When she comes home and starts to unpack - ask her for more details about how her presentation went. Ask some questions; let her see that you are genuinely interested in how it went.
Make sure your office desk is really clean, do all the laundry, the house in perfect condition when she arrives. The flowers on her window is excellent - might you also spritz a little house scent in the rooms - be it pine, lavender or apple spice.
The Japanese books could be given as a Christmas present, not now...does she have a Christmas stocking?
Definitely plan a party for the holidays. Those are always quite festive.
I would, however, let her and your children, plan for your birthday - don't mention it. This will be a prime time to see her participation and how much emphasis she has towards it. When is your birthday? It will also be interesting to see how much thought she puts into it...her response to all of your attention.
When you come back:
1. Take her to see Christmas lights around town 2. Take her skiing, ice skating, an ice show 3. Go together to get an Xmas tree 4. Decorate the house with lights, inside and out - good family project 5. Buy a wreath together for the front door 6. Go for cider, cocoa together 7. Decide on gifts together for the kids 8. Take her out shopping, see what she likes and looks at for a while - make a mental note - then go back and buy it when she's not with you. 9. Invite lots of friends and family over for the holidays 10. Make a Christmas stollen - with fruit
Play Christmas music in the house - ask her to dance.
I'll think of more, when you're away - so these are just a few things.
