For the first time ever — and I say this proudly — our Christmas tree is up nice and early. Right on the dot. Standing tall and proud on the very first day of December in the white ceramic pot where my dying monstera plant used to sit wilting away before I mercy-chucked it in the bin so it can finally rest in peace.

Raven wanted a proper Christmas tree.

What is a “proper” Christmas tree anyway? Because I knew she meant the plastic ones she sees at the shops but I’m still not in the mood to give in and get one. Not when I’m enjoying the natural ones we randomly find at the backyard (or front yard) and having a totally different tree each year.

I love the stories behind our trees. The memories of finding them and making them work as we hang the usual baubles that we’ve always had through the years. They might not be your typical Christmas tree but it’s our tree. Perfectly imperfect in every way.

I’m not discounting the possibility of having shop-bought tree one day. Just as I am marinating the idea of getting a real one next Christmas. Who knows?

All I know is that this year, I had a vision for a golden Christmas tree. Nature provided me with a desiccated conifer(?) branch. Spotlight carried the gold spray paint that Raven and I took turns spraying on a slightly windy day. That was fun.

Jeff was our electronics guy. He supplied the fairy lights and the fittings, whatever you call it. Made sure the lights worked.

Not only did they work, they were mesmerizing! Sure, the tree looks a bit asymmetric but in low light, it twinkles like a thousand fireflies.

It’s beautiful.

Last month, out of the blue, Raven asked to have an advent calendar.

“It doesn’t have to be anything big,” she suggested. “Maybe you can give me cute little animals like the ones you put in my lunchbox. But not chocolates. Don’t give me food stuff.”

An advent calendar wasn’t in my plan but I was up for the challenge to DIY her request instead of buying something generic because I like to complicate my life. I had a whole month to order resin figurines, stationeries, stickers, washi tapes, whatever cute stuff I thought she might like. My Ebay account was lit!

I spent my days off individually wrapping and decorating 24 bloody blind bags which I also had to hide until I could present it to her on the first morning of December.

All for my love of this child.

But you know what, for the pure and simple joy of watching her face light up as she took it all in with such excitement and delighted surprise, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

That was my Christmas morning right there.

My daughter is the gift that keeps on giving.

*Raven at 8 years old