Just days before the deadline, when I had given up all hope and figured I would need a rematcher to save my holiday, Secret Santa appeared and retrieved my information. I was beyond excited since this is my first year participating in Reddit Secret Santa.

Days later, the exchange page was updated again stating that not one, but three packages were on the way. The following day I received a red envelope and festive card inscribed with a handwritten message from my Santa saying that I would be getting something practical, something fanciful, and something comical.

The first gift, the "something practical" arrived the very next day and I was overwhelmed. I had casually said in the "shirt size" section of my profile that I already had too many t-shirts, but joked that my winter clothes were all 12 years out of date (probably an understatement). Just as I had felt a chill that afternoon and was on my way to throw on an old sweater there was a knock at the door. My Santa had sent me a heavy mock neck sweater in my favorite color. It's the warmest thing I own, and the best looking. I've been wearing it over my many t-shirts almost every day since.

The second gift, the comical one, came when I needed it most. My grandfather passed last Monday morning. It was a really depressing time and I had totally forgotten about the whole Secret Santa thing. Plans for Christmas had evaporated and this year the family would be gathering together for a funeral instead. Another knock at the door. My Santa had sent a signed print from one of my favorite online comics, The Oatmeal. Seeing those kittens playing Hungry, Hungry Hippo put a smile on my face when I needed it most, Santa.

The third and final gift was the one I was most curious about. The first had been sent without tracking info and arrived immediately after the card. The autographed poster was mailed from Washington and although it had gone missing for about four days it did finally reach me in Missouri before the holiday. But the third gift's tracking info traced the package's origin back to Ukraine. Yes, THAT Ukraine. What on earth had I possibly said on my profile that convinced Santa to order something from such a far away place? Four days after Christmas a manila envelope beat to hell and half-covered in foreign stamps arrived at my doorstep. As soon as I tore open the top I was hit with the rich perfume of genuine leather.

The book is a handmade journal bound in real hide that's been embossed with the sigil of House Stark and their motto, "Winter is Coming." I love Game of Thrones, but never would've thought to look up something this cool to buy for myself. Incredible. The craftsmanship and the story behind how I got this leather-bound journal makes it one of the finest presents I've ever received.

Thank you for all these amazing gifts, Santa! I hope your Santa was as generous to you as you were to me.