It's my first year of participating on Secret Santa and there's been something in the air, something I haven't felt since being a little kid. Gift excitement. I had already realized, that since I was going away for the holidays, it was very likely I wouldn't receive my gift before I got back. This made me feel a bit nervous (local post doesn't hold packages in storage that many days) but luckily my package arrived the same day I came back from my trip. Unfortunately I wasn't able to pick it up right away due to some (way too common) challenges with the local post. Additionally my package retrieval was halted (and momentarily forgotten) as I spent half of the night at the hospital. I only manages to pick it up today. When I finally took the box out from the nearest parcel locker I could hardly contain my excitement. Yet one obstacle remained as I had to wait for several hours before I could open it. This was due to me having reserved tickets to the latest ice-themed Disney moneymaker. Thus, I sat through the movie quivering with excitement.

Finally, after shopping to buy some groceries to feed half of our extended family visiting us for new year's celebration, I am able to focus on the matter at hand. What I find in the box is not one, not two, but eight gifts! More than I have received last ten years combined! The amount of joy I feel at this point is quite incredible (I daresay I even shed a tear in honor of this moment). All but one if the gifts are also individually wrapped, to make it even more exciting!

The first thing to grab my notice are the Candy Canes. Such a classic Christmas treat, it really makes me smile. Seems my Santa has a heart for classics. Also the hand-written note with the Canes is cute and I agree, wrapping is the elves job.

Second wrapping uncovers a small pineapple. Unfortunately it had gone bad in transit (local post REALLY needs to step up their game) but no worries, my Santa had warned me before hand that "something might have expired". It's still a nice touch in the whole, and makes me want to make a pineapple pizza (yes, I'm one of those weirdos).

Third gift is a mysterious wooden box. The carvings are quite beautiful and I admire them for a moment. Inside are strange little beads. I honestly have no idea what it could be! Luckily my Santa has included a hand-written note to shed some light on this mystery and it turns out this is a game called Bao from a far-away country of Tanzania. My brains really flare up on this as boardgames are my favorite hobby! Seems I have some research to do in order to figure out, how to master this game. A proper brainteaser, just as I like.

Fourth is soft, like linen or something. Under the wrapping it turns out to be a Masai Suka, which immediately doesn't ring any bells. A quick web search gives more info on this traditional Maasai clothing with mysterious history. On yet another hand-written note (I LOVE these) my santa advised me to wash it, before performing any athletics with it but I can't resist quickly trying it out. I think I need to practise wrapping this around me :`D

Fifth gift opened to show a plethora of marhsmellow - type candy. I tried some and they are REALLY delicious. I will have some quality time with these tomorrow.

Sixth gift broadened my smile. Another game and no other than a dice version if my favorite card game, Bang!. I wasn't aware there was a dice version, so this is really a pleasant suprise. I am going to try this out tomorrow with my visiting relatives, should be a blast! (or should I say, a Bang).

Seventh was a small envelope. I was expecting a card or similar but it turns out to be a puzzle themed coasters. Awesome! I have some old ones, which are ready to be sent to retirement, so these come really handy. Already started using them today.

Eight, the last, is like a cherry on top. Some special cacao, which I HAVE to try tomorrow. I hope it's good, the incredients are interesting. I think the picture of brains on it means it helps thought processes? I can hardly wait to try.

I can already picture myself, sitting by my kitchen table, sipping hot cacao from a mug resting on these coasters, trying to figure out Bao. I might even stick a candy cane in the cacao to bring some peppermintiness to it. All in all I am blown away with all these amazing, Well thought out and personal gifts. Truly my Santa, you are the best and in this case the wait was really worth it.