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Christmas is a snowball’s throw away and we’re knee-deep in watching comfy reruns of the Harry Potter movies. Because it’s been a tough year, we want to get you Pandas into the holiday mood. The team here at Bored Panda thinks that the best way to do this is to show off some of the most heartwarming Christmas gifts that surprised people in the best possible way.

Prepare your faces for smiling too wide, get your Christmas stockings ready for all the cheer you’re about to find, and remember to upvote your fave pics. Let us know which pics inspired you the most and we’d love to hear about the best Winter holiday surprise you’ve ever gotten or given, too!

Whatever your gift, it’s the intent and the emotions behind it that count. You might get a lonely sock for Christmas, but it can mean the entire world to you if you’re like Dobby the house-elf. Similarly, you might open your stocking to find the brand new tech gadget you’ve been eyeing, but it’ll barely mean anything if your Secret Santa only did it because they felt pressured and ran out of options (‘Spirit of Giving’ batteries not included).

Bored Panda was curious to learn about how surprises work on a psychological level and what to do if you feel like nothing can surprise you anymore. So we reached out to Natasha Page, an accredited BACP Integrative Counselor and Psychotherapist, as well as the founder of 'My Little Therapy Box,' a therapeutic resource that helps support people's emotional health. Read on to see what Natasha told us.

#1

An Elementary School Bus Driver Asked Every Kid On His Bus What They Wanted For Christmas. He Bought Every Child A Gift

An Elementary School Bus Driver Asked Every Kid On His Bus What They Wanted For Christmas. He Bought Every Child A Gift

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#2

My Girlfriend Was Unemployed Last Christmas And Couldn’t Afford A Gift For Me So She Painted This

My Girlfriend Was Unemployed Last Christmas And Couldn’t Afford A Gift For Me So She Painted This

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Kari Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gifts need to come from your heart, not out of your purse. That’s a perfect example for that :3

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#3

Wholesome Christmas Gifts

Wholesome Christmas Gifts

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Psychotherapist Natasha told Bored Panda that a surprise is something that we want or are happy to get. "We feel good because, for most of us, being surprised means someone has taken the time to think about you and, normally, the intention behind a surprise is to make others feel good. Another person has tried to do something positive for you to enjoy," she said.

However, it's not all candy canes and lollypops when it comes to surprises. Unexpected gifts can create negative feelings, too.

"On the flip side of this, a surprise could also make someone feel guilty, for example, if they haven't spent the same amount of money on a gift for the other person or if they view the surprise, gift, or gesture in a negative light," Natasha pointed out. She added that some people can see gifts as someone trying to show off their status or exert control over them, instead of viewing it as an act of kindness.

#4

The Best Christmas Present

The Best Christmas Present

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Vic
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful gift!! Must have meant the world to grandma..

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#5

My Brother Never Fails To Disappoint With His Personalised Christmas Gifts - This Year He Made Me A Calendar

My Brother Never Fails To Disappoint With His Personalised Christmas Gifts - This Year He Made Me A Calendar

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#6

My Wife Gave Birth To A Child That Is Not Hers, For A Couple That Has Desperately Wanted One For Over Ten Years. Surrogacy Can Be Hard, But I Witnessed Her Give The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever. I Am So Proud Of Her!

My Wife Gave Birth To A Child That Is Not Hers, For A Couple That Has Desperately Wanted One For Over Ten Years. Surrogacy Can Be Hard, But I Witnessed Her Give The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever. I Am So Proud Of Her!

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Vic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is possible one of the most precious gift one can give anyone..

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There are some people who are naturally more averse to surprises, whether they're good or bad. We wanted to learn more about this. Here's what psychotherapist Natasha told us: "Sometimes, people who may be struggling with low self-esteem or issues relating to things in their past (such as childhood abuse or trauma) may find accepting surprises or gifts overwhelming."

She said that some people can end up thinking that they don't deserve the surprise. "It could, for some people, even hold negative connotations such as receiving gifts from a past abuser." However, each case is unique and personal because of the subjective associations each person makes with getting gifts.

#7

My 14-Year Old Son Built This Coffee Table For His Sister And Her Boyfriend As A Christmas Gift. It Measures 28” X 42” And Is Made Of Red Oak With Red Oak Stain And Polyurethane Finish

My 14-Year Old Son Built This Coffee Table For His Sister And Her Boyfriend As A Christmas Gift. It Measures 28” X 42” And Is Made Of Red Oak With Red Oak Stain And Polyurethane Finish

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#8

On Christmas Morning After We Had Opened All The Gifts, Travis Said He Had One More Big Gift For Me. I Was A Little Confused On Why He Had Gotten Me A Barstool But Once I Sat Down And Looked At Him, I Immediately Knew What Was Happening. He Later Told Me That The Stool Is From The Bar We Met

