As a kid, first grade, we lived on the second floor of a three decker house in Waterbury, Ct.

Like all good first graders, I was doubting the exhistance of the man in red, but played along and went to bed. Just like in the story, there were bells outside the window that woke me up, and climbing the fire escape was Santa wth a giant bag full of toys. I totally freaked out, because there he was.

At the time I didn't have a clue that he was goint to a Christmas party on the third floor, but to this day, I still remember some 45 or so years later, that bit of magic in believing.

That's why I don't try to figure out who my most wonderful SS's are, because part of me still believes in the magic. It's also why Sunday I dropped off a boat load of toys to several agencies and charities, so others can believe for a bit longer.

Saying all that, I need to thank my most wonderful santas for their gifts, the last two of whch arrived by the elf's in brown today.

Everything is perfect. There has to be a Santa, because virtually nobody else knows of my love of ulu knives, or that the two we have were at the replacing stages.

Or that I love the idea of beng able to carry a couple bottles of wine in a nice carrier. It's cool, they can all be stocked and ready to go on a moments notice

And while the gift basket wine will make it home, the rest of the stuff has a very happy home in the corner of my desk where it will get me through many early mornings or late evenings. In other words, not bringing it home to share.

The wife is of course very familiar with this group and knows how important FlyerTalk is to me, but at the same time she loved getting the stuff too. Still not sharing.

So Santas, thanks so much. I'm not a huge fan of this time of year, and you have really helped.