I got new drawing supplies! Now I desperately want time to sit down and practice sketching. A lovely new pad (there's nothing quite like a pristine pad of paper, is there?) and some colored pencils from a friend tempted me on Christmas day and have been calling to me softly ever since.

(If you don't know me, please be aware that I cannot draw. I just like trying to.)

(Also? New hobby, new shopping. The year I took up drawing, I spend endless hours and not a little money buying myself dozens of incredibly necessary and exciting gadgets, most of which I've no idea how to use.)

Should I feel like practicing "on the go", I can, thanks to the R.C., who gave me a purse-sized sketch pad and some colored markers.

Books! I got books! I got gift certificates to buy more books!

My mother and the R.C. gave me a gift certificate specifically earmarked to buy the new Doctor Who when it's out in January. I got Yes, Prime Minister, a Britcom series that I've been coveting.

Food! Little cheeses and crackers and bad-for-you-but-so-delicious processed meats! English chocolates! US chocolates! Lots of chocolates! A Whole Foods gift certificate! Coffee cards! (Two!)

I got warm gloves! Two pair, to replace the three pair I already own but haven't been able to find for the last six moths. I got fuzzy red socks! And a new pedicure kit, so I can make my toes lovely before I put the new socks on them!

I got things to look at, things to play with, and things to shop for. I got things to make me look good, to make me smell good, and to make me feel good. I got things to write on, things to draw on, and things to put on.

I made out like a bandit. It's very exciting. I love an occasion when my nearest and dearest feel obligated to buy me presents.

I hope your holiday joy was equally bountiful!