BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa :: Support Group

Subject: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 09:55 AM

For the small but dignified (and distinguished) group of us who played our part to the full in acting as Santa but have not received a present from our own SSs ....Let's hope the thread doesn't last long because there will be a sudden and welcome un-blocking of the lines of communication or the mail systems and we will all receive the pressies we'd hoped for six weeks ago.
Here's the comfy sofa, here's the log fire, here's some mulled wine and freshly made mince pies .. we're ready!
(Because of the log fire we don't recommend any belated Santas to come down the chimney unless wearing protective clothing, btw)

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 10:00 AM

Unrelated to the Secret Santa Situation but useful regarding the state of post offices, I mailed an antique to Australia yesterday. I packed the wooden box inside a custom-made cardboard box then surrounded it with packing material in an outer box. Good thing, because the clerk thumped it into the bin.

"Why don't you go ahead and stamp that 'fragile,'" I asked her.

"It's all in your packing," she answered, giving it a couple of swift pokes with the little stamp pad.

Geez. You wonder if packages make it out of the office where they were posted.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Megan L
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 10:03 AM

Meg peeps in the door hands round a plate of shortbread, sticks her tongue out and dissappears back out the door.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 10:08 AM

You haven't been abandoned, have patience.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Megan L
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 10:16 AM

By the way ladies the shortbread was teady bear shaped incase ye felt like bitin someones head of :) I wont boast that mine was one of the first to arrive

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Mr Happy
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 10:22 AM

Like this http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HOLYYYsFqcI ??

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: GUEST,Tabster's Secret Santa
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 11:33 AM

Your Secret Santa has been beaten by bugs, reindeer, and now elves. A gang of insurgent elves has tried to kneecap good ol' Santa and while Rudolph and Blitzen trampled them into mush they managed to damage Santa's left knee. Now s/he has to go to the doctor.

BUT! Your pressies are riding around in Santa's snow machine and will be sent off so that (hopefully) you'll be able to use them on St. Paddy's Day.

(Santa's Siggy Other has been ill, Santa has been ill, there has been A LOT of snow and Santa fell down and it seems that his or her left knee was damaged in the fall. Santa doesn't NEED another Christmas Season like this one!)

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 01:35 PM

Sometimes it really IS the post office's fault -- in one country or another.

Several years ago Curmudgeon and I dutifully airmailed packages to our Santees, both in the UK. Same day, same time -- BOTH airmail.

'Mudge's arrived in a timely fashion -- less than a week, as I recall.

My poor Santee had to wait for over a month.

My local post office never gave me a reason, nor, of course, refunded the airmail rate over the surface rate (which is considerable). No sure whether the cause of the delay was US or English. Frustrating nonetheless.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 03:48 PM

My pirate santa appears to have come to an unfortunate end me thinks.It all started so well.
OK original part one pressie apparently sent to wrong address (my fault) but no-one at old address has seen it and promised part 2 to right address has evaporated too....maybe pirate ship has sunk with all hands. Oh dear!

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Megan L
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 03:57 PM

I have been accused of Gloating!!! what a calumny!!! As if I would boast that I got a present every day of December and several on christmas day from my santa and thats not including all the card toppers and fridge magnets that came starting at the Invershindig in October . Naw I never gloat.

*heads out the door quick followed by howls of protest and a few shoes

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 04:01 PM

Shoes! What shoes?



I'll have a large glass of Highland Park please :)



G

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 04:04 PM

Hmmm... time to order that Gotcha badge, methinks!! Mwahahaha!!

Bente / MISS

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:08 PM

Well, I'm very relieved that my SS hasn't abandoned me after all, although I'm also very concerned at the string of unfortunate events that has happened, and hope that my SS has made or will make a full recovery from all of the mishaps and bugs and twisted legs and recalcitrant reindeer and elves. It will feel a little odd for this Welsh person to think of celebrating with pressies on St Pat's Day ...on the other hand, St Pat was Welsh, wasn't he?

I did start this thread with others in mind as well, however, and so I think it's valid to leave it up for as long as it's necessary. Although if it does attract undesirables who only wish to point out how lucky they are it might not be the kind of support group I originally envisaged.

Now I'm off to add another bottle of wine to the mulling pot ...

