but to hear nothing when a package has been sent with each gift picked with such care, it is really disappointing to hear nothing from one's Santee.

Quite! Which is what happended to me (under my previous nom-du-chat) last time I participated after having gone to quite some trouble to take account of my Santee's tips and hints. That time too I got a rather sharp and curt PM from my Santa because I hadn't already thanked him/her by Boxing Day afternoon (I keep my presents (if any) till Christmas Day to open!

Nevertheless, I've decided to opt back in this year and look forward to a more positive experience as per previous years.

Zen