Some of his friends, I found out, had known Ian since elementary school.  I got to hear some more stories about Ian.  Most of them were funny but some of were sweet – for Ian's senior project in high school, he worked with the local animal shelter and organized a pet adoption day.  He had even designed a poster that had him on it with a bunch of puppies and kittens that read 'Take home a stray today'.  "It was quite successful," Jon, one of Ian's friends, said.  "Ian himself got asked by quite a few girls and guys if he was a stray and if he could be adopted." 

I turned to Ian and scratched him behind the ear.  "Who's a good boy?" I asked.  Ian started panting like a dog and woofed.  The whole group had a good laugh.  There were some jokes made about him being housebroken and to be careful that he might hump my leg.  I told them it wasn't my leg that he's always trying to hump.  That earned me some fist bumps and I got a peck on the cheek from Ian.

On our way back to Ian's, my sister-in-law called me and let me know what time we'll be having our Christmas get together at their house and that I can bring 'that guy' I'm seeing. "Ok, I'll tell Ian he's invited and let him know what time.  I'll call Mom and Dad and let them know, too," I said.  When my phone call had ended, I turned to Ian.  "You have been invited to my family's Christmas dinner on Monday at six-thirty," I said.

"Do I need to bring anything?" Ian asked.

"No, unless you want to bring a soda or something like that," I said.  "Nothing alcoholic."

"Should I bring some food?" Ian asked.

"No," I said.  "My sister-in-law will usually fix everything and she's a really good cook.  My mom and dad usually just stop and get a couple of drinks."

"I feel bad not bringing anything," Ian said.

"I know something to get," I said.  "I'll get it on my way home, so I can put it in the refrigerator."  Ian nodded and took my hand.

Luckily, the snow from the night before didn't stick around long the next day.  The wait-to-the-last-minute shopper traffic was horrid.  I'm glad Ian was driving because I would have been in full tilt road rage, especially after the idiot in some POS almost his Ian's truck because they were on their cell phone.

We made it back to Ian's and although I'd told him that I needed to go home, he managed to convince me to spend the night with him again.  We fixed a nice dinner and watched some movies before heading to bed.  I got to hold Ian in my arms this time.

When I woke the next morning, Ian was still asleep and still in my arms.  I don't think that I had moved the entire night.  I nuzzled his neck and closed my eyes.  I woke up a bit later when I felt Ian move.  When I opened my eyes, he was facing me.  When he saw me open my eyes, he smiled at me.

"Good morning, handsome," he said.

I give him a light peck on the lips.  "Right back at ya, stud," I said.  "What time is it?" I asked.

"It's about ten-thirty," Ian said.  "It's time we got out of bed."

"Don't wanna," I said.  "Too comfortable."

"If I don't get out of bed soon, you might be the recipient of a golden shower," Ian said.

"Okay, time to get up," I said.  I pulled the cover off me and got out of bed.  I staggered to the bathroom and relieved myself.  Ian quickly took my spot when I was done and relieved himself while I washed my hands.  I went back out to the bedroom, sat down on the bed, and started getting dressed.  I heard the sink running and shortly thereafter, Ian came out of the bathroom carrying a hand towel and drying his hands.  He came and stood directly in front of me.

I didn't have to ask what he wanted – I knew.  I leaned forward and went down on Ian.  In short order, I was plentifully rewarded for my efforts and given a long kiss to boot.  "I would ask you to go with me today, but I'm afraid that it would be a bit of a chore and you wouldn't like it," Ian said.

"That's okay," I said.  "I've got housework waiting on me when I get home."

We finished dressing and once the house is locked up and secured, Ian gave me another kiss.  "I'll call you when I get home," he said.  I shook my head yes.  We walked out to our respective vehicles and parted ways.

Unbeknownst me to me, when I got out of sight, Ian called his mom.  "Mom, did you find it?" he asked.

"I did," she said.  "The store has it on hold for you to go look at."

"Great," Ian said.  "Thanks Mom."

"You're quite welcome Ian," Carol said.  "Your father and I are so happy for you."

"Well, he's not getting it quite yet," Ian said.  "I plan on giving it to him on Valentine's Day."

"You're just like your father – both of you are old romantics," Carol said.

"Learned from the best," Ian said.

"You be safe, and we'll see you Tuesday.  We love you," Carol said.

"Will do.  Love you too," Ian said.

He thought about what he was planning for Paul.  The smile on Ian's face never left or faded for the rest of the day.

I made it home and set about doing laundry and getting my house cleaned up.  A few hours after I'd gotten home, Ian called me and told me that he'd made it back home.  We talked for a little bit before we had to end our call, so he could take care of some things at his house as well.  After I put the final load of laundry in the washer, I went to the dollar store and picked up the thing that I was going to take with us for my family's Christmas dinner.  When I got back home, I stuck it in the refrigerator and continued the never-ending task of putting away all the clean clothes.

