New Update: WHAT. I am already back at school, but my parents received the package and sent me the picture of my gift--something from my Wishlist! FFFUUU. I LOVE IT. I have been aching for a proper coffee mug to bring with me to classes when I'm still dead tired in the morning, and this was the perfect gift. Absolutely perfect! I can sip my coffee while flaunting my allegiance to the House of Fire and Blood. <3 THANK YOU!!

UPDATE, CHRISTMAS DAY!! Dude. This is awesome. You get me, Santa. You totally get me. This little buddy of mine will be sure to cheer me up every winter. :)

Reddit, this was the first year I signed up for your Secret Santa gift exchange. I don't even remember the last time I was genuinely excited for Christmas. It wasn't even so much receiving the present- I had a blast preparing things for my giftee, and cannot wait for the opportunity to do it again. And again. And again. I want to do ALL more of the exchanges! sorry wallet. RIP

I was a very sentimental kid during Christmas, and so I've resolved to open my present when the day comes! I don't even know how I'm going to do this. Luckily, I have Brucie (who thinks he's a whale, bless his heart, he does live in San Diego after all) and Phil the Goat (Bill the Goat's second cousin twice removed) to accompany me in the suspense.

Also featuring Baby, who doesn't quite agree on the proper use of a Christmas tree.

On a more serious note, I want to say that my Santa went above and beyond to get me another present, and this is actually it! It turned out the other gift wouldn't ship until January, and even though I already felt blessed receiving any gift and didn't mind waiting a few more weeks, I received an email and a message from Santa that another was on its way.

I cut a crate of onions. The past few weeks and this year have been especially hard, so I originally joined this exchange to connect with people and be part of something much larger than myself. I wanted to stop feeling isolated and find a way to make new friends. I now wish I had joined in this event years ago. My Santa's words and acts of kindness might not have magically removed all my problems, but it did give me the burst of hope and strength that I needed to take a step forward into tackling the obstacles that lie before me. That's something that can't be translated into any dollar amount.

To Santa, whoever you are: I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas! Mine might not have been were it not for you. :) Thank you so very, very much. I can't wait till Christmas!