Mystery behind Belgium's secret Santa solved

Just when it appeared as though Santa may actually exist, a mystery gift giver has been revealed. For days, residents of the Belgian seaside resort town of Koksijde have been finding €20 notes in their mailboxes. The welcome surprise added up to roughly €2000 finding its way into the daily deliveries to 27 apartments. 

Although some believed Christmas had arrived early, with one couple receiving up to €60 in three days, others thought the gifts may have come from crime, or someone suffering mental health issues. 

The surprise cash quickly became the talk of town, with local radio and newspaper outlets speculating on the money’s origins, which led to the Koksijde police urging residents to avoid spending the holiday bonuses. 

But on Monday, Santa’s real identity was revealed when a 39-year-old man was spotted making the cash deposits. It turns out the local resident had no ill intensions, instead deciding to share his recently received inheritance from his mother with neighbours. Although the mailbox surprises are expected to come to a halt, the man is considering sharing with others by making a charitable donation. Maybe Santa does exist after all.