The Doctor strode back to the TARDIS alone, his hand feeling empty with Rose's clasped firmly in it. They'd split up when they arrived at the alien market, him going one way to get TARDIS parts and her another to explore the market and the culture.
She'd told over the bond him to meet her at home when he was done, and the buzz of happiness she projected had convinced him to conclude his haggling quickly and get home posthaste.
The console room was empty, and he tossed his coat over a strut as he headed down the corridor in the general direction he sensed Rose was in. He'd only gone a few steps before he recognised his surroundings and guessed she was in the library; a few more, and he could hear Christmas music spilling out through the open door.
Standing in the doorway, the Doctor watched, entranced, as Rose spun around the Christmas tree, twinkling fairy light draped over her shoulders. She sang along softly with the music as she positioned the last few lights, and then she scooted back a few steps to examine her work.
The TARDIS dimmed the lights to highlight the tree, and the twinkling fairy lights on the tree leant a magical feel to the room. Everything shimmered, but nothing glowed as much as Rose.
The Doctor stepped into the room finally, and Rose turned to greet him. Her eyes sparkled with joy, but the glow of happiness pulsing over the bond was even more intoxicating.
"About time you got home," she teased as he pulled her close. She reached for his tie and tugged on it gently. "I thought I was going to have to put all the ornaments on myself, too."
He chuckled and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before pulling back and resting his forehead against hers. "Where did you get the tree?" he asked.
Rose pulled away from him and walked over to the tree, touching one of the delicate fir branches. "There was a stand at the market. And I realised we haven't done Christmas since you regenerated, so I thought…"
"Brilliant as always, love." He caught her hand in his and pulled her towards the couch. "Come on. Let's sit down and look at the tree."
Two mugs of mulled wine appeared on the coffee table as they sat down, and he silently thanked his obliging ship. An idea came to him as Rose settled into his arms, a planet he'd heard of but never visited. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and smiled. If Rose wanted to have Christmas, they would give her the best holiday she'd ever experienced.