My mail today had cards from Debet and Erika, and a Hello Kitty flannel pillowcase from the Secret Solstice Santa (who is also the pillowcaser, apparently?). Thanks, my friends! That made my day, and it's not even 11 a.m. yet.

Pillowcaser, seriously, when the summer pillowcase is on the bed -- I use 2 pillows -- it's always the top pillow because it makes me smile every time I walk in the bedroom. That pillowcase -- and now the new one -- may be one of the things that got me through 2016.

Also, hippocampus, I don't think I posted that I got your wee package last week -- thank you! Tim was confused and I told him if he read more, he'd understand why littlemouths are THE BEST.

I just opened my security solstice Santa presents.

Two amazing ly beautiful beaded necklaces with dragonfly pendants. One silver beads with blue and red accents and the other purple beads with blue accents.

2016 continues to be the year of horror and suck, but I am trying really hard to focus on good things. I am grateful for the good that happened in friends lives. I am also grateful for my son's relationship which began last summer. I feel like I have gained a daughter and it is really a beautiful feeling to see my child happy and in love. He gave her a lovely ring for Christmas, and her parents gave them a sweet "First Christmas Together 2016" Wedgwood ornament. All parties on both sides are happy these two found each other. So that happened.

eta: She also cracked me up this morning telling me they couldn't get married until he finished his degree because she makes too much and would trash his financial aid status. Heh.

I got the most adorable Christmas card ever from sj. Ltc is just akdlfj;akfds;lfaj. I get a big grin on my face every time I look at it.

I also got a nifty placeholder gift from my secret santa, a Buffista.org refrigerator magnet. Thank you!

Aw, Laura, I'm so happy for all of you!

I got a card from sj, too--what a gorgeous little girl. Happy Christmas indeed!

crossposted--Laura, that's all just wonderful to hear. So happy for them, and for you!

I got a Happy New Apartment card from msbelle! Thank you! I didn't know they made New Apartment cards.

Dear Secret Santee, the package will be mailed soon. I ordered something today that I hope I get this week and then I'll be ready to send. Hang in there. I hope it will be a New Year's gift.

I came home to an unexpected book on roses. Was this my secret Santa? It's lovely, but I didn't see any indication of where/who it's from. Thank you, if it's from you! It's huge, and has tons of info on one of my favorite plants.

Got back in town last night, checked mail this morning, and there's a lovely "Calm Coloring Book" waiting for me from a Buffista elf. Thank you! The calming part is especially appreciated.