Wow, just wow. I'm not sure that I've ever cried from pure happiness before now. Thank you so much, Santa, this means more to me than you could possibly have imagined.

First, let me start by saying that, for me, gift exchanges are all about the experience of giving. I leave my gift exchange preferences fairly open ended because I don't want my Santa feeling any sort of anxiety or stress over finding the perfect gift.

In a nutshell, I told my Santa that I enjoy crafting (especially soapmaking and paper crafts), that I have many dogs and cats (because children sound like too much responsibility), and I drink wine after yoga. I'm Pacific Northwest born and raised and coffee runs through my veins (along with lots of other hippy-dippy type things).

My Santa TOTALLY DELIVERED! The thoughtfulness and generosity of my Santa is overwhelming. She sent the most awesome Kate Spade bag (newsprint is one of my favorite things...I wrap everything in it...how did you know?!), treats and toys for my pets, and a collar for my cat (she's wearing it, but didn't fall for my cat-trap ruse to get a picture). There's handcrafted, artisan soaps (SO MUCH WOW!), Bath and Body Works loot (smells sooooo good!), the most perfect coffee cup (Happy Days!), book-themed candles (Harry Potter and The Great Gatsby!), and Reese's candy (my fave!). My Santa shipped from the coast of Virginia, and I got the cutest dolphin bracelet made with beach sand! To top it all off - SO MANY CRAFTING SUPPLIES!!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but this means so much more to me than you could ever know. I know this is long already, but please let me explain...

I signed up for Reddit Secret Santa 2016 because I wanted to be able to spread the joy and good fortune I've experienced with someone else. In the past year and a half, I graduated from college (something I thought I would never do) and landed my dream job. I have a disability, and before that I was surviving on my childhood SSDI benefits, so this was a huge personal and financial accomplishment.

Then, on December 12, the company I was working for laid off 8% of the workforce due to "organizational restructuring" and everything came crashing down around me. I was totally blindsided, I thought I was getting a raise and a promotion (from "Associate" to "Specialist") in a few weeks and instead I had to sign up for unemployment and Medicaid. I was completely devastated, and I think I cried for 8 hours straight that day.

While the initial sting has worn off, I've realized that all I did was work and my friendships have suffered because of it. I have been feeling pretty lonely, and still have a lot of emotions I'm trying to work through. I believe in karma, and while I really do believe that my former employer will get their due eventually, in the short-term the whole situation is still pretty raw and has left me feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts, and not really in the holiday spirit. I've found myself wishing the entire holiday season was over because I just feel completely deflated.

My Santa reminded me that the world is filled with kind, generous and caring people. The fact that my Santa took the time to wrap each gift, assemble a package, and put together something so thoughtful means so much to me. This year, my Santa gave me so much more than just a few things, they helped me feel rejuvenated and optimistic. They helped me to remember what this season is all about (faith in humanity restored!).

I feel that my words are inadequate to explain just how much gratitude and appreciation I have, but I hope you understand just how much you did for me. From the bottom of my heart, I want to give you the sincerest thank you that I can. Merry Christmas!