Bernard- the roots were bone dry and didn't seem to have bad parts. This is all abit amusing because a couple of years ago I would have just thought it was cute as it was given to me, and put it on a windowsill, watered regularly and wondered why it finally dried up. Thanks to all the helpful people on this forum, I'm semi-educated about succulents now and my first thought when I unwrapped it, was "Oh no!". (I did manage to smile and say "How nice" and Thanks).

Does anyone know what it is? Min

That cute little Haworthia is fine & will likely continue fine too. Pls. discard the green moss (it'll just encourage rot on this plant).

Looks like you did all the right things, spreading the roots & moving it to a terra cotta. You didn't mention what mix you used, am hoping you added some perlite to whatever it was. I'd wait a few days to a week to water it, & place it in bright, indirect light. These plants tend not to want full, direct sun, they'll burn, otherwise I'd expect it'll do well for you.

I'm glad to hear that it has a chance. Yes its in a cactus mix with lots of perlite and I haven't watered it yet. The ugly fake green moss is long gone- who likes that awful stuff? Min

It is certainly cute. I think it may be a Gasteraloe 'Flow'. An overhead view would help identify for sure though. Despite its horrific conditions it seems to be in decent health and I hope it comes to life with your care.

If it does turn out to be flow, that species seems to actually grow fairly quick and likes to offset and reward you with pups :)

Nicholas- Here is my mystery Christmas gift.

Looks great to me, am guessing its going to be just fine. Nice job. I like how dark this is in color, sort of does remind of Gasteria.

Nice color - my gasteraloe Flow is lighter green, but that could be the difference in light intensity:

Maybe it actually liked being wrapped in the dark as a gift. :)