To whomever you are (I know your real name, but not your reddit name), THANK YOU SO MUCH!

When I saw the triangular shape of the box, I thought there was a chance a ukulele lurked within, and I was delighted to discover a handsome soprano uke (I do not already have a soprano!) inside. But my delight went right up to 11 when I saw the back! It features a simply beautiful hand-drawn line rendering of a photograph of me with my daughter riding on my shoulder.

I think my santa must have stalked me to my Google profile, where the photograph the drawing is based on appears. I uploaded a copy here so you can see what a truly beautiful job my santa did interpreting the photo into a uke decoration. Such lovely work, and fine stalking!

I have not yet recorded a video of me playing a song on the ukulele, because despite the fact that the box was clearly marked "FRAGILE," our friends at the USPS did not handle with care. The uke is currently damaged. Happily, it will be very easy to repair! (The neck separated cleanly from the body; it's a question of glue, clamps, and nothing more.)

So my daughter is excited, because (she says) we now have a ukulele that will fit her. I'm overjoyed to have this beautiful, customized addition, and I simply can't wait to play it. I never expected anything like this; it's exactly the sort of thing one dreams of getting in a gift exchange like this . . . a truly welcome, wonderful surprise.

Thank you SO MUCH!