I think I need to do Secret Santa all year round, because I always seem to get my gift after having a particularly stressful day at work, and it always makes me feel better!

My mom was home when my gift arrived, and she texted me a picture of the box while I was at work. I didn't realize how big it was (she didn't use a banana for scale), and I was so surprised when I came home. That was exciting enough--then I started opening (read: destroying) the box, and reading the card.

Santa, we could TOTALLY be buddies IRL. You get me.

My Santa did some serious (non-creepy) Facebook stalking. She used her snooping (and crafting!) skills to make me a really adorable ornament of my dog! Honestly, that was the first thing I went and opened because I was so excited. It is PERFECT!

My Santa is obviously a fellow craft enthusiast, and supplied me with all things wonderful so that I can keep on crafting non-stop for the next year (lol who are we kidding i'm totally going to use it all right now omg). This was especially thoughtful because not only did she pick supplies for me to use personally, but also items that she thought I could use for my job as a children's librarian--I do tons of craft programs with my kids, and I often have to buy the supplies myself (and hopefully get reimbursed later). I am so excited to bring these supplies with me to work--especially the feathers, pom-poms, and glitter glue! They will be a HUGE hit! :) My favorite supplies, though, are definitely the cardstock & scrapbook papers. I have been making jewelry for gifts lately, and I rely on patterned paper for my pendants. My Santa supplied me with so much beautiful paper! I can't wait to start making new stuff with them.

I also received a very sweet treat at the bottom of the massive box--tons and tons of candy! This included some of my favorite fruity candies: Laffy Taffy and Nerds. I worked on Halloween, so I feel like I got to have a do-over. :)

In my card, my Santa also included a list of some of her favorite books and series, for me to read and/or recommend to my library kids. It made me smile to see that they mentioned Clive Barker (twice!), because one of my very best friends LOVES him and is always gushing about his work. I was also really glad to see Tamora Pierce on the list, because I have been meaning to read her for ages, but she has such a prolific body of work, I never know where to start. I really appreciated the fact that my Santa included a starting point for me. All of these suggestions are wonderful!

There is one more notable thing about my gift... My Santa included an extra (evil) item in the box. I was still reading the card, but the box was ripped open on the table. My brother was watching the unboxing process. I took a break to read the card, and while I was finishing it, he said, "Is that... celery?"

... and I laughed so hard I almost cried.

I included in my profile, after some random things about myself, and my actual interests, that I pretty much only disliked two specific things in the world:

I really only hate two things: sequins and celery. I don't think you'll send me celery, but I don't know you.

Thank you SO much, Santa, for this amazing gift. You truly made my holiday season (already!!!). I am still in awe of your thoughtfulness and generosity.