What Did You Get from Santa This Year?
As someone who comes from a household not well-off, I find pleasure in practical and affordable gifts. This Christmas, the biggest ‘gift’ I got wasn't a toy or a book, but a shiny new toaster that promised to make my mornings more delightful with toasty bread.
Wrapping Up a Year of Unusual Gifts and Practical Necessities
My birthday falls near Christmas, so I received a considerable amount of presents. Among them was a charming pink waterfall phone case, a cozy white wool jacket, six different sets of gold earrings, a black graphic tee, a set of clothing from Bershka, and another from Pull Bear. Other items included two notebooks, a variety of stationery like pencils, pens, erasers, and even some whiteout tape. A box of French cards and a gigantic number of candy packs, making sure my sugar levels stayed high throughout the holiday season.
Along with the gifts, I had a normal and fulfilling holiday with my family. Thankfully, no one contracted COVID-19, allowing us to enjoy a hearty meal prepared by all family members. The few hours spent with my nieces and their families were filled with sharing news, exchanging photos, and catching up on each other's lives. It was especially heartwarming to see my sister, who had just gone through a year-long battle with cancer, recuperate and regain her health. The joy of witnessing the three great nieces and nephews opening their gifts while the adults remained gifting-free was truly one of the highlights of the holiday.
Leaping into 2022 with Indulgent Treats and Timely Gifts
To kick off the new year, I received some delightful treats, including Linds Lindor chocolates, Reese's mini cups, and a $50 Dunkin' Donut gift card. My family and I laughed our way through various moments together, and the fun didn't end with just the gifts and family gatherings.
One thing that stands out is the calendar sent to me by my parents, adorned with pictures of vintage guitars. It's a calendar I can thoroughly admire and spend some quality time drooling over the guitars. And then there are two real days off, not being on call, and no longer on the "year-end" team. These two days-off are the best present ever, as I can use them to recharge and enjoy some much-needed personal time.
Needed Items and Unexpected Surprises
In addition to these gifts, I received practical necessities like jeans, western-style shirts, warm leather gloves, underwear, panties, and some new control-top panty hose—everything I needed and more than I could have expected. The perfect touch was a set of Maisy plushies, a Hank Zipzer book, a Madison Finn book, and several shirts—along with a Blue's Clues figurine bead. Sadly, I didn't receive a cure for my blocked ears or Specially Selected Crackers, but the rest was a lovely surprise indeed.
As we look ahead, I hope everyone has a holiday season like mine—a normal, fulfilling, and heartwarming one.