So, backstory first. My original Santa deserves a Thank You too, because I know they sent a package and it was left in front of the mailboxes in my building - the post office e-mails me to let me know when I get a package. But then something happened which had never happened to me before; someone stole my box. I called USPS hoping that maybe the driver might have put it in the wrong building or something like that, but they were able to determine by the time the barcode was scanned that it was indeed in my building when it was stated to be delivered, so in the few hours between then and when I got home, someone made off with it.

I have lived here 5 years and never had anything go missing. I was really bummed, especially on the 10th anniversary year, so I decided to sign up for re-matching when offered the chance... and my new Santas came through in a big way!

The Food Lab | I had never heard of this author before but after reading through the introduction to the book and a few of the recipes I can't believe that I haven't, and I've now got someone I can now be a fan of! It's possible someone has out-scienced Alton Brown in the kitchen, which I didn't think was possible, but J. Kenji Lopez-Alt seems to treat his kitchen as a laboratory/engineering workshop that by coincidence just happens to manufacture things you can eat and taste good. The fact that they're food does not change the fact that they should be engineered with precision. I am very much looking forward to getting diving into this one!!!

Monster Hunter International | I have never heard of this series before either, but I read the back blurb and I'm already hooked. "Five days after Owen Zastava Pitt pushed his insufferable boss out of a fourteenth story window, he woke up in the hospital with a scarred face, an unbelievable memory, and a job offer." Judging by the cover (I know, I know, but I haven't gotten a chance to start it yet!) it seems like Men In Black meets Warhammer 40K. Should be fun! The review on the front says that if you love late night monster movies, you'll love this too - and I do!

Doctor Who Cookbook | On the opposite end of the cookbook spectrum is this one. These recipes are also engineered, but for fun instead of for precise cooking technique! "Ood Head Bread" and "Cybermelts" look tasty and like a lot of fun to make. Also, "A Pizza Cassandra" will go well with...

Sonic Screwdriver Pizza Cutter | I mean, what else can I say about this one? It's objectively the best thing ever. I know it. You know it. There's no point any of us arguing about it. I can't wait to slice into a pizza with this bad boy!

Oh, wait, I know what else to say! Pizza cutters are cool!

Gummy Bug Tape | Aw yessss! I love any kind of gummy candy! It's my favorite... I dare say, I like it more than chocolate even. :) Thanks for keeping my supply stocked!

Wolf Mouse | That sounds like a genetic experiment gone wrong when I say it that way but no, I mean a computer mouse. I am always traveling for work and I never have a mouse with me, so this has become the one I keep in my laptop bag and take with me. I got to make use of it the day after it arrived, because I had to fly to one of our other offices on short notice. Now I've got a mouse and mousepad in my bag with me wherever I go, which is perfect!

Thanks to everyone who made my holiday season great... both my original Santa, and my rematch Santa! Have a great 2019 everyone!