This is my first year participating in the Secret Santa gift exchange. I was not expecting to be so surprised. My match informed me early this week that they were sending not 1 but 4 different packages... What? wow! So, I get the first package Wednesday. Two perfect and awesome books! One is a collection of 2013's best Sci-Fy and Fantasy stories. (My favorite genres!) and another titled 'I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas', which is a collection of decorations, recipes, etc. that are eco-friendly! (I'm an eco-nut and this book is seriously awesome)

So, at this point, I'm perfectly surprised and content with my gifts. I love to read and no one has ever gotten me a book before, much less put so much effort in to picking out perfect reads for me! I am, at this point, extremely happy... and then my third gift came...

Let me preface this by saying, my match informed me that my 2nd and 3rd gift went together, and that I should receive them sometime between the 13th-18th. I come home tonight and found a package by the side door. I pull it inside and eagerly open it. (It was a decent sized box) I cut it open and begin pulling out tons of filler paper, only to find... a guitar stand. What? What is this?

I message my match (excitedly), demanding an explanation (smiley emoticon attached). They were worried this might happen, that one gift would proceed the other, but that they were not giving in to my demands, and as a hint I should re-read my profile. It suddenly dawns on me that one of the questions asks you about a skill that you want to learn. My answer? Bass guitar. At this point, I am freaking out and so ecstatic. I can't even begin to explain how thankful and gracious I am. My match has been so so generous, and the thoughtfulness they put into my gift is so astounding to me. A complete stranger took their time and hard earned funds to be a really amazing Santa to me this year. I cannot thank you enough. And not only that, but I am also constantly amazed by the posts I keep seeing on r/SecretSanta. You guys are all so AWESOME and every day I am amazed at how amazing this community is, and how thankful I am to be a part of it. Thank you again secret santa!!! I will update as my other gifts arrive!

UPDATE: Yes folks, it's here. My brand new Bass! It is beautiful! And perfect for a beginner such as myself. I could not be more thankful! I'm excited to start learning how to play it over my Christmas break from school! Just one more gift to go! Thanks again SS, can we be friends?!