#secretgift

[isloveworthdyingfor]

Secret Santa

(Major Gabriel Steele) The scent of sizzling latkes filled our cozy condo, mingling with the warmth of frying oil and the tangy aroma of grated onions, a bitter reminder of the festivities that would not come to be. In the corner of the living room, Lilith carefully arranged the menorah on the mantelpiece, its polished brass glinting in the firelight. Its eight arms stood solemn and resolute, casting long shadows that seemed to reach out toward the empty space where a Christmas tree should have been.

I hovered by the doorway, a silent specter in my home, watching as she lit the first candle with a grace that could almost make me forget the abyss between us. The soft glow illuminated her face, etched with determination, refusing to acknowledge my presence or the weight of tradition I yearned to share with our son.

Sammy's fingers danced across the carpet, a flurry of motion as he orchestrated an epic showdown between his favorite Autobot and its Decepticon rival. The low thrum of his voice filled the air with sound effects and exclamations, a one-boy show that held my gaze captive.

"Take that, Megatron!" he cried out, hurling the plastic hero with a flick of his wrist. He was the spitting image of me at his age, absorbed in a world where the only limits were imagination and the length of the living room.

"Optimus Prime saves the day again!" His triumphant cheer was underscored by a pure laugh that cut through the tension clinging to my shoulders. For a moment, the reality of our fractured holiday season faded into the background, replaced by the sight of my son finding joy amidst the chaos.

His brown eyes sparkled with life, reflecting the same stubborn spark I saw in the mirror each morning. The innocence there, untainted by the complexities of adult grievances, brought an involuntary smile to my face. In his laughter, I found a momentary reprieve, a sanctuary from the turmoil that had taken root in our home.

But as the echoes of his victory cry settled, the pang of a Christmas held hostage by circumstance returned. No stockings hung by the fireplace, no scent of gingerbread teasing the air—just the metallic sheen of a menorah and the heavy silence between Lilith and me.

Sammy's joy was bittersweet, reminding me of all he was missing. This year, deception was my reluctant ally. As the night drew closer, I anticipated the covert operation ahead. The presents, carefully wrapped and hidden away, awaited their silent descent down the stairs.

The thought of Sammy's elation upon discovering them beneath the non-existent tree spurred me. Each gift was more than just a toy or a book; it symbolized defiance against the void Lilith's edict had created. Perhaps in those vibrant packages lay the power to rekindle a flame she seemed so intent on snuffing out.

As silence enveloped the house, broken only by Lilith's distant murmurs that drifted from Sammy's room, I sensed the moment had arrived. With each passing second, my anticipation grew, listening intently for the telltale sign of his door clicking shut. It was my cue to act swiftly and quietly. Moving with stealth, I navigated towards the concealed nook, my pulse quickening not solely due to the peril of being caught but fueled by a flicker of hope that perhaps this clandestine endeavor could inject a glimmer of festive joy into our somber abode.

In the quiet of the living room, I ease the closet door open, inch by careful inch, to avoid a telltale creak. My hands find the stash of brightly wrapped gifts hidden behind winter coats and old scarves. The worry gnaws at my insides, a relentless mouse trying to escape a trap. What if she finds out? The thought is a pulse of fear that quickens my heartbeat. And what if this ruins the fragile peace between us? The possibility hangs over me, oppressive as the suffocating silence in our home.

I pause, a box half-emerged from its hiding place, and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. With each present, I transfer to the shadows at the foot of the stairs, and the tension coils tighter within me. I glance toward the hallway, half-expecting Lilith to appear, her gaze sharp with accusation. But there's only darkness and the gentle sound of Sammy's breathing drifting down from his bedroom.

The house settles around me, the night deepening outside, and I'm left with my thoughts. While Lilith immerses herself in Hebrew texts during this winter break, my mind drifts to Nic. Her laughter haunts the empty gym like an echo that refuses to die, bouncing off walls stripped of festive joy. I can almost hear it now, a ghostly sound that brings a guilty thrill, equal parts excitement and terror.

Her touch lingers on my skin, a memory so vivid it might have been yesterday. Our eyes had met across the mats, a silent conversation in a look. The way these memories rush back is intoxicating, unbidden, yet undeniable.

I straighten up, the last gift nestled among its kin, a small army of colorful defiance ready for their march into the open. In the stillness, I allow myself a moment to imagine Sammy's joy come morning, clinging to the hope that this could mend more than just a child's heart. With one final, lingering look, I retreat to the shadows, a figure torn between past desires and present duties, every step a measure of the man I want to be for my son.

[eparmoryblog-blog]

It's day 14 for the advent calendar event and we are selling our 5.56 16in Stryker kit for $499.99

Here is the upcoming code for the item- STRYKER BUILD KIT-15

#eparmory #christmas #santa #secretgift #presents #giftfordad #giftforson #giftformom #giftfordaughter #adventcalendar #ar15 #upper #tactical #upgrades

[essen-psd]

afternoon tea update… ohhhh darlings this was mad lush cheers again!!! n in typical dOM n minXy fashion gotta has a gin n tonic w/ it [; forgot how refreshing frozen strawberries in GnT’s are!!! . . . #afternoontea #secretgift #surprise #surprisegift #lovelymates #suchlove #happysaturday #pigletspantry #scones #clottedcream #strawberryjam #strawberrywithchampagne #cakes #carrotcake #scotcheggs #fetaandmint #sausagerolls #quiche #tea #ginandtonic #ohmy #ohmygiddyaunt #happydays https://www.instagram.com/p/CfywR5GsvRq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[dogsofwarpainting]