On Christmas Morning After We Had Opened All The Gifts, Travis Said He Had One More Big Gift For Me. I Was A Little Confused On Why He Had Gotten Me A Barstool But Once I Sat Down And Looked At Him, I Immediately Knew What Was Happening. He Later Told Me That The Stool Is From The Bar We Met

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#9

For Christmas Last Year, I Got My Alzheimer's-Stricken Grandma This Hat As A Gift. She Thought It Was Really Fashionable And Still Wears It Around All The Time

For Christmas Last Year, I Got My Alzheimer's-Stricken Grandma This Hat As A Gift. She Thought It Was Really Fashionable And Still Wears It Around All The Time

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But what about when people are cynical to the point that nothing ever surprises them and they feel like life doesn't have much to offer anymore? Natasha suggests that people who feel like this might be struggling with depression, low mood, or may have lost their optimism because of the adversities they've had to face in life.

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"Some clients I have worked with have had difficult life experiences that may impact how they view the world around them," she said. According to Natasha, some might think that having this sort of mindset is a negative thing. However, she suggests looking at things slightly differently.

#10

My Friend Is Terrible At Flirting. She Asked This Guy If He Liked Bread As An Opener And A Year Later They Are Together And He Made This For Her Christmas Gift

My Friend Is Terrible At Flirting. She Asked This Guy If He Liked Bread As An Opener And A Year Later They Are Together And He Made This For Her Christmas Gift

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A.M. Pierre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I absolutely would have a conversation with someone who started with this. I find it awkward but sincere and cute, as opposed to most rehearsed pickup lines that are often just gross.

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Do you like bread?" -- I've never heard that as an opener before. Sweet as heck!

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Ken Evans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crumbs, this chat up line is the best thing since sliced bread lol

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Autumn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard this being said like this: 'So.. Do ya like jazz?" From the Bee Movie ;P

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#11

In 1983 I Told My 14-Year-Old Girlfriend To "Just Get Me A Rock" For Christmas. She Did. I Married Her. 35 Years Later We Are Still Together, I Still Have It, And It Is The Most Precious Gift I Have Ever Received

In 1983 I Told My 14-Year-Old Girlfriend To "Just Get Me A Rock" For Christmas. She Did. I Married Her. 35 Years Later We Are Still Together, I Still Have It, And It Is The Most Precious Gift I Have Ever Received

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#12

My Friend And I Replaced Christmas With Brucemas, Where We Exchange Bruce Willis Themed Gifts Each Year. I Win Forever. (And Yes It's Real)

My Friend And I Replaced Christmas With Brucemas, Where We Exchange Bruce Willis Themed Gifts Each Year. I Win Forever. (And Yes It's Real)

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So what do you do now instead of brucemas coz I don’t think you can top that?

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"Don't try to do anything, let them hold their views, we're all individuals and we all go through our own unique journey in life. However, I think the year we have all had with Covid-19 has demonstrated that there are many things that may come and surprise us, whether in a positive or negative way."

(We know that it's been a tough year, dear Pandas. If you live in the UK and want to speak to a counselor about relationships and emotional and wellbeing issues during the holiday season, you can find a BACP therapist near you right here. Don't be shy—they're here to help.)

#13

Gave My Pirate-Loving Landlord His Christmas Gift Last Night: January's Rent. In Coins. His Response: "You're Both Awesome And A Huge Asshole."

Gave My Pirate-Loving Landlord His Christmas Gift Last Night: January's Rent. In Coins. His Response: "You're Both Awesome And A Huge Asshole."

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#14

My Wife Found Out That 60% Seniors In Nursing Homes Have No Visitors And Get Nothing For Christmas. So She Held A Small Fundraiser And Put Together 61 Gift Bags For A Local Nursing Home. Each Bag Contains Chapstick, Lotion, Tissues, A Word Search Book A Pen, And A Blanket

My Wife Found Out That 60% Seniors In Nursing Homes Have No Visitors And Get Nothing For Christmas. So She Held A Small Fundraiser And Put Together 61 Gift Bags For A Local Nursing Home. Each Bag Contains Chapstick, Lotion, Tissues, A Word Search Book A Pen, And A Blanket

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Jonathan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work with seniors inflicted with dementia and Alzheimers. We are NOT allowed to give or accept gifts from collects. No way! Humanity and compassion comes first. I gladly ignore that particular rule and happily give my clients gifts on both Christmas Day and their birthdays. They need to know a lot of people care about them.

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#15

My Daughter Always Steals Printer Paper To Draw On So For Christmas I Wrapped A Pack Of 500 Pages Of Paper. She Started Running Around Screaming With Excitement. Easiest Present Ever

My Daughter Always Steals Printer Paper To Draw On So For Christmas I Wrapped A Pack Of 500 Pages Of Paper. She Started Running Around Screaming With Excitement. Easiest Present Ever

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There are gifts that make you happy. And then there are those that make you extatic. For like a moment. Until you realize—this is going to be more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why you should always be very careful before gifting somebody a pet.

