flea, I hate to go all momma on another momma, but there is no crying on Christmas morning.

What a great gift.

Oh, msbelle I'm so glad you liked it! I was putting it together the night you were having so much trouble and I hoped it would cheer you up.

I'm glad the monkeys made it into the package. I had a panic when I couldn't account for them!

Seska, it got here days ago! I'm so sorry I didn't post that it had arrived!

I, too, got my prezzies in time for Christmas, but didn't get a chance to post earlier.

I would say that my prezzies are supercool, but that just doesn't seem appropriate, as they were sent from HAWAII, which is very warm indeed. The most wonderful meara sent three kinds of Hawaiian salt: Hawaiian Blend, Herb Blend, and 100% Alaea. I have no idea what any of these are, although I presume salty, but I look forward to figuring it out. I have a sneaking suspicion that they will make my lentil stew even yummier.

In addition to salt, the season of life, meara sent chocolate covered caramel and macadamia nuts, which, um, CHOCOLATE and CARAMEL and MACADAMIA NUTS. YUM!

There was also an ornament with a ukelele-playing Santa, which will make me feel warm for years to come, and a calendar of Hawaiian men, which will make me feel warm indeed this year, and which will NOT be put up at work. Mayhap in my bedroom.

All of these things are very special not only because they're neato gifts, but being from Hawaii, they will help me feel just a smidgen closer for the incomparable PixKristin and ND's impending wedding. In addition, since I seem to be the only Alaskan who has never been to Hawaii, they seem to be one more sign that I should get off my keester and get over there already.

THANK YOU meara!!!!

Also, my sincere apologies to my seekrit santee, but the gift should be mailed today. Things seem to take forever and a day from Alaska, but it's nearly on its way!

Reading this thread is so happy-making. And I can attest that quester and meara both are indeed awesome Secret Santas.

It's so much fun to do! I try to do the same thing for the meat-space people in my life as well.

Seska, it got here days ago! I'm so sorry I didn't post that it had arrived!

Oh, don't worry at all! I was just concerned because our postal system has been in a mess recently (lots of strikes) so I wasn't sure it would get there in time. I hope the other part of the present gets there soon. And I'm so glad you like it :) I had masses of fun choosing things. The Buffistas Secret Santa thing: so much fun.

Oh yay, I'm glad it got there!! I wasn't sure if Alaska might be a special challenge for the postal service. :)

I returned to my home this evening to find a delightful little box waiting for me... It held Divine chocolates, both the name and an apt description, for I am eating some right now and it is FG; adorable little owl playing cards, which I shall have to frame; rooibos tea, which I will try tomorrow at work; and the piece de resistance, a beautiful silver necklace with a pearl and moonstone pendant, which adorns my neck right now. And it was all Fair Trade/organic/etc.

I should have guessed from the envelope who it was, but I was in the dark right until I flipped over the enclosed notecard with PINK crest to find out that my Secret Santa is the one, the only, the amazing msbelle.

Thank you so much, msbelle, and I am even more touched and in awe knowing the rough time you've had lately. Do not let your gifting prowess be cast in doubt: I will attest any time.

Oh yay. Glad you like it. It was fun putting together.