Working on a Christmas 🎁 for my close friend Pedro. He doesnt have instagram so its safe here. if you are a mutual friend you didnt see this. Waiting on a 3rd party torso and left arm. #greyknights #warhammer40k #christmas #secret #secretgift #painting #dontsayaword #youdidntseethis https://www.instagram.com/dogsofwarminiaturepainting/p/CXjjECeOUgl/?utm_medium=tumblr

[missmoonshinesmakes]

It's been an age since I last posted, but here's a secret gift I made for a good friend (that has now been received) 💜 His favourite character from his favourite anime ~ Luffy 💜 This was a challenge for me as I have never seen One Piece before and drawing hands is a real weakness of mine... Let me know what subjects you would like to see me draw! I love getting to challenge my skills 💜 #artist #artistsofinstagram #traditionalart #copics #cardart #anime #onepiece #luffy #monkeydluffy #fanart #testofskills #secretgift #awensart https://www.instagram.com/p/CE9w14yje9U/?igshid=1tufwrakoq6he

[wittalworld]

I have a mystery-someone very sweet and generous dropped this off on my doorstep today. Thank you! #mystery #covidphotodiaries #veggies #secretgift https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMUqLNpOTU/?igshid=1erbawh0nqp2d

[whirled-peas]

I love when the recipient of a secret gift doesn't have Instagram 😅 I started this project on boxing day and haven't put it down since. Well, actually, thanks to my fancy new stand I haven't had to hold it much at all! Once completed this will be my biggest project. #crossstitch #carousel #handmade #secretgift #itsformymom #dayoff

[seashellanna]

Hope my daughter likes her surprise handmade kawaii cloud. Shh don’t tell her. #handmadebyme #needlefelting #cloud #kawaii #kawaiicloud #tinycloud #morigirl #crafting #craft #secret #secretgift #seashellanna https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs4-epkHHV0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a6dcvf41kt9g

[blogchirayu]

SECRET GIFT: "I love you and will you marry me".. #secretgift #secretsanta #lovequote #lovequotes #quoteoftheday  #wordswithkings #lovequotesforher #lifethoughts  #honestlyworded #spilledink #wordsmith  #bymepoetry #wordgasm #bymepoetryasia  #typewriterpoetry #livebywords  #untwineme #poetsociety  #prose  #chirayuwriter  #globalwordsmiths   #writerscommunity #wordsofwisdom #quotesaboutlove #lovebug#drunkpoetsociety  #poetryislove  #ilovewriting #bewithyou #2amthoughts#midnightthoughts https://www.instagram.com/p/BrnbISLhQZj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8sq29hyy54ur

[astitchintimedesigns]

Doing what I do at the laundromat. #astitchintimedesigns #babygift #secretgift #wip #crocheting # crochet love #amigurumitoys #amigurumi

[vape-world]

Let us levitate you with the Firefly 2 and 2 secret gifts! Visit: http://va.pe/2nFvsHw and get elevated!  

[essen-psd]

oh my giddy aunt !!!!! what an abs epic n scrumptious gift 2 get n afternoon tea is totally an über brilliant British gift [; biggest hugz @alixsquish n @chimericgarnish gawd I wish we lived closer wana give u real proper hugz done love u guys xxxox . . . #secretgift #surprise #surprisegift #lovelymates #suchlove #happysaturday #pigletspantry #afternoontea #scones #cakes #scotcheggs #sausagerolls #quiche #ohmy #ohmygiddyaunt #happydays #tastyfood https://www.instagram.com/p/CfycJ5vL3Dn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greenkids-blog1]

Found this little surprise on my window sill at the store! Not sure who it’s from..... but THANK YOU! 💚☺️ . . . #itsthelittlethingsthatmatter #itsthelittlethingsthatcount #itsthelittlethingsinlife #secretadmirers #greenkidsshop #itsthesmallthings #itsthesmallthingsinlife #itsthesmallthingsthatcount #milfordmi #womensupportingwomen #womensupportingeachother #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesslife #smallbusinesslove #smallbusiness #secretgift #meetmeinmilford #milfordmichigan #littlesurprise https://www.instagram.com/p/B7qsOlZFrf7/?igshid=39icrycnk61l

[arrowheadfibers]

My son requested his Christmas socks (let's be honest..... his first pair of knit socks) to be made or of my Campfire colorway. I told him no because I needed to have the yarn in my shop. How long do you think I will be able to keep them secret? . . . . . . . #handdyedyarn #handmadeholidays #campfire #poppy #addictedtoknitting #addictedtosockknitting #knittingaddict #operationsockdrawer #yarnspiration #secretgift #yarnporn #knitallthesocks #knistagram #knittersofinstagram #knittersoftheworld #indiedyer #luxuryyarn #sockyarn #knitsocks #arrowheadfibers https://www.instagram.com/p/BqaAtzglIXc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b7o40jgaoj0f

[tanyapeacock]

Thank you to the beautiful soul who started out the most wonderful and my favorite season with this lovely creation by @smwollmandesigns. It means more to me than you know. #pumpkin #fall #autumn #secretgift #surprise #pumpkin #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #needlepoint https://www.instagram.com/p/BncLtMWntVx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tx0ek6tbxey1

[denisehlabel]

#beautiful #handmade #gifts 🎁 were exchanged today at #wainuiomatawomen at our #midwinterchristmas #luncheon @ #valleychurch #wainuiomata #newzealand🇳🇿 #upcycled #recycled #zerowaste #frugalliving - Everyone was encouraged to spend $0 on their #secretgift