They might have sighed longingly about how much they want a pupperino or a pony. But let’s face facts: what are they going to do with those lovely animals if they’re living in a studio apartment with two other people, eating dehydrated noodles for dinner?

Now, this one might sound obvious, but obviously don’t regift something that you got and didn’t like. It’s a cop-out. It’s low. And it’ll get you on Santa’s ‘naughty’ list faster than you can say ‘Ho-ho-ho!’ Instead, if you really want to surprise your loved ones, go for something deeply personal. Putting your unique creative spin on even a cliched gift idea can result in something heartfelt and something that’s bragged about to every acquaintance ever. Don’t overthink it. Trust your heart.

#16

My Grandma’s Face When She Opened The Gift I Crocheted For Her..

My Grandma’s Face When She Opened The Gift I Crocheted For Her..

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#17

Christmas Gift

Christmas Gift

For Christmas, my wife got a recording from Christmas 1973, the last year her grandmother was alive before breast cancer took her. My wife wasn't born until 1976. This is the first time she has ever heard her grandmother's voice.

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#18

Stepdad Raised Him Since He Was 3. He Got Him Adoption Papers As A Christmas Gift

Stepdad Raised Him Since He Was 3. He Got Him Adoption Papers As A Christmas Gift

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen a few videos of this happening and boy are they tearjerkers.

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#19

Christmas Gift From My Loving Friend

Christmas Gift From My Loving Friend

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Just JoLynn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This a direct quote from the OP..."I didn't lose my legs in the military. I lost my legs cycling to work and getting run over twice. The reason I want to make this distinction is I don't want undue praise for things real soldiers suffered. I don't want to be thanked for something I didn't do. There are warriors who paid dear prices for their service, and those comments are for them. They have my deep respect as well"

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#20

My Father Passed Away From Lung Cancer In July. Mom Had These Gifts Made For Me And My Brother. The Best Gift I've Ever Recieved

My Father Passed Away From Lung Cancer In July. Mom Had These Gifts Made For Me And My Brother. The Best Gift I've Ever Recieved

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#21

Oliver Got A Christmas Gift

Oliver Got A Christmas Gift

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#22

My Mom Has Been Begging My Dad For A Dog Since Ours Passed Away In May. He Surprised Her Christmas Morning With This Gift. He's A Man Of Few Words

My Mom Has Been Begging My Dad For A Dog Since Ours Passed Away In May. He Surprised Her Christmas Morning With This Gift. He's A Man Of Few Words

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#23

This Was The Only Thing She Wanted For Christmas. I Hope This Warms Your Heart Like It Warmed Ours. This Is My Nine Year Old Daughter Opening One Of Her Gifts

This Was The Only Thing She Wanted For Christmas. I Hope This Warms Your Heart Like It Warmed Ours. This Is My Nine Year Old Daughter Opening One Of Her Gifts

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Believing in her and in her interest is the greatest gift parents can give. Respect, love and encouragement all in one.

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#24

Witcher Bestiary I Made As A Christmas Gift For My BF

Witcher Bestiary I Made As A Christmas Gift For My BF

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#25

One Of My Better Christmas Gifts

One Of My Better Christmas Gifts

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MauKini
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im sure this cat found her / his forever home. But giving animals as christmas gifts is in general a very bad Idea.

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#26

First Time In My Life Not Living Paycheck To Paycheck. Got My Parents An Early Christmas Present. They Deserve Much More, But It's A Start

First Time In My Life Not Living Paycheck To Paycheck. Got My Parents An Early Christmas Present. They Deserve Much More, But It's A Start

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#27

Small Thoughtful Gifts Beat The Newest iPhone Every Time

Small Thoughtful Gifts Beat The Newest iPhone Every Time

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an obviously thoughtful gift. It looks like Santa couldn't have done any better. Gatorade may actually make him feel better. We drink Gatorade Zero to stay hydrated.

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#28

“My Grandpa Passed 7 Months Ago So This Is My Grandma’s 1st Xmas Without Him In 59 Years. For Christmas We Decided To Gift Her With Letters We Found Her & My Grandpa Wrote To Each Other In 1962 While They Were In College. He Kept Them All These Years”

“My Grandpa Passed 7 Months Ago So This Is My Grandma’s 1st Xmas Without Him In 59 Years. For Christmas We Decided To Gift Her With Letters We Found Her & My Grandpa Wrote To Each Other In 1962 While They Were In College. He Kept Them All These Years”

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#29

Christmas Gift Convoy: Follow Up With More Stories About The 156,237 Packages We Brought To Kids In Eastern Europe

Christmas Gift Convoy: Follow Up With More Stories About The 156,237 Packages We Brought To Kids In Eastern Europe

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#30

Simpsons Shoes I Painted For A Christmas Gift

Simpsons Shoes I Painted For A Christmas Gift

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#31

The Christmas Moose, Contains 12 Gifts For My Wife. Head Is A Bit Small, But It Was All For Fun Anyhow

The Christmas Moose, Contains 12 Gifts For My Wife. Head Is A Bit Small, But It Was All For Fun Anyhow

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#32

My Husband Turned An Old Clothing Steamer Into The Perfect Christmas Gift For Our Luigi-Obsessed Three-Year-Old: His Own Poltergust G-00!

