My gift showed up today, and I understand why shipping took three weeks now. A huge parcel was awaiting me from Newfoundland. Shipping alone was a fortune, I imagine. Inside a makeshift box from a pressure washer were four individually wrapped parcels and a short but thoughful note.

The first I pulled out was a bag with a lovely and soft offwhite scarf inside. Super handy, as an end to the -50c days is a ways off yet. In my bio I mentioned I was looking to furnish my kitchen before I move out, so the next gift were some lovely ceramic pizza plates. I'm amazed they survived the trip, even with the literal ton of bubble wrap. Very excited to try them out next time my boyfriend and I make pizza. Third was a thin flat package, which turned out to be a walk-through guide to the new Hobbit movie. I pride myself on having every supplementary piece of literature about the Tolkien universe available, so I was surprised to find something I didn't already have. It felt almost like my Santa must have had a copy of my home library catalog, despite that being impossible. Finally, the fourth package contained a large box, which when unwrapped revealed a knife block and set of five different kinds of knives. As chefs knives tend to be pricey, I only had two before this, and lacked a ton of essentials, like a bread knife. My favorite gifts are the practical kind, and this really hit it out of the park.

All together my Santa must have spent so much money, time and effort on my gift, it really melts my heart. I was hesitant to sign up this year, after my initial match didn't pull through last year. Though my rematcher was as prompt and did the best she could, I was disappointed none the less. This year has really reassured me, and I truly want to thank my Santa from the bottom of my heart. Even just one of the things here would have been terrific; to get four surpassed all my expectations.

Merry Christmas to you as well, and I hope your Santa was able to make you as happy as you have made me.