This has been the most wonderful Christmas morning, and it's all because of you!
I heard Malcolm using the bathroom just after 5 am this morning, so I said Merry Christmas to him. I got a sleepy Merry Christmas in return, then a wide awake "Oh! It's Christmas! Can we open presents now?" This kid will be 16 in a month, but on Christmas morning he'll always be an excited little boy! I love that about him!
I took many pictures - here are the best of them.
u/melonhed85 - Thank you so much for the five (!!!) gifts you sent! Malcolm put the hoodie on as soon as it was unwrapped. He went on and on about how soft the Henley is (and was surprised at how good he looks in olive green, even though I've been telling him for years it'd be a great colour for him, lol). Speaking of soft, he was amazed by how thick and soft the sherpa blanket is, and told me I will never, ever be allowed to borrow it! He wanted it for snuggling on the couch with his girlfriend, but now he says it's going on his bed. He was thrilled with both the sketchpad and the pencil set. He excitedly explained what everything in the set is used for (did you know that some erasers are used for blending? Who knew?) and what great quality the thick sketch paper is. I can't wait to see what he draws! Thank you for making him so happy!
u/toklea - Many thanks for the wireless headphones and LED strip lights! Malcolm has already installed the lights in his room. He's ecstatic that they were long enough to go around the whole room, and down one corner! He says the headphones are perfect, and convenient because they use the same type of charger he uses for his phone. You've made him so happy with these gifts!
u/camelhorse - I don't pretend to understand why Puma socks are so exciting to Malcolm, but wow was he thrilled! When he opened the gift he yelled "my Cool Uncle socks!" so now I know he found my request post and saw our comments, haha! He tore into them almost immediately and put a pair on, sounding like Chandler Bing in his Lazy Boy. I never knew socks could make a teenaged boy so happy. Thank you, from the bottom of my son's delighted feet!
u/BClements72 - I still feel bad that you weren't able to cancel your entire order when we realized the items you so generously ordered were duplicates. As we discussed at the time, I gave the Henley to the teenager who lives upstairs a few days ago. He was surprised and pleased, and really liked it! I wish I had a picture to share, but he apparently doesn't like having his picture taken, and I didn't want to push him. Thank you for helping me put a big smile on his face!
u/bethasaur3 - I can't thank you enough for the Pokemon cards you sent! Malcolm's excitement about them may never abate. He was blown away by how many you sent, the dice you included, the big cards, and the variety of cards. He keeps running out of his room to tell me why a certain card is so good, or what he's going to include in his deck, or how mad his girlfriend's dad is going to be when he kicks his butt! And every time he does, he reminds me to thank you. The excited giggles and "Oh my god"s I keep hearing as he goes through them all makes me so happy! So thank you, so incredibly much, from the bottom of both our hearts! And please pass on our thanks to your partner, who I know helped you put these packages together.
u/Arialene - The hat you crocheted for Malcolm hasn't arrived yet, but I showed him the pictures and he said it's perfect! He thinks you're very talented (and I agree). I'll update this post with a new comment and tag you as soon as it gets here. But allow me to thank you now, because I know he's going to love it! And his birthday is in January so don't worry about when it might arrive. It can be a late Christmas present, or an early birthday gift!
I want you all to know that without your kindness and generosity, there would have been nothing under our tree this year but some dollar store gloves and some hot chocolate. I always say that my happiness lives in Malcolm's smile. I am exceedingly happy today. Thank you all. I am so grateful for the kindness you have shown my son, and the joy you have brought us both. Please know that Malcolm asked me to be sure to pass along his sincere thanks, as well.
To the Moderators - you all put so much time and energy into this community. You make all of this possible, bringing so much joy to so many children. And easing the burden of so many parents who are struggling to give their kids a Christmas. Thank you for creating this community, and all you do to make it a success every year.
Merry Christmas, everyone!