This is one of the most thoughtful and touching gifts I've ever received or experienced.

I made an offhand comment explaining one of my likes that mentioned that I struggle with anxiety and sometimes need motivation to get me out of the apartment. That's all. I didn't go into detail about how much it effects me and makes simple things a great challenge. I didn't mention that the scariest and most troubling moments of my life are from my anxiety. Nor did I say that some days I just can't face the demons. Even when my mind is urging me to push myself and go outside I just can't.

If you've never had anxiety, I'll try to explain. Imagine there's a door. This door can lead to the outside. This door can lead to a bathroom. Where this door leads to doesn't matter because once you step through it you're going to die. You know this isn't the case because, hey, it's just a stupid door, but the closer you get to it the harder your heart pounds and every fiber of your being is screaming out in terror.

It's not always that dramatic. Sometimes the door is just a door. Sometimes the door is just mildly uncomfortable or unpleasant. But on bad days, the door leads straight to Hell. On good days the door is full of sunshine and optimism. There are way more good days than bad, but when it's a bad day.. whew. It's hard.

Knowing none of that, and only that I have anxiety, my Secret Santa took that little comment to heart and made me a Jar of Encouragement!

It's a mason jar (with a cute little twine bow) filled with dozens of hand-written notes of encouragement. The first one I pulled out reads 'Don't try to be the best IN the world. Try to be the best FOR the world!'. It really touches my heart to read them. There's so much levity in these little notes and the fact that they are hand-written makes them feel so full of love and good will.

I also got some chamomile tea to go along with that! I mentioned in my likes that I really enjoyed drinking tea. There's something about the ritual of making tea that is really comforting - I must have more English blood than I know. I'm brewing up a cup of chamomile right now and since it's such a hot day I'm going to try it over ice with some lemon. :)

Speaking of English blood - I got a book 'Wolf Hall'. I'm not familiar with it, but I've heard about the series (that I also haven't watched yet!). I LOVE the Tudor era and all of the craziness involved with the politics of this time, so I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it! I peeked at the first chapter and it looks like it starts with Walter Cromwell, who I know nothing about. Always a great sign. :D

The other two items I got are so much fun and just looking at them makes me happy. One is a big flowery hairband. Oh man. It's a definite look. I laughed when I first put it on AND THEN I WAS AMAZED! Hairbands NEVER stay on my head, and this one did! It seemed a little silly to me at first, but its so friggin cute on. Definitely going to wear more than just at home playing video games. :)

Speaking of cute -BAM- Nyx lipstick MLS 05. I'm so glad you picked this out for me because I never would have done it for myself. I'm usually more of a wall flower kind of gal, but this is bright and happy. It's cheer and flirtiness in a color - perfect for summer. It's much brighter than it is in the picture - vivid and melony, I love it. It's especially cute with the headband.

I also received a hand written note (awesome hand writing) that explains each gift in detail. It also uses 'we' a lot and I just realized I was being singular. Thank you so much SantaS! I didnt, and really couldn't have, expected this. Everything was so touching and done with care, I really feel special. You made my month. :)