Ian called me again before he went to bed to tell me good night.  I finally did manage to fall asleep.  I didn't sleep nearly as good as I did when he was in bed with me, holding me in his arms. 

The next morning when I woke up, I checked to make sure that I had all the gifts that I needed wrapped and spent the day killing time by watching television.  Ian texted me at five-thirty and told me he was on his way.  I took a quick shower and got dressed.  When Ian arrived, I grabbed my item for the dinner from the refrigerator, presents for my brother and his family, and we started towards my brother's house.

"Green tea?" Ian asked.

"Yeah," I said.  "I like it, my youngest niece and nephew like it, and I think my oldest niece and nephew do too," I said.

About halfway to my brother's house, Ian reaches over and takes my hand.  "Paul, I'm kind of nervous about meeting your family," Ian said.

I looked at him and he did look nervous.  "Babe, don't worry.  They're going to like you.  Just be your normal, adorable self," I said, giving him a smile.

Ian kissed my hand.  "There's also something else I wanted to ask," he said.  "We've been 'friends' and 'dating' for a little while now.  I was wondering if you would like to take the next step and be my boyfriend."

All I could do is nod.  I was afraid that if I said anything, I'd start to cry.  Ian gave me a smile.  "You okay?" he asked.

"Happy," was all I could get out.  A few tears managed to fall as well.

"You make me happy, too.  Beyond measure," Ian said.

We arrived at my brother's house and when we went in, I introduced Ian to my family as my boyfriend. As nervous as I was, the night went better than I could have ever hoped for.

"I'm sorry we didn't get you anything for Christmas," my brother said to Ian.

Ian looked at me, smiled, and took my hand.  "That's quite alright.  I got everything I could have hoped for right here," he said.  I felt another tear try to fall.  My oldest nephew made a gagging noise, so I picked up the nearest wad of wrapping paper and threw it at him.

We stayed until about ten that night and then left, headed back to my house.  Ian spent the night with me that night.  The next morning, we got up and got dressed, gave each other a quick kiss, and parted ways – each to go make their obligatory rounds to their families.

I showered, dressed, and loaded my car with the remainder of the presents for my family and went to see them.  I helped my mom fix breakfast for everyone and once we ate, we opened presents.  I stayed until noon and left to go home and fix something for a family dinner later that evening.

I picked up my Mom and Dad at five-thirty and we made the trip to a community building near my aunt's house to have Christmas dinner with my mom's side of the family.  It was good to see everyone.  At least one cousin asked me when I was going to find a good woman and settle down.  I just shook my head and touched the ground.  "It isn't cold enough yet," I told him.

After everything was cleaned up, I took my parents back home and headed over to Frank and Carol's house.  All of the family was there and they welcomed me in.  Ian was in the living room sitting on the floor with one his nephews, playing with the toy trucks that the youngster had gotten for Christmas.  I just stood there and watched.  One of his youngest nieces toddled over to him and he picked her up and set her on his lap.  She was all giggles.  Seeing him like this, it rekindled the desire to marry and have a family of my own.  I don't even know if Ian wants to have kids, let alone marry.  I filed that thought away to ask sometime in the future.

Ian looked up, sees me, and gives me a smile.  He motioned for a sister-in-law to come over and get the little one sitting on his lap and told his nephew that he'll be right back.  He stood up and came over to me.  He took me in his arms and guided me around to the opposite side of the wall, so we can have a little privacy, and he gave me a kiss.

We went to the kitchen and I fixed a small plate of food, ate, and go back with him to the living room and sat next to him on the floor and play trucks with him and his nephew.  A few minutes later, the kids come running in wanting to know when presents are going to be opened. 

Frank gathered everyone into the living room and the kids got to open their presents first.  There was lots of excitement and torn wrapping paper flying everywhere.  Ian helped the kids get their toys out of their boxes and the hard-to-open plastic wrapping and I got put on trash duty.  Once all the presents are opened, the kids were sent into the den to play and watch television while the adults open their gifts.

I retrieved my backpack from my car, so I can give Frank and Carol their gifts once the Dirty Santa ones were given out.  Since I didn't get to draw a name for Dirty Santa I didn't get to participate, but it was hilarious to watch.  Of course, nobody put their names on the gifts as to who it was from.  Frank a hard hat with a decal of a giant penis on it with a sticker on the back that said, 'Lead Dick'.  Carol got some his and hers lube.  Ian got a backpack that looked like a giant set of balls and inside was a book on how to give your man a blowjob.  Ian handed me the book and I snickered.  Ian pulled a box from behind him and handed it to me.  It had my name on it and it was from Santa. 

"Oh, shit," I said.  Ian gave me a wicked grin.  I opened the box and inside was the fuzzy handcuffs that Ian had bought that day we went to the adult store.  "I guess we'll have to try both of these out on your later," I said, giving Ian a sly grin.  Ian's wicked grin got a bit bigger and I got a tongue-filled kiss right there in front of his whole family.

