I've been sitting at the computer trying to figure out what the hell to say about this experience. This is my 5th? year participating and I'm pretty much dumbfounded. My Santa started off messaging me in poem form asking me to pick from two choices: A thoughtful "safe" gift, or a mysterious gift for two. I picked the mysterious gift (in rhyme form) and waited from there. When I got to my apartment, I found a box that came up to my knee. I needed some assistance getting the box inside. Once I opened it, there was a locked safe. I read the poem (attached) and I basically lost it. I was pretty much a 10 yr old in a 24 yr old body pacing all around my apartment calling my parents to share the news. I got to go on a "scavenger hunt" to various locations to pick up a piece of the code to open the safe. I also got a gift at each location. Yes, EACH location. A few places I'm basically a regular at so everyone was genuinely excited for me. (Keep in mind, my s/o was with me and we will be sharing the gifts at Santa's request and we have pretty similar tastes as well, I'm just using the pronoun "I" because its easier). Doc's comic shop is a place where I play cards, and I got a gift card. I will be using this gift card for a new magic set that will be coming out soon. Next, I went to a record store. I received a Modest Mouse record which I don't own. Then I went to a flower and decor shop. I got a gift card there as well. I will be going back to splurge on decorations for my place. Then I went to a candy shop and received all sorts of sweets which my s/o immediately dug into. Then a short walk away was a restaurant. I got there and found out that my Santa had dinner for my s/o and I free of charge. It was at this point where I started to cry and my s/o asked me to at least hold his hand so people didn't think that he was making me cry. I made the waiter slightly uncomfortable but after I choked out that they were happy tears, he was happy for me as well. I tried to at least pay for half of the meal but the waiter wouldn't let me. I messaged my Santa hoping he would let me venmo him to which he replied "Santa doesn't know what venmo is." That made my s/o laugh. I'm an idiot for not taking pictures of the food I got, but I was so excited i completely forgot to, I'm sorry. After all of this I still had to go home and open the safe. For some reason I couldn't open the safe. I knew I had the numbers right and I was a little embarrassed to message Santa again. Turns out the restaurant also had a piece of the code. I did ask the server but he said he didn't have a number to give. Of course, Santa swooped in and gave me the last digit to open the safe. (I should also mention that I literally got a functional and great safe as well which is super awesome in itself). Once I opened it, there were trinkets thoughtfully picked out based on the things I like that I put in my write up when all of this started. I still don't feel like I deserve this. I may or may not have teared up writing this as well. Judge me haha. I literally don't know how to express my gratitude. I genuinely don't remember a time where I have felt like this. The feeling of looking forward to something was lost on me for a bit, and Santa helped me find it. Truly, humbly, and with the utmost gratitude I can offer, THANK YOU.