1st Gift of Christmas

In the book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, the first gift of Christmas was a silver bell from Santa's reindeer harness. For me, the first gift of Christmas arrived yesterday in a gigantic box. It was from my Secret Santa, organized by Georgie from Decisionally Challenged and Amybo @ Life of a Nguyener (Win-ner). Following the rules of the swap, I don't know who my Secret Santa is yet, but I know she's somewhere near Midland, TX.

When I opened the gigantic box, it was full of pink Styrofoam peanuts and two huge gift bags.

Inside the bags were all sorts of nifty looking packages. I loved having so many different things to open and discover what was inside. And, being my mother's daughter, I loved getting so many containers and gift bags that I can reuse. hehehehe

I couldn't believe the abundance of great things when I started unwrapping! A scrapbooking kit, set of 4 Santa ornaments that open like marushka dolls, Christmas socks, bath and body products, wow! See that thing that looks like a giant pea? It opens up to a large tote made of a slippery sport-sac fabric; very cool to keep in my purse. And that weird-looking blue guy? He's a magnet that you can put into different positions. He'll be a great conversation piece in my kitchen along with the magnet words based on the movie Funny People! The striped chenille socks are extra-great because besides being super comfy, they have rubber pads on the bottom so you don't slip. Since I am home all day every day in my socks, they are perfecto for me! And finally, I know you can't believe I didn't mention it first, did you see the two boxes of Shiny Brights! (squeal!)  You know what a freak I am for the vintage ornaments, and these are in the original boxes. One even has the original price, 59 cents.
My Secret Santa was generous way beyond the limits that were by Georgie and Amybo. I can't wait to find out who it is and thank her properly!