But the best gift was a lovely note from one of my favorite professors, taped to one of the wine bottles. This is one of our most distinguished and celebrated professors, a man who's constantly reading, writing, and studying. Yet he has always treated me with manners and respect, and never misses a chance to say "thank you." He even thanks me in the acknowledgements in his books.
It's not that hard to be human, and it makes all the difference in the world.
Wow, I feel positively Christmasy!