This morning I got a big box in the post, all the way from America - it's that time of the year!

My awesome Secret Santa gave me some incredibly thoughtful stuff this year, I can't believe my luck. In the box was:

Some delicious coffee beans from Verve coffee in California. I just got a new grinder yesterday, so the timing couldn't be better. I'm drinking it as I type; a marvellous holiday blend. Santa said they weren't much of a coffee person, but I must say the choice was impeccable (and getting beans instead of pre-ground means it'll last much longer).

Some cakes from Santa's home state, in New Jersey. There's nothing I like more than tasting stuff from the world over, and nothing says America like chocolate covered peanut butter cakes from Bruce Springsteen land! They were on my plate two minutes ago but those things are like crack and I already ate them. I'm going to try to save some for when my girlfriend gets in, but I'll need to lock them away somewhere in case I 'forget' to leave some.

A light-up Newton's cradle, which I'm obsessively staring at. It's taken me three hours to type this; I'm transfixed. Came with a pack of batteries!

A linux mug! I couldn't help but smirk when I saw this - again, it's currently in use to hold the above-mentioned coffee. It's actually a really cool design - understated yet pretty. The kind of mug I'm actually going to use.

A book off of my wish list! About art made from books! No one got me anything off the list this year, so I'm really chuffed about this. I do all of my reading on an ereader, but when it comes to picture-heavy stuff there's nothing like a lovely hard-bound tome to pick up and browse through.

All of this came wrapped up in Christmas wrapping paper, and a lovely letter was included. It's exciting to hear from someone on the other side of the world.

To Santa,

Thank you so much, this is brilliant. You are a great person, and I sincerely wish you all the best for the New Year. The world is a better place with you in it.

Good luck with your studies,

benoliver999