So I prefer my Santas to message me and talk a little - it's something that I do with all of my giftees and I feel it helps me better cater to what would be a great gift for them. I put as much in my info for the ties exchange, and was almost distraught when my Santa said he wanted to put me outside my comfort zone. I'm normally one to wear monochrome colors. A black-and-gray-striped button-up shirt is my go-to when I'm going out. Sometimes I'll stray and wear a dark blue or red shirt, instead, but dark colors are absolutely something I stick with. But, my Santa definitely put up a god argument for their sense of style, so I put my trust in them.

Fast-forward a few days, and I get a package in the mail amongst a few Amazon boxes. Confused, as I'd not ordered anything in that shape, I opened it up to find a fancy box with not one, but three ties in vibrant (for me), crazy colors, each wrapped carefully in tissue paper. WOW! Where to start...?

The striped one is right up my alley in terms of matching the style of the ties I already have. The colors are definitely something that I'd have avoided if I'd been shopping for myself. But putting them up against any of my shirts, I find that they go pretty well together!

The green one... Oh my god, not only is the pattern awesome but I think I have a new favorite color! This is definitely my favorite, and it'll get a LOT of use, especially if I get a job that requires a tie (as it stands, I just wear them on fancy nights out).

Now the pink one... I still have a small bit of reservation for wearing it, as it really is against what I'd have ever considered wearing. But so far, my Santa hasn't failed me, and with their suggestion for wearing it with a black shirt, I'll absolutely give it a chance. I can definitely see it working, despite having never thought it'd work for me.

This is absolutely far and wide more than I ever expected, and my Santa has gone way beyond what they needed to do for this exchange. A 10/10 with rice isn't even coming close to the justice this gift deserves. I also can't believe I just typed that.

Thank you, Santa. You've not only given a wonderful gift, but you've opened my eyes to the possibilities that I'd normally have turned down. You're the best! :D