This was my first Reddit Exchange. I'd shied away previously, wary of what horrors the trolls and serial downvoters might inflict on their giftees. This time around though I had reasons to want to be a part of a large-scale gift exchange so I signed up and had a blast shopping for my giftee and rematch giftee. Then I got notification that my Santa's package to me was delivered. Icing on the happy cake!

My sweet Santa got it SO right! Even before I opened the box I was grinning like a goof. After the contents were subjected to the obligatory cat scan I admired the 3 neatly wrapped presents with shiny bows and the packet of dark-chocolate-covered caramels. The caramels were something I'd mentioned in my profile. Then I unwrapped the presents. The first 2 were coloring pads, corresponding to another interest I'd mentioned in my profile. So far so good, Attentive Santa! You're restoring my faith in my fellow Redditors.

Then I opened the smallest present and cried. My Santa gave me a silver heart on a silver chain. Around the edges of the heart are the words "Friends fill your life with joy, your soul with sunshine, & your heart with love." In my profile I'd mentioned that I give small glass hearts to random strangers. This forces me to pay attention to my fellow humans and recognize the fundamental commonalities that connect us. It's taught me to embrace love and compassion and to expect miracles. It's also in part why I decided to join Reddit Secret Santa this year. My focus was more on what I gave than what I expected to receive so the heart my Santa gave me caught me off guard and blew me away. Bonus: The velvety bag that came with my necklace is just what I've been looking for to carry my glass hearts around in.

Thank you, Sweet Santa! You did so much more than simply shopping and shipping to a stranger. Happy holidays from my heart to yours!