I got the phone call today that a package was waiting for me at the studio where I teach my acting classes. In the past, that usually meant that it was something for my wife, so I didn’t get my hopes up too high that it might be a package for me.

I waited until later in the evening to drop by and pick up the package. I went into the mailroom and sure enough, there was a small package addressed to my wife. My spirits dropped until, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a Reddit alien peeking from a box. Sure enough, my Secret Santa package had arrived!

I was so excited and couldn’t wait to open it up! I felt like a kid again as I tore at the packing tape and opened the flaps of the box.

The first thing I noticed was that my Secret Santa had sent me a copy of a picture book I wrote for early readers called, Thank You, Bear! “How nice!” I thought. I hadn’t seen it in a long time.

Next, found a letter that was very lovely and really made my day. When I read it to my wife and young son, she teared up and so did I! Thank you for your wonderful words, Secret Santa. You really moved us. My Santa also asked me to sign my book and send it back so that he could read it to his own children one day. I most certainly will, Santa. Please let me know if they enjoy it!

The presents were so perfect. A Rick and Morty t-shirt with glow-in-the-dark letters “Wubba-Lubba-dub-dub!”, some Rick & Morty socks (I almost bought these for myself) and, the present I’m using now to drink hot tea as I write this, a beautiful mug with Totoro on it. My son has already asked if he could use it as well.

Secret Santa, you’ve brought us great joy this holiday season. Thank you! Sending you and yours lots of joy back. Keep up the good fight in your work, too! Many warm regards, Paul