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 07:37 PM

You know what, Anne.. That Megan's only trying to hide the fact that she was FOOLED, well and truly FOOLED by one of her best mates - aided and abetted by other mates. I wish I'd been a fly on the wall when she found out.. :o))

I'll have a drink with you, cheers!

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Megan L
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 03:50 AM

SCUNNER

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 04:32 AM

You know folks all kidding aside If you are a missing Santa check in even if it is with LtS. Circumstanaces can change and sometimes change PDQ some might be embarressed by admitting they can no longer aford to take part. If thats the case mention it quietly to Liz and an emergency Santa can be found.

Sometimes for a santee it might be something to brighten a difficult time in their lives I know our Santa (Bad Bissim that she was) saw us through a very difficult time this year and every blessing we have is hers for that.

Dauvitt and his Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 05:01 PM

The way this thread title reads, it looks like even the Secret Santa Support Group abandoned Tabster.

Now that's rough!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: GUEST,A little elf
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 05:44 PM

Secret Santa Supprt may have abandoned you Tabster but I just have a feeling that a little elf may have interveined to keep you going 'till St Patricks....watch the leterbox about Tuesday / Wednesday its coming by Pixie Post!!!!!!!
From sombody who is really grateful to Tabster for her kindness in times past...........

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: sian, west wales
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:25 AM

Actually, I guess I've been waiting (and remaining 'good') for so long, I've kinda forgotten about the Secret Santa thing.

No sign of anything here, only a small exchange with my Santa at the beginning of the process ... but I shan't get bent out of shape about it.

But I shall bring a (virtual) bottle of Penderyn whisky to the fireside. Any excuse for a day curled up in front of a good fire.

sian

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 05:06 AM

I haven't forgotten!! I'm still waiting and hoping.

No fires though -- it's over 100 in the shade and getting hotter.
Anyway please may I join the support group?
Sorrowfull Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:19 AM

I'm excited about being thought of by a rescue elf .....and pull up a chair, Sian and Joy. I'll make some lemonade for Joy, and have a quick slurp of the Penderyn.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:18 AM

Boo Hoo ... sob sob.... SOB... SOB..... S.O.B.....

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:20 AM

Hot sweet tea? good strong coffee? whisky? gin? mulled wine? lemonade? And here's my teddy to cuddle ....

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: ranger1
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 10:48 AM

Laphroaig and shortbread, even if the shortbread is from the gloating Meg.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes Sad SS!
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:09 AM

I posted your pressie AGES ago, I don't know where it has got to. I hope it hasn't sunk to the bottom of the sea! Or been delivered to the wrong continant! Perhaps I should send you some Easter chocolate to make up for it!

I was told by the helpful postal elves that it would arrive within a week, or two at most but that was the 7th of Janruary.

I hope they havn't stolen it!

Your slightly miffed Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 01:08 PM

We could broaden the remit of this support group to include Santas who have been let down by the postal elves ....or had a bad time, like mine ....can't think of a catchy name for it, though ...

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:02 PM

Lemonade would be good. Thank you Anne. Save the ice-cubes and send them by mail and I'll share them with the Wildlife.
We're hoping for a cool change -- hope it arrives with rain before ALL the vegetables die. Apples are doing fine. I'll bring some to our party. And Greengages.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:04 PM

To my dear SS

I hadn't received it before my birthday - I have not been home since just before then, but should be back soon, Thanks - will keep you informed...

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 12:25 PM

I'm very happy to announce the arrival of a package from a Rescue Santa ... full of well-chosen goodies, and a total delight. I do know the identity of the Rescue Santa (it wasn't concealed) but thank you so much!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 12:43 PM

My package got there, but my Santee stopped guessing.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 04:48 PM

Oh No! abandoned by the Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group thread. Where is everyone? Hello! Hello! Come back.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 05:25 PM

I'm still here ...rescued by an elf, but still here ...

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 06:09 AM

I'm still well and truly abandoned.....sigh

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 06:35 AM

I've still got a little while to wait until St Patrick's Day, so I'll try not to fret until then - and I'm still feeling grateful to my Rescue Elf!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 07:30 AM

I'll try to say this as gently as possible, as I empathize with and respect the posters herein:

If the focus is on the joy of giving rather than the getting, it does keep the sting out of it when the getting doesn't meet expectations. Everyone will be taken care of, you know.

