My Secret Santa obviously did some Santa Sleuthing, because they got me 1) books (which I love); 2) books I don't already have (tough, because I've got literally thousands of them); and 3) USED books, which means that we're recycling, saving dead trees and everything, and warming my cheapskate Scotsman heart!

(Our family gives each other used books regularly - it's like Santa came along on one of our 'hey let's investigate this used bookstore' trips!)

They also wrote me a very nice note (with amazing handwriting - very pretty). Here's the text:

"Dear fellow redditor, I hope you find your presents and you well. I sent you some books that helped me in hard times about religion and a travel book for Ireland along with a photo album and this notebook with a pencil to get you started with your future. The travel book and photo album are meant to be together to shove you in the direction of your dream trip along with the coast book to try and get ideas for traveling. This notebook is for you to try writing anything for your books and cross it off your bucket list. I'm sorry it's not much, but I'm hoping it could give you that shove to follow your dreams since life is too short to only dream. I wish you and your family and cats all good wishes and have a wonderful Christmas! May God bless you! Sincerely, Your Secret Santa"

Thanks Santa! Can't wait to get started on my holiday reading!