Where to start with this one?

Honestly, I am beside myself. I think upon opening my card I was overwhelmed by a few different elements immediately. First, the front of the card - what is this creepy goblin thing, and why is it so familiar? I know I said I liked creepy things and this really hits the nail of the head… why is it talking about cheese? Second, a magnet-backed cross-stitch with my name, and my name in ELVISH, in blue, my favorite color!!! Third, HOLY CRAP, such a long letter that it was pouring out of the card. Like a waterfall, the pages emerged. I had 3 separate thoughts pulling for my attention at the same time. I recovered from my momentary shock, and decided to first read the lengthy letter because that was what I most looked forward to.

You see, my card Santa had kindly messaged me a little while back, explaining that they hadn’t forgotten about me, but that they were taking their time to write to me and that they wanted to pick out a special card for me (more on that later). Boy, did they write me - and it was all eloquent and thoughtful. Not only did the letter touch on many details I had shared about myself, but my Santa seamlessly let me know about them as well. It was so easy to feel both like someone was getting to know me, and I them, that it felt like a conversation I was having - but my Santa did all the heavy lifting! In my letter, I learned how we differed on music and movies - my Santa explained they couldn’t get into Lord of the Rings, but that they did a crash course on the Elvish language from the books and cross-stitched my name, just for me, even so. I also learned how we were similar in that the holidays are more about Family than a religious event.

-- I eventually realized where I knew this goblin from the card from. On the back of the card a “Cheddar Goblin” logo appeared….no…couldn’t be…oh my gosh! This goblin is from a fake commercial in my favorite movie from this year, Mandy! WTF! This random part in the intense movie makes for some serious laughter as a goblin pukes macaroni and cheese all over some children. Insane, I cannot believe this card exists! My Santa did some swift stalking to find that I loved Mandy - I even sent it as one of my gifts to my Secret Santa giftee! This card is truly special and I appreciate the thought that went into finding the right creepy card for me! --

I also learned that my Santa was a previous inspiring writer, and the comfort from this letter was no lie - Santa, you are gifted as your words really resonated with me, particularly the uplifting words about passion and creativity that some in a lifetime is better than none. I felt like maybe, just maybe, these words meant something to you too as you wrote them out for me. I really hope there is time for you to carve out more for your writing, should you choose to pursue it again. As a total stranger, I feel like you sent me something so much more personal than almost anyone who knows me well in my day-to-day life could get close to. Your words and efforts have meant so much to me.

Is it weird that all I want to do now is write you back? I love The Thing and Silent Hill too, and, if my response hasn’t given it away, I feel like I have much to say in reply to your amazing gift to me. I may give it a try - hopefully I get the address right that was handwritten in the corner for you, Santa!