I joined this, my first gift exchange, on the advice of my boyfriend. I had lots of fun with the GIVING part, but had low expectations for the RECEIVING part. Gift giving is so personal - I thought, How could a stranger living half a world away possibly know me, let alone wow me?

I'm an idiot.

My secret santa is an astonishingly thoughtful person. I received a box of beautiful, sweet, snuggly goodies: a knitted Christmas stocking full of chocolates (I LOVE CHOCOLATE), a stunning hand-painted jewelry box (such a treasure), the softest mittens I have ever worn (I have been looking for an adult-sized string mitten for years [how did you KNOW??]), and a kind, hand-written letter.

I am touched and inspired, Secret Santa. You have a beautiful soul. Please contact me if you are ever in the Eastern United States so that I can give you a big hug. THANK YOU AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish you all the happiness in the world.

For the reddit folks: Keep up the Good work. This is a beautiful thing.