What do you think Severus would desire the most to receive as a Christmas present?
An excellent answer, Lauren! First, I had in mind a rare book or something along this line, but your answer just touched my heart. You are right, either the signature or the photo would be perfect.
But then, on the other hand, none of them was meant primarily for Severus. In my opinion, what he would desire the most isn’t a thing just linked to Lily, like Lauren says, but something what Lily actually made for Severus; maybe at the time the two of them were kids and still friends. Something like an enchanted leave or stone that Lily made for and gave to Severus when they were having their long talks in the woods. Something rather trivial but at the same time laden with emotional meaning for Severus.
I also think that Severus might be pleased by anything coming from a person whom he values, for example from Dumbledore. I’m convinced Severus would appreciate merely the fact that someone remembers him at Christmas. I’m sure he would be happy receiving a rare ancient book on potions, or a particularly rare ingredient for a potion. But he would also be satisfied with much less, as long as the present expresses that someone cares for Severus and doesn’t want him to feel ostracized at the time of Christmas. It can be even only a bottle of Elf-made wine or a nice vial, for example.
~Jana