khandu--you didn't read all the threads on this last year?! You missed out! It was loads of fun. Basically, everyone who wants to participate sends their real mailing addresses to the person who volunteers to coordinate the thing. You will then get a PM which tells you the name, Mudcat name, and address of someone that you are supposed to send a present to, and someone else gets your name. Until the presents arrive at Christmas time, no one is supposed to know who is sending them a present. We had lots of fun on the threads listing our interests and things that we liked to give our "Santas" ideas of what to get us. It was also nifty to sign out and post as, say, GUEST, khandu's Secret Santa, and then give our "Santee" clues as to who we were or what they were getting.

Looking back at this post, I'm sure clearer or briefer explanations would be welcomed for those who aren't familiar with the idea. Of course, a link to the beginning thread from last year might help, but I'm too lazy.