Yellowknife (Dec 20/06) - Last week Orest Watsyk's doorbell rang at 4:30 in the afternoon.

When he answered, no one was there. But then he looked down and found a present left on his doorstep.

Orest Watsyk and the first note he received from Santa and his elves. Watsyk has been receiving mysterious gifts with notes themed on the 12 Days of Christmas. This note came attached to a pumpkin pie. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

"I saw the pumpkin pie, it was still warm," he said.

The note attached to the pie read, "Every year Santa finds one exceptionally good family.

"His elves will deliver the 12 days of Christmas -- a gift every night 'til Christmas Eve. Thank you for being so good this year."

Watsyk assumed the gift was from a friend or a family member because he loves pumpkin pie.

He took the pie inside and ate it.

The next day, his doorbell rang again.

"The first thing I did, I looked left, I looked right, and up and down the street," he said.

"There was no sight of people or movement."

For the second day of Christmas, he found two decorations and a Christmas album on his doorstep.

Watsyk said he can't begin to wonder what's coming next.

"It's the dealer's choice," he said. "Whoever is planning this, they are in the driver's seat."

He came to Yellowknifer to see if anyone else in the community had experienced anything similar.

"I need counselling," Watsyk said, but not of the psychological kind.

He said he has spoken to a friend concerning the situation he's found himself in.

"I lost sleep over this last night, wondering why me," he said.

Watsyk, 73, has been living in Yellowknife for six years. He came through Yellowknife years ago and helped open Akaitcho Hall before going to work in Fort Simpson.

Recently he helped two teachers receive an award in Fort Simpson.

He's involved in the Peacemakers society and three of their projects.

Something that intrigues him about the notes is the doodle of a reindeer that has appeared on all of them.

"Is this going to be the next Kilroy?" he said, referring to the common World War II graffiti of a man with a large nose peeking over a wall with the words, "Kilroy was here."

Now he's uncertain whether he should try to find out who the gift-giving culprits are, or simply enjoy the mystery of a Christmas blessing.

"The intriguing thing will be the last day," he said.