Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Jan 17 - 07:00 PM

Thank you, Santa! Himself was heading out to the hardware shop this morning when he brought in an intriguing brown paper package tied up with string. Upon investigation, it proved to contain all sorts of interesting goodies!

Many thanks, and best wishes for a wonderful 2017 filled with love and peace.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: vectis
Date: 08 Jan 17 - 03:16 AM

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: billybob
Date: 05 Jan 17 - 08:39 AM

Thank you Santa for my lovely box of goodies, I love maple sugar thank you, and I am saving the sweeties for a grey day! We played the CDs at a dinner party last evening, all 10 of us are folkies and enjoyed the music very much. This afternoon I am going to tuck myself on the settee and read the lovely book. I loved the little box it looks great with my collection.
Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year Mary.

much love

Wendy xxxxx

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 Jan 17 - 05:47 PM

So sorry for the delay, but thank you to my Secret Santa for a package of interesting and intriguing things from Australia! We've been away since Christmas morning, with only intermittent access to the web and the internet or you would have been thanked earlier!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Anne

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jan 17 - 03:52 AM

But you can read the mysterious white letters, I know that. :)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 31 Dec 16 - 10:37 PM

Gee, I'd have no idea at all

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Firecat
Date: 31 Dec 16 - 08:42 AM

I got a nice surprise today! I came downstairs to find an interesting box all the way from America waiting for me, so I investigated it.

Inside I found a beautiful sparkly butterfly hair clip, a gorgeous black and silver scarf and a 3D card with swans on it! Thank you Santa!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Dec 16 - 06:09 PM

I meant to pop a length of wool in the bag in case it's purpose wasn't obvious!

Phyl is a great singer & songwriter & a lovely friend. If you want to hear the rest of her life's work it's all available for download on her website - except for her latest album which you have.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Dec 16 - 01:14 PM

Thank you Santa (Sandra in Sydney?) for the gifts. I had to wait to play the CD until today, when it went into the CD player in the car. Unfortunately my hire car in the UK, being very new and not knowing any better, did not have a CD player and there wasn't a lot of time to listen at either of my children's houses. So far I have really enjoyed what I'm hearing.

I loved the knitting bag, with the applique leaves, great for taking my crochet with me and keeping it from getting tangled up in my bag.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Dec 16 - 02:14 AM

not that I want to upset you, Severn, but Australians (public/government employees & private employees) get 4 weeks holidays + an assortment of public holidays each year! Everyone is entitled to Christmas Day & Boxing Day, but Post office employees also get an extra day off at Christmas.

sandra (10 years retired)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 16 - 10:16 PM

There were six of us at the house this afternoon when we opened the box from Pocatello and learned all sorts of things, both interesting and useless, about Idaho and the upper Rocky Mountain region. Spices, bread mix, books, candies, postcards (French? maybe that's what you missed when someone took the box away from you and mailed it?) and some great refrigerator magnets. And a CD of Walt Robertson, American Northwest Ballads Sung by Walt Robertson, with Guitar. He was an icon in the Pacific Northwest folk community. It's always nice to see these recordings come out from Smithsonian Folkways - it means they're going to stick around, that they're important.

Now, WHO, oh WHO could be my secret Santa? ;-)

Thank you, Mike, and your silent partner, Pat!

.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Severn
Date: 29 Dec 16 - 09:54 PM

I'm glad it arrived OK. I had one that didn't one year.. We are fortunate in what our area has to offer. Let me know which ones you especially liked. It might even make you want to come over for a visit.

I worked as a postal clerk for 37 years before I retired, and WE never got that long of a holiday break at OUR post office......

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 29 Dec 16 - 04:48 PM

So glad it arrived OK in the end but doubly sorry it did not get there by 25th as was promised by the PO here in Blighty. Enjoy the pressies and all the best for 2017 (naw.... got to add some ...!!!!!!!!!!)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Hollowfox
Date: 29 Dec 16 - 03:31 PM

(in deference to current internet etiquette, excess capslock use will be avoided and all exclamation points have been removed from this post) Sarah the Flute, the package arrived yesterday, and everything is perfect. I'm looking forward to hearing your group's cd and the music hall cd has recordings I haven't heard yet. Les Barker has come to the US several times, including to the Old Songs festival that you've probably heard about here on the 'cat. I love his stuff, and not just the funny ones. The ornament is on the tree (out of cats' reach) the wee game looks like fun, especially after a glass or two. The pouch is lovely. I wish I could have been at the concerts that the fliers told me about. This was the perfect Mudcat pressie. Thank you so much. (This current internet etiquette is nearly killing me!!!!!!!)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Dec 16 - 07:55 AM

my pressie arrived today, the first day that the Post Office was open after the Christmas break.

And in the immortal words of my friend's 2-year old granddaughter "It's a box!" - I could see it thru a torn edge of the wrapping.

And what a treasure trove it contained - lots of CDs, a newsletter of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, programs from 2013 Getaway (drool, those workshops!) & 2014 mini festival, 2 badges & a sticker & a 3-page letter from Severn explaining why he included each CD.

THANKYOU, Santa Severn, I'm looking forward to listening to the music.

