As I sit here trying to type up my thank you to Santa- I just cannot seem to find the right words to say to try to begin to describe how I am feeling. I had to have been matched with the real Santa Claus!

Right from the start- it was wonderful. Santa reached out to me and asked me some questions- and because I had asked if my Santa would mind if I wait until Christmas to open my gift- he asked if he sent me chocolate and told me which package it would be in - would I open that package before Christmas? How exciting- and of course I would!

The chocolate came- and it was amazing! Butter Crisps Toffee- which is really my all-time favorite- and chocolate peanut butter candy and some chocolate crabs. He got it at a local shop and it was such good chocolate!!! Right now- my Santa had already sent me a wonderful gift and I would have been more than pleased with the candy alone.

I was told there were more gifts coming. A gift arrived from Goodley Woods. I put it under the tree and was so curious and excited, I absolutely LOVE wood. I could not imagine what it was. Every time I would walk by the box- I was so excited wondering what it could be!

Another box arrived- with my Reddit name on it- from Audubon! I was overwhelmed. I love the Audubon Society…my daughter and I hike the Audubon sanctuaries all over New England. Life has been trying for the past few years and we head to our local Audubon and walk the trails and watch the wildlife and it is just so peaceful to walk along and see all the wildlife. It really helps me to keep life in perspective.

Then- a few days before Christmas – a card arrived with my Reddit name on it- I put that under the tree as well.

Then- Today was the day!!! The gifts had been under the tree long enough that it was making some of the family here beyond curious. They have no idea why I do not open gifts right away as they come in. I think the anticipation leading up to Christmas is so fun- and I love having a surprise on Christmas day!

First I opened the envelope- what a fun card! Super cute! When I opened the card a Michael's gift card was there! I love Michael's and have been starting a new hobby- and Santa wrote- "make something awesome with this!" inside the card. This was so incredibly thoughtful and kind!

Next- I opened the package from Goodley Woods- WOW!!!! Inside was a gorgeous wood mug. It is covered in a clear plastic finish that is impervious to anything and everything. It is lightweight and yet super durable. It is even safe for hot beverages! It comes with a really fun warranty- the artist that makes it guarantees the cup for as long as he is alive!!! The mug is made out of Bubinga wood- it is absolutely gorgeous. It has a reddish tone to it and the grain is stunning. It is sitting next to the Keurig as I type – awaiting the first cup of coffee tomorrow morning…. That’s is only a few hours away at this point! I kept staring at the cup and my family was all watching me as I am not an emotional person- but Santa’s generosity was really overwhelming me.

I could not believe there was still ANOTHER box.

I opened the Audubon box to find my Santa had made a very generous donation in my name to the National Audubon Society- which thereby symbolically adopted a puffin in my name!! It came with a very cute little stuffed puffin- which I immediately squeezed and it made a loud noise which totally intrigued our little kitten who jumped out of the now empty Audubon box to check out the puffin!

And- just now- right before I started this thank you- I found out that the Michaels gift card Santa sent me was beyond generous.

DayVeeGee - I wish I could really find the words to tell you how much your thoughtfulness and kindness touched me. The time and effort you put into finding me such perfect gifts- and the generosity of the gifts – I am really overwhelmed. What a truly magical Christmas you have given me. I felt like a five year old today- so many gifts- and each one so incredibly perfect!

The chocolates were so good- and it was really fun to have a mid-season treat!

I have several things on my Michaels list that I have been waiting to buy- this will get me exactly what I have wanted and more- and I can start trying some new techniques. That is so exciting!

My perfect Audubon hikes – will also have new meaning- knowing that your generosity has helped an organization that means so much to me.

Each morning as I have my coffee- I will remember the complete kindness of a stranger- that someone who does not know me took the time to find me such perfect gifts. That is a pretty awesome feeling. It is always great to be reminded of the good in the world – and it is a perfect thing to be reminded of each morning!

Thank you so very much DayVeeGee- I hope the universe is awesome to you!