My Santa marked my gift as sent on the day of the shipping deadline, and I've been eagerly awaiting its arrival for over a month. Finally, this morning the tracking status was updated to "Out for Delivery." The seven hours waiting to finish work and check my mail were far longer than the previous month, and as I pulled the parcel from my mailbox I shivered with anticipation. Then I noticed the shipping label.

GlitterBoms. I had a three-pound package with a return address of GlitterBoms. My smile faded. My heart raced: What could I have done to my Santa to deserve a three-pound box of loose glitter to spread throughout my home, ruin my electronics, and spread like virus to my friends and loved ones? All I could do was change into some older clothes and take the package outside to open, in the hopes that I could minimize the mess.

Thankfully, my precautions were unnecessary, as I opened the parcel to find not microscopic metallic foil fragments but rather a gathering of gracious gifts. I breathed a sigh of relief, and began to unwrap the items from their protective sheaths.

The first item I pulled out was a copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula. This edition looks remarkably similar to the Barnes and Noble Collectible Edition I've been coveting recently, but which without an outlet of that or any other major book retailer on my island I have been unable to acquire. The blood-red leather cover is offset by black-edged pages, clearly setting it apart from the gold-and-silver gilding on so many volumes in my collection. As I am currently engaged in a couple other novels, this was immediately sorted onto my bookshelf, between Stevenson and Stowe, for future reading.

The second item I retrieved turned out to be a desk calendar filled with torture devices and hideous historical facts. Here I realize the theme of the gifts: I mentioned in my preferences that Christmas is my favorite holiday after Halloween, and my Santa had taken that to heart. Although I have no collection of torture implements, I do find history, religion, and discipline to be fascinating subjects, so I'm glad for this, as well!

Keeping to the horrific theme, and acknowledging my love of anachronisms and writing, the next item I discovered was a black-feathered quill and a small vial of ink, sealed in black wax. Exquisite. Several months ago I began writing with fountain pens, and hoped to try a quill sometime soon. This one, with what appears to be a pewter shaft, has a delightful heft and fits my hand well, but I'll have to experiment with nibs before I begin to use it in earnest.

Finally, the last item was a small leather journal set with what appears to be jasper. A note inside states that it was handmade in Tuscany, and in addition to being lovely it smells warm and welcoming. I regret that this item in particular didn't arrive earlier, as I have already begun my annual journal. This one will have to be saved for a special occasion, one worthy of its charm.

This gift was well worth the wait, and I hope that my Santa received gifts as lovely and thoughful as (s)he sent!