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Severn
Date: 28 Dec 16 - 10:52 PM

My Santa was not numbered with the "sleighn" like Rap's. I thank my Santa who I have not seen in ages and wouldn't recognize, but I thank for the Yorkshire gifts and lore. I found the package on my way out and I had to wait until after my radio show to open it, but was glad I finally did. I will be in contact.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Dec 16 - 05:52 AM

Nothing...nothing at all. There must have been a sleigh crash.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: JennieG
Date: 27 Dec 16 - 04:05 PM

We're still away, we will be returning home next Tuesday, so if you are reading this Santa I'm not being rude and ignoring you! I wouldn't like to upset Santa.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 16 - 02:33 PM

We're opening our gifts here on Thursday (delayed because this was the first time we could get both kids in one place at the same time). Looking forward to opening my box then!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 02:49 PM

I want to hear from my Santee. I hope the "French postcards" were what was wanted. And Oscar Brand's CD of dirty songs and bawdy lyrics.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Firecat
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 12:44 PM

Rap, I can translate the "Diolch i chi, a Nadolig Llawen" bit, I think. Diolch means Thank you, and Nadolig Llawen is Merry Christmas.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 09:09 AM

oops and a wonderful crochet scarf which I have just worn down to the shops!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 26 Dec 16 - 06:36 AM

I claim my SS as being Jacqui and Kendall. Lovely surprise - I was so convinced it was someone from England but then I remembered how you come over to the UK for Christmas J. It seems ages though since we met up. Thankyou for a delightful array of gifts - music, books and candles and all wrapped up in a fantastic santa box

Happy Christmas and all the best for the new year

Sarah x

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Dec 16 - 09:09 PM

I opened my pressie. There was a note inside that said, "Rydym wedi manteisio ar y cynnwys y presennol hwn i gefnogi ein ryfel annibyniaeth yn erbyn y Saeson. Diolch i chi, a Nadolig Llawen" in what I assume from the double consonants is Welsh. It was signed "Madog ap Llywelyn, Postfeistr Cyffredinol." Not understanding Welsh (does anyone, really?) I have no idea what the note says or even if it's good grammar.

There were some things left or maybe put in later: some brochures extolling Wales, a Welsh magnet (it has double magnetic flux density), some tea, a CD by Ann Lister, some books I am looking forward to reading once I know Welsh, and £150,000 in Welsh banknotes. I think the last might be of suspect authenticity since they are printed on what appears to be old English newspapers.

Anyway, Ann, thank you!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,jacqui.c
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 08:18 AM

Whoo hoo! Christmas Eve delivery this morning with a package from Australia! It's now under the tree until tomorrow morning.

Thank you Santa!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 16 - 12:11 AM

& thank you, Elfish

Today is the last delivery before Christmas & my mailbox was empty (not even a bill!) so I'll look again next week when delivery resumes.

sandra (happily patient)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Firecat
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 07:04 PM

Thanks for the update, Santa! I'll keep a lookout - means I'll have more to open around my birthday :-)

Didn't realise reindeer could get distracted...

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's slow but chipper shipper
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 03:27 PM

Sandra,

      Sorry I disappeared for awhile. I'm new to your country and not used to your customs. While doing some research in rural a pub with a fellow Scout Elf but staying hidden, I spoke within a crowded room and said, "Where does one relieve one's self around here?"
      A fellow looked up from his beer long enough to jerk his thumb toward the rear door and said "Outback." and went back to drinking.
      I slipped out the back door, and liiking for a port-a-john or the like and seeing nothing, I kept on walking.....and walking.....and walking. Giving up and taling care of things on my own, I tried to find my way back and couldn't, hiking in what seemed like endless circles until I finally figured I'd shed all pretensions of secrecy and ask an aboriginal native wandering in a seemingly random manner himself and whom I figured wouldn't be caught up in Christmas lore or blow my cover. He seemed startled at first to see a somewhat height-challenged individual shouting and waving at him and ran behind a rock, probably figuring out whether I was something to be feared, hunted or God knows what else.
      His curiosity finally got the best of him when he figured out what I was shouting was in some sort of English, found out eventually that I, too, was on some sort of walkabout, and kindly took me some ways out of his way to a road that he said would lead me back where I came from.
      My elfin companion, fearing I was dead, had gotten back to Santa and related his fears. After I finally showed back up at the secret regional Elf Hostel, I finally got back to Santa, who had been having some difficulties himself, finally shipped you the present that had been ready, after giving me a stiff rebuke and a small fine of course.
      So, it IS well on its way with possibly more than originally intended, as I'd not given Santa the final edited version of the list. Hopefully, it will still make it by Christmas, but you will have no regrets, I assure you, when it does arrive. Please put in a good word for me to Santa when you receive it.

