Update Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/secretsanta/comments/hmfp9w/personal_update_started_with_an_overly_generous/

I am pretty awestruck at how generous my Santa was, and really how amazing this whole experience has been for me. This was my first year participating and I know how lucky I am to have received these gifts. But it's not just the presents themselves, it's the thoughtfulness and care I know my Santa put into picking the items.

Because this was my first year I wasn't sure what to write or to even ask for. I'm not the type of person who is good at asking for things and i'm not the type of person who is good at receiving gifts. So I used the about me section to sum up my year. I had really poured my heart out talking about adversities I faced in 2019, my triumphs, what I was looking forward to in 2020, and my goals. I realized a few days ago how big of a risk I took writing what I did because I could have been matched with someone who isn't empathetic, or kind and would have looked at what I wrote and thought I was nuts. Lucky for me my Santa is kind and empathic and really "got me."

So I received my gift, sent to me from the other side of the United States, eager to open, I found the top covered in confetti and the box smelled really nice. I would later find out my Santa sprayed perfume, I thought it was a nice touch. Under the confetti was a note and 5 beautifully wrapped gifts. Side Note: That part made me fell really bad for my giftee, because I didn't even think to wrap my gifts before I sent them. I neatly packed them and wrote a note. I know better now for next year.

The note my Santa wrote me was so kind, thoughtful, and well written. It made me choke up a little. Even though the note wasn't long my Santa read everything I wrote in my profile, and really saw me. I was instructed to open the gifts in order, top to bottom. My first gift, "New Phone Who Dis?" card game, a game I didn't mention but was planning on purchasing. I guess Santa really watches you. Next I received homemade raspberry jam made from locally sourced raspberries. My next 2 gifts were Rick and Morty themed items for my car. I explained that my car crapped out and was forced to get a new one this year. And while it pained me to give up my old car, monetarily and emotionally, I really do like my new one. So that magnetic pickle rick will hang nicely next to the window sticker of Slimer (ghostbusters) I already have on my car.

My last gift, the most generous, the one I am most in awe of, the one I am a little embarrassed to even share with you all, but will share because I hope my Santas generosity will inspire others to do good and make a difference. In my note to Santa, I wrote about how I tend to hold myself back from doing many of the things I want to do in life because I don't want to 3rd wheel my friends. That I want to travel the world but have been non-stop working since I graduated college and that I fear going alone. But That I made a promise to myself, in 2020 to take a trip somewhere, no matter what. I feel incredibly fortunate, because when I opened my final gift, there was a note taped to tissue paper that said "take the trip." Behind the tissue paper was $200 in cash. That really broke me down, and I'm still at a loss for words. A Thank You doesn't feel like enough.

On the back of the letter I received were all of the reasonings and meanings behind each gift. Each more thoughtful than the next. It included many words of encouragement and was written with lots of love. My Santa said if I was ever in their neck of the woods that they would like to take me out for a drink and it happens I will be in early 2020. We exchanged contact info and have been talking. I also made sure to let my Santa know that I am going on the trip and am in the early stages of planning so the gift gets me that much closer.

I am so appreciative of Reddit, it's community, and this Secret Santa exchange. I really feel like I have gained a new friend. I know not everyone will be as lucky as me, but I hope this gives others optimism and encourages anyone who can make a difference for someone to do it. Be kind to others, you never know what might happen.