This is my first year doing this exchange, and it’s absolutely addictive! I love the positive spirit of all the posts. It just seems like a group of people I’d love to meet!

Well, that definitely carries over to my amazing Secret Santa and his family! In my profile, I put that I was very lucky, and really didn’t have any major wants or needs, but would love to learn more about my Santa. Being from Illinois, I was hoping I’d get someone from another state. And I did!

Check out what my Santa and his family sent to give me a peek into their California life:

Two cool Specialized water bottles, one with a California bear. My SS had no way of knowing that the only bike I’ve bought as an adult is a Specialized. Years ago, I asked my nephew what he recommended, and he was very fond of this company and trusted the product. He thought I’d be safe, and would get a quality bike that would last me a lifetime. My Secret Santa had no way of knowing how much I’m missing my nephew, as it was just six years late November since he passed away. I can’t tell you how much these two water bottles mean to me; I kind of felt like it was a nice nod from the universe that it’s all ok, and we’re all connected.

One of the coolest things was a piece of benitoite in a lucite display box. It’s the state gem of California, and has a very interesting history. There was also a bar of locally made goat milk soap, some amazing local walnuts that also have a family connection (and will soon be in some SUPER amazing brownies and a salad with green apples and gouda!), a beautiful postcard, a bag of Marich chocolates, and some Mansmiths rub. How lucky am I?

My favorite thing of all was the beautifully written three page letter from Santa and his family. I felt like we were sitting around the table together, chatting away and getting to know each other. I found myself actually TALKING BACK to the letter, that’s how much of his personality and kindness came through!

I said I was a lucky girl, and that’s even more true now. And somehow, my SS knew EXACTLY what I wanted and needed this holiday season. Thank you, thank you, thank you!