My Sincere Apologies,
Elfish Presently Jr.
Probationary Scout Elf

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Firecat's slightly frustrated Secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 11:43 AM

Those reindeer reached the warehouse, but it seems they were again distracted and the GPS tracker shows two days of milling around bars in Chicago. I sent a representative to give them each a swift kick in the butt and get that parcel delivered to the transit barge.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Hollowfox
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 11:24 AM

Thanks for answering . It hasn't arrived yet, I don't *have* to have it on Christmas. I just don't want it to get lost in the shuffle.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 16 - 10:39 AM

A box turned up on my porch this morning - from S. Santa!!!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 09:27 PM

☺

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 04:17 PM

Acme,

Like the song says, it ain't me, babe.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Ho Ho Ho llowfox's SS
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 03:09 PM

Any ho ho hope it has arrived yet?
It flew off on 6th Dec but maybe the elves and reindeer around here are on a go slow
I do hope it arrives on time - I have a ticket to say it made the sleigh

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 16 - 02:51 PM

Uh oh.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Dec 16 - 09:36 PM

one like this. But it wasn't to be. That little ****** knocked me in the head with a bunch of sleigh bells (he snuck up on me), grabbed your pressies, and ran. I don't know what happened after that -- the rest of the day is kinda blurry.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Dec 16 - 09:32 PM

Dear Santee:

A really nasty critter came by yesterday and ripped your gifts from my clutching hands. I was going to get you a vehicle, perhaps

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Firecat's SS - a quick flyby
Date: 21 Dec 16 - 12:12 PM

Ms FCat,

It appears the reindeer got caught in a roundabout and vortex traffic kept them stuck running in circles for days - in fact, eight days to travel to the hub from which hopefully the parcel will be swiftly launched. (Reindeer don't do math - as long as they were able to grab a bite along the way they weren't concerned about the duration). A GPS ping confirms they finally reached the Northpole Warehouses™ yesterday. From there, a very fast walrus is supposed to propel a barge of items downstream to a port from where a blue whale will escort the barge across the pond. I am assured that we are dealing with each a very fine and magical walrus and whale. (Salt water spray will not harm the parcel.)

Santa may have been visiting the Mudcat Tavern a bit too often lately. . .

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Dec 16 - 03:48 AM

Hollowfax - you might have been waiting 2 weeks, but my Santa apparently send my pressie on 17 Nov

sandra (still waiting patiently - my first Santa way back in 2002 sent a wunderful big box of many small parcels by sea mail & it arrived months later)

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Dec 16 - 11:19 PM

I just wanted to say that I got a package from Blighty today. I shall not open it until Der Tag.

Thank you, Secret Santa.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Acme's Ace Excellently Exquisite Elven Elf
Date: 20 Dec 16 - 11:17 PM

So. Methinks I should tell Ms Acme what the poop is going on, maybe. Anyway, Old Fatso told me to check with a Certain Someone and get your pressie on the way. So I did.

Keep it in mind that I was acting for your SS. Your SS has included lots of stuff from your SS's region. Even music. You may have heard of the singer, but maybe not. I got to admit that I was pretty shocked, because apart from some really good throat singing Yupik carols don't do much for most people.

So I pried your pressie from your SS's hands, because "I just HAVE to include one more thing." I put it in the hands of the postal service and trust that it will get there sometime in the future.

Your SS is unaware of this message.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Hollowfox
Date: 20 Dec 16 - 08:11 PM

Um, Santa? I'm still looking to the skies. Of course, I don't know where my pressie is coming from, so a two week wait might well be a reasonable waiting time.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Dec 16 - 10:01 PM

The secret word for my Santee is "aspergillum." NB: this is a real, genuine word. You may or may not need it in regards to your pressie, but it's a pretty cool word. It's related to "aspergillosis."

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,billybob's panting secret santa
Date: 17 Dec 16 - 05:30 PM

Wow, Amazon wasn't kidding about reindeer being hard to steer, but I got all my deer in a row, and sent your pressie out about 5 1/2 hours ago. Who knows, you might even get the box before the 25th. Oh, and I left one word off the explanatory letter that's enclosed. he secret word is malachite. hehehe

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Anne Lister's Secret-Santa-Helping Elf
Date: 17 Dec 16 - 05:17 PM

Already! That was quick! The postal elves have been into the medicinal brandy lately, so I have been concerned......

Kindest Regards
S-S-Helf

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Dec 16 - 03:14 PM

Sure has been quiet around here . . .

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Anne Lister
Date: 17 Dec 16 - 03:02 PM

Oooooh! Package arrived today from Australia! Feels heavy and bumpy in places ... must restrain myself! But thank you, Santa, in advance!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Severn's Secretive Soggy Santa
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 02:17 PM

Me again! Just to let you know that tomorrow, I will Orange for your parcel to be placed in the hands of the delivery Indus-try, so that Yukon expect it.

I hope it will Fly to you as swift as it can. I know I'm trying to Milk these puns...

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: Firecat
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 09:43 AM

Ooh! Excitement, excitement!

I'll keep an eye out... :-D

Subject: RE: Secret Santa gift ideas & teasing - 2016
From: GUEST,Firecat's Secretive Santa
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 12:43 AM

Your parcel is on the way - part of a very large shipment being staged by the reindeer. With the increased volume in recent years we use several Northpole Warehouses™ for distribution on the big night. And with modern GPS, I'll be able to watch it's progress on a huge screen in the Santa Situation Room.