Once all the paper and mess were cleaned up and all the adult's presents were put away, some of the older kids rejoined the adults.  Cookies were passed around and Carol got a lot of compliments.  "There's a special cookie for you in the kitchen," Ian said.  We went to the kitchen and Ian retrieved it for me.  It's a dirty gingerbread cookie, decorated up to look like a naked Ian.

"Aw, it's too pretty to eat," I said.

"Go ahead.  I know you want to," Ian whispered to me.   I devoured the cookie, starting with the massive appendage he had added to it.

"I knew you always like me for my cock," Ian said.

I shook my head no.  I opened my hand and inside was the gingerbread man's chest.  My mouth was still too full of gingerbread man to say anything, so I pointed to his heart, then placed my hand over it.  I popped the chest piece in my mouth, pointed to myself, drew a heart over my heart with my free hand, and pointed to Ian.

"I love you too, Paul," Ian said.  I finally managed to get the cookie swallowed and Ian and I shared a long kiss there in the kitchen.

The night's festivities began to wear down about an hour later and people began making their way home.   Ian and I helped Carol clean up the kitchen and take the trash out.  I gave Frank and Carol their Christmas gifts and they gave me one in return – a long sleeve button down hunter green shirt.  "It's Ian's favorite color," Carol said, giving me a wink.  I thank Frank and get a hug from Carol.  Ian and I say our goodbyes and we head to his house.

When I get to Ian's, I take my backpack in with me.  The only lights that are on are the ones on the tree.  I met Ian over by the tree, set my backpack down, take off my coat, and joined him in an embrace.  We just stood there, holding each other, by the light of the tree. 

"I love you so much, Paul," Ian whispered to me.

"I love you too, Ian.  So very much," I whispered to Ian.

"I've got to go pee," Ian whispered and I chuckled.  I let go of Ian, so he could go use the bathroom.  I noticed that there was one present left under the tree and there was no tag on it.  I took Ian's present out of my backpack and put it under the tree with the other.  I took a seat on the couch and put a blanket over me and gaze at the tree while I wait on Ian.

When Ian returned from the bathroom, he sat with me on the couch and put the blanket over him, so we could snuggle up.  "This has been one of the best Christmases ever," Ian said.

He turned his head to me and we share a quick kiss.  "It has been the best one I think I've ever had," I said.  We sat there for a few minutes and watched the tree a little longer.  I tried to stifle a yawn, but I wasn't too successful.

"Come on, let's go to bed.  Let's end this Christmas the right way – you naked in my bed," Ian said.

"You just want me to use those handcuffs on you," I said.

"Some other time," Ian said.  "I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms."

Ian stood up and offered me his hand to help me up.  He happened to look down and over at the tree and saw that there were two gifts now.  "Hold up, what's this?" he asked when I get to my feet.

"What's what?" I ask.

"That," he said as he pointed to the second present under the tree.

"Did you forget to take one somewhere?" I asked.

"No," Ian said.

"Maybe the other one multiplied," I said.  Ian gave me a deadpan stare and shook his head.  I just shrugged my shoulders.          

Ian bent down, picked up the gift, and read the tag.  "I thought we agreed, no presents," Ian said.

"I know," I said.  "The memories that you and I have made this Christmas I will hold near and dear to my heart.  But I wanted to get you a little something and this seems most appropriate now."

Ian looked at the gift for a moment before he bent down and picked up the last gift under the tree.  "This is for you," Ian said.  I cocked my eyebrow at him.  "I know," he said smiling.

We both open our gifts at the same time and both of us bust out laughing.  We had bought each other journals, though of different styles.  "Your mom told me that you liked to keep a journal," I said.  "Open it up."  On the inside, I'd left a hand-written note.

 

Ian took me in his arms and gave me a long kiss.  When our kiss is over, I look at the journal that Ian has given me.  It is quite nice, bound in leather, and to the front on a leather cord is tied a gunmetal colored ring.

"It put me to mind of The Hobbit when I saw it," Ian said.  "Just so you know, that cord doesn't exactly hold that ring securely.  You may want to tie another knot or two in it to keep it from coming off."

"Is it an expensive ring?" I asked.

"No," Ian lied.  "It's just for decoration.  It makes the look of the journal though, so please don't lose it."  I nod my head yes.

"Thank you, this is very nice.  I'll have a lot of good memories of this Christmas to put in here," I said.

"Come on, let's go to bed," Ian said.

We sat our journals down on the coffee table, turn off the tree, and go to bed.  I fall into a contented sleep in Ian's arms.

During the night, a sliver of light from the full moon shown through the bay window and landed on our journals on the coffee table.  For a moment, an inscription that I had failed to notice on the ring appeared.  It was from one of my favorite movies – "Always".