This was my very first Secret Santa exchange, and in all honesty I went into this adventure thinking I'd like to participate in this gift-giving experience. I found it so wonderful that people from around the world would come together and choose to assemble a special gift to someone they don't even know.

My Secret Santa turned out to be a wonderful, thoughtful person, who assembled items carefully, to put together the most special gift I could have ever hoped to receive.

She combined my love of travel and reading, in a book that tells the stories and adventures of strong, independent women. She put a little journal, for me to be able to write about my travels. On the cover of the journal are three daises, which is incidentally my favourite flower. She gave me cuddly socks to keep warm as I read my new book, and a lovely tea mug to complete the set. The mug was a very special treat, as I collect these from every place I visit. Every time I use one of my mugs, it reminds me of a place I visited, and now I have a new one to remember exactly this random act of kindness.

Lastly, not too long ago another user took my comment history and made it into a word cloud. My Secret Santa had that image printed and placed into the most beautiful photo frame, to provide me with inspiration every time I look at it. I was truly touched by this, and I hope she knows how much I thank her.

Could not have asked for a more thoughtful, special gift. Thank you, truly.