Wow, I tried to hold out until Christmas but my gift sat there, saying OPEN ME UP! I'm not able to resist talking cardboard so I opened my box.

Inside there were amazing and thoughtful wrapped presents. I come from a family where my Mom is a narcissist, my brother and fam don't know what a gift is or how to say thank you, and my sister sends gifts that are pretty amazing.

Whenever I get a gift that's thoughtful, it's my moment to savor unwrapping. And the kittens? They savored that too. Their gift could just have been wrapping paper. But no, my SS got them beautiful crocheted toys and a slinky thingy!

My dogs were interested in the wrapping paper just because the kittens are NOT ALLOWED to have anything the dogs haven't decided they don't want. My dogs love tennis balls and chasing them; I'm older so nothing works right anymore, and a Chuck-it is perfect, especially since my last one broke.

Love the earrings -- Cap is one of my favorite avengers.

One thing about presents from someone who knows only the barest details about someone is that you'll get things that you would never think to buy yourself. Then you'll try it, and wonder, how could I have gone 5 decades without this?!

I love the crocheted neck scarf, and not just because it's in my favorite color but there are dog prints! Wearing it right now in fact.

And the final coup de grace? The Marilyn Atwood book -- the follow up to the Handmaid's Tale. Currently we're at 54 here in Chicagoland but the moment it drops to sub minus beyond frozen, I'm getting my scarf, a comfy long sweater, some leggings, and a nice cuppa and curling up.

Secret Santa, you're the best!

PS I didn't know we had to upload files so, um, no pics. I tried to be extra descriptive in my post.