This might be a good time for biting the heads off of Megan's teddy bear shortbread. Rather than mine.

Warm regards to all the not forgotten after all santees.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 04:58 PM

This thread isn't about the "getting" not meeting expectations is it?
Have I missed something here? Forgive me if I have.
I'm 63 and nobody has ever told me how I should feel about the giving and getting experience before and I'm a bit puzzled. I thought I knew.

The giving is the main reason most of us join in -- I believe.   All of us love presents too, though, and if "the getting" didn't happen for some of us at all -- we are allowed to feel any way we want.

We do a lot of giving and getting, here on Mudcat, outside of the Secret Santa experience. That will continue. So will Secret Santa -- for us. (And I speak as a two-time loser).

Hello Sarah and Anne. Smiles and happiness to you.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: GUEST,A substitute Secret Santa in waiting.
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:10 PM

I'm keeping a close eye on this thread and awaiting orders from the SECSY before sending a gift. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Fear not, oh neglected ones, we are thinking of you.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:36 PM

A lovely message. Thank you for the thoughts SSIW. I feel a lot less naughty now. I'm not really a spoiled child.
Joy and happiness.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Anne Lister
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 06:15 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of giving to my Santee, as I also very much enjoy giving presents to friends and family. I also completely understand that my "official" Santa has had troubles beyond the normal way of things, and I'm certainly not throwing any teddies out of my pram in a fit of pique. I was moved to tears by an unexpected and very thoughtful selection of gifts that came to me from an unsolicited rescue Elf recently. But I do think that those of us who kept our side of the Secret Santa "deal" are entitled to feel disappointed that it's now two months since we might have expected a Christmas gift from our Santas and to express that disappointment in whatever terms feel right for us. And it's a little unnerving to be rebuked for feeling the way we do, however gentle and well-meaning the rebuke may be.
So thank you to all of you who are trying to help, in whatever way, and let's hope that whatever gremlins are snarling up the despatch of the missing parcels will be dealt with soon.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 06:38 PM

Of course I am sorry to have upset you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 02 Mar 08 - 11:31 PM

Woop! Woop! Woop!

Thank you SS!

The package was waiting for me.

Definitely an English SS (still too tired to try and work it out) ... Not only do I love gargoyles - the stone type! (the real ones can't talk!) :-P - but so does a friend.

While I have occasionally seen Fry's here, the real English rocks are previously unknown. I shall have to study up on my geology... :-)

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 03:37 AM

Right that's two of you sorted... will the last non-recipients of SS gifts please PM me and I'll see what's left in the luck dip bag.

Thanks to all Reserve Santas who've stepped up, some without even being asked to...

SECSY
LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: GUEST,Foolestropues Santa
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 06:16 AM

YEEEEEHAW! I was worried those naughty postal elves had stolen it away. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 02:24 PM

The moral of this tale....never upset a pirate!
Oh dear I think I did...never mind there is always next year

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 05:07 PM

I'm still waiting.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: ranger1
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 03:12 PM

As a Santa-less person, I have to stand up for some of the AWOL santas. Sometimes things beyond a person's control happen and sometimes postal gremlins occur. Santa, if you're out there, it's ok. Christmas in July is fun, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 04:41 PM

Last time (2 years back) I was presentless -- I had a message of explanation from my Santa -- through someone else. My Santa had meant well and things just happened. I was still disappointed but I understood.

Earlier that same year a huge parcel of chocolate had arrived unannounced -- just because I'd bemoaned the fact that I couldn't get my favourite American chocolate here. I've given too -- outside of Secret Santa time. I feel blessed.

Santa -- if you're out there -- It's ok from me too.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa Support Group
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 08 - 01:03 AM

I thought maeve was just being a little funny...after all she recommended biting heads off teddys!

I know of one REscue Santa who sent my sister goodies, much appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa :: Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 05 Mar 08 - 04:17 PM

maeve contacted me. I was relieved. I was confused about the Teddy bear reference as I didn't have any Teddy bears -- shortbread or otherwise. The message was specific not general. I'm not going mad and I'm still nice.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Abandoned by Secret Santa :: Support Group
From: Joybell
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 05:21 PM

.... and I'm still hoping