My Husband Turned An Old Clothing Steamer Into The Perfect Christmas Gift For Our Luigi-Obsessed Three-Year-Old: His Own Poltergust G-00!

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#33

Hands-Down The Best Gift I Got This Christmas, From My Brother

Hands-Down The Best Gift I Got This Christmas, From My Brother

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Fabrice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inspired by Bill Watterson. Therefore you're Calvin and he's Hobbes ?

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#34

My Wife Gave Me The Best Xmas Gift Ever!

My Wife Gave Me The Best Xmas Gift Ever!

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#35

In New Zealand The Police Are Offering Free Gift Wrapping For Christmas This Year

In New Zealand The Police Are Offering Free Gift Wrapping For Christmas This Year

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#36

I Surprised My Acnh Obsessed Niece With An Early Christmas Present All Handmade By Me!

I Surprised My Acnh Obsessed Niece With An Early Christmas Present All Handmade By Me!

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#37

For My Friends Christmas Present, I Drew Her, Our Pets And I On Our Community Farm!

For My Friends Christmas Present, I Drew Her, Our Pets And I On Our Community Farm!

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#38

It Took Me Over 160 Hours, But I Finished Knitting My Brother's Christmas Present This Morning! Just In Time

It Took Me Over 160 Hours, But I Finished Knitting My Brother's Christmas Present This Morning! Just In Time

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L1z4rd
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh wow so brave letting a cat on there! I never let my cats walk on stuff I knit, their claws will pull a thread loose

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#39

While Cleaning Out My Grandmothers House, My Mom Found A 23 Year Old Christmas Gift To Me From My Deceased Grandfather (1998) And Currently Dying Grandmother. A Beautiful Gift From The Past That Makes Feel Close To Them Both Again Somehow

While Cleaning Out My Grandmothers House, My Mom Found A 23 Year Old Christmas Gift To Me From My Deceased Grandfather (1998) And Currently Dying Grandmother. A Beautiful Gift From The Past That Makes Feel Close To Them Both Again Somehow

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#40

My Maths Teacher Gave Me His First Guitar Ever, A 1989 B.c.rich Ironbird, As An Early Christmas Gift, And Im Fucking Shaking! These Things Are Rare Af And Ima Treat It Like My Firstborn!

My Maths Teacher Gave Me His First Guitar Ever, A 1989 B.c.rich Ironbird, As An Early Christmas Gift, And Im Fucking Shaking! These Things Are Rare Af And Ima Treat It Like My Firstborn!

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#41

Decided Against Getting A Car In Favour Spending £1500 On Gifts For Kids Charities Every Xmas Until I Die. Did I Pick Good Games For Them?

Decided Against Getting A Car In Favour Spending £1500 On Gifts For Kids Charities Every Xmas Until I Die. Did I Pick Good Games For Them?

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#42

Pillows Made From A Grandpa's Old Shirts For The Family’s Christmas Gifts. The Grandpa Passed Away Earlier This Year

Pillows Made From A Grandpa's Old Shirts For The Family’s Christmas Gifts. The Grandpa Passed Away Earlier This Year

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#43

Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

Christmas Gift From My Teens Has Proven More Useful Than Expected

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#44

My Sister Likes Bags, So I Crocheted This For Her Christmas Present

My Sister Likes Bags, So I Crocheted This For Her Christmas Present

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#45

My Husband Was 3 Months Old When His Father Was Killed In A Car Accident. As A Christmas Gift To His Grandmother This Year, We Recreated An Old Photo With Our New Son

My Husband Was 3 Months Old When His Father Was Killed In A Car Accident. As A Christmas Gift To His Grandmother This Year, We Recreated An Old Photo With Our New Son

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#46

I Crocheted The Ninja Turtles For My Nephew

I Crocheted The Ninja Turtles For My Nephew

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#48

My Girlfriend Really Went Above And Beyond With The Christmas Gift I Got Her

My Girlfriend Really Went Above And Beyond With The Christmas Gift I Got Her

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#49

Christmas Presents For His Grandcat

Christmas Presents For His Grandcat

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#50

Secret Santa Gift

Secret Santa Gift

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