I received from my Santa an awesome build-your-own model Trebuchet kit! The kit contains around 60 individual pieces including all of the pre-cut wooden parts, string, glue, screws, sling, etc.

I built it over 2 evenings as I wanted to take my time and make sure the glue was fully dry in certain areas. Now that it's finished, I used pennies to fill the counterweight basket, cranked the mechanism, locked it in place, loaded a coin into the sling pouch, pulled the release string and let fire! I'm pretty sure I chipped some furniture with the projectile, so safe to say this is a solid piece of 12th century siege weaponry :D

Secret Santa - you hit the nail on the head with this one, great gift!

ETA: Just got back from a trip to Germany to be greeted with another parcel! This time a bunch of Swedish candy and Christmas card from my Santa, awesome! Many thanks!!