So my Secret Santa gift arrived here in Afghanistan the day after Christmas, but it was still Christmas in the US when I was handed it, even if by only 30 minutes or so. Inside were a gift set of very nice cigars, some wonderful snacks and a whole stack of fantastic Christmas cards. Apparently my Secret Santa is a High School teacher somewhere in Texas and co-opted their Senior English class to write some exceptional cards. I have typed up a response for each. Secret Santa, when you see this receipt confirmation, know that I appreciate and read each and every one of your students' cards. When class re-convenes in January, if you would read the following to that group of students, or email it to all of them, or however you might that they get my message and thanks, I will be grateful.

To Kattia R., your origami is a wonderful talent and your special note really made me smile, which is a wonderful gift when I’m deployed, missing my family.

To Ho M., thank you for your letter and I’m happy you are so proud of your dad. Both of my grandpas served in the Navy, one of them in WWII and the other in the Korean and Veitnam war, so I know how proud you are for his service in this one.

To Dakota, I really enjoy Coldplay and Kings of Leon as well; Yellow is tagged 5 stars in my iTunes and I listened to it immediately after reading your note. It is a wonderful song.

Sara, a wonderful choice of lyrics, you put in your note. Tom Petty has been a favorite of mine, ever since I could vote. (12 years ago!)

Karen, I am looking forward to 2013, indeed. I will redeploy, attend baseball games, and look forward to next Christmas with my wonderful siblings and parents.

Luis B., I do like cars, my car has a rockin’ stereo I spent dozens of hours installing myself. So when I go driving, I bring my camera and rock out until it’s time to get out and take a picture. You are so right, though, that spending time with family is the best of all gifts.

Juliano, things are indeed going well. My unit has had some tough jobs to do out here but everyone has come through fine. We serve for what all Americans cherish most, our freedom.

Unknown, Merry Christmas to you and it’s my pleasure to serve.

Priscilla & Samantha, ermahgerd, frertcerk ‘n sweaters. I love the stickers all over the card, especially the mounted deer over the mantle.

Unknown #2, with the Denver Broncos colored double-lined lettering (you know who you are), Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

Unknown #3, with the snow man, and one hundred penciled snowflakes, thank you for your card and Happy New Years to you.

Anonymous, the ten insurgents a-leaping went to Pakistan so we are just having a silent night right now, and even better is that we redeploy soon. I have some lifelong friends down in San Antonio and after the wintery cold of Afghanistan at 7000+ feet, the balmy Texas weather will be a joy.

Christopher M., thank you for your note. Tell Mrs. G I think you deserve some extra credit for your neat but charismatic penmanship.

Lindsey, thanks for the well wishes, and I’m very happy to have the job that I do; I love it. Have a Happy New Year!

Kasi, I love the snow man with his funny little lopsided smile. I hope your Christmas was great.

Ashley, the red pen and marker filigree on your note was delightful. Your hand writing reminds me of my sister’s and her writing always amazed me. I had a terrific time on Christmas, with friends and acquaintances chatting around an open fire.

Chelsea, your lovely hand-drawn card is fantastic. Thank you for taking the time out to draw up something personal and heartwarming.

Gabi A., first, thank you for your Christmas card. Second, with Christmas in the bag and New Years coming up, I am well on my way to having happy holidays.

Unknown #4, with the pink paper and big purple, “HAPPY HOLIDAYS, TRACER BURNOUT” thank you too.

Brienne, with all of these cards and letters from wonderful people like you, it has been a wonderful Reddit Secret Santa.

Brandon, I did have the best Christmas possible, in Afghanistan anyway. This is my third deployment and my third Christmas away from home in 6 years, but your note has helped make it one of the best of my entire life.

Unknown #5, with the pink construction paper and exquisite snowflakes in aqua, purple, yellow and orange, thank you.

Michaela, I got to your card last but its certainly not least, you and your classmates have made this year elite. Thanks to you all, for sending your cheer, you make it a pleasure to defend you from fear.

With all my thanks, Tracer Burnout (in Afghanistan).