Sorry about the title in French but I had to use something really describing the way I feel and the French words are closer to the goal. It says "Fabulous and unexpected".

I've been lurking in the gallery since early December, looking at the gifts the other ones got. As I've got mine today, I tell you the truth, it's way ahead of any other gift.

Here were my likes: "Something from where you're living, something you'll be happy to share. I'll be glad to discover something special about your country, town, or history."

This morning I opened the gift TheBombadillo and its family sent me (please note the family, it's important). I get a letter, a DVD and something carefully packed. I first read the letter. Sorry Tom, I'll borrow some of your words as your English is better than mine ;)

First of all, the DVD. Tom explains me that its a DVD full of pictures from where he lives, a town in the Yorkshire. Pictures from the dawn of photography up to the present day. There is even a photo of his street from 100 years ago. What a great idea! I've already started to browse the pictures and I've started to learn history of the Yorkshire and search Wikipedia for the city my rematch SS is living in. I was already happy as this gift totally matched my wishes. But then came the biggest part. The second present are two of four 'napkin holders' belonging to my SecretSanta parents. They were bought for them by his mather's Father in 1977 for the Queen's silver jubilee celebration. They were made in his grandfather compagny. All my SecretSanta family (up until its parents) worked in the steelworks. As you said in your letter, those are "very cherished items". I opened the package and was barely able to understand how I could get such a present. How someone could have take so much time and care for me. How could have someone sent me something so important to him and its family. A bit of its own history for a total stranger? Whoo. I'm on the Internet business since 1999. I've seen many many great things, many great stories. I never though that I would be part of such a marvelous one. You finish your letter explaining me that the two others ones are in your own home, somewhere in the UK. Please be sure I'll take great care of the two napkin holders. Be sure we'll be happy if one day you and your family come to visit us in France. We'll be happy to cook something typical for your in order to use once again your so special napkin.

Thanks again.

Your giftee, PeM

(I do not mention your real name and city in order to protect your privacy, not because I don't want to thank you in person :)