BS: My pressie's arrived!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 02:19 PM

Good points, Kat and Jeri.

Apeaking for myself, I love the opportunity to make new friends throughout the world and am delighted to continue to play the game. But several things about the process do puzzle me, and I still don't feel as though I know the customs.

So...has anyone ever put together a "Secret Santa Etiquette" thread?

Although I believe I've kept up my end and I've certainly received wonderful pressies from both my Santas (last year, dear Bat Goddess and this year, the illustrious Hilda Fish), I don't really have a handle on what others' expectations are -- or what mine should be.

Examples of things that I would find it helpful to know:

1. Are the games some Santas play (strings of postcards from exotic places [or persons] prior to pressie time, and real or "red herring" identity clues deliberately dropped, for example) the exception, or the expectation?

2. Is Santa expected to maintain her or his anonymity during or post delivery, or is signing the package or accompanying the note/card with a Mudcat handle more the norm? ...Or, on the other hand, is the accompanying note/card something a Santa shouldn't do?

3. For Santees, is an effusive thank-you on the thread sufficient, or should the Santee make it a point to PM the Santa, or in fact mail a thank-you card to the Santa? (I know I'd rather at least receive a PM, but I'm not sure if that is a reasonable expectation or not.)

4. Should the Santee "out" the Santa on the thank-you thread, if the Santa has chosen to remain anonymous?

There are other obvious points to be clarified, but I'll leave it at that for now.

I know that these questions are a bit silly -- obviously I have been mucking along just fine without knowing the answers, but maybe the Secret Santa process would go more smoothly for all of us if we were all playing the same game and knew its "rules"?

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 01:41 PM

Same here, Jeri. I know of folks who have already dropped out or plan to drop out of it next year because of it. I know of one Santa who just couldn't avoid a life change which took them out. In that case, I was a rescue santa and took care of it for them. If the Santas who just can't follow through would let someone know, then we others could step in. While my thing went okay, both ways, this year, I don't plan on doing it next year.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 12:51 PM

I really hate this and it's one reason I don't play anymore.
I can understand Santas being unable to Santa and presents getting lost, but if a Santa has dropped the ball to the point where they can't be bothered to even post, they ought to be banned from this. Forever. And possibly outed or tarred and feathered or something. Liz would know who had whom and might have noticed they've received their own gifts and are happily posting away while ignoring their Santee.

Yes, bothers me. I can't stand anyone getting let down like this, and I can't stand the thought that the person who did it doesn't care.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 11:55 AM

You're not alone, Sarah. Mine's AWOL as well. I think we should start a support group.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 10:31 AM

Sniff...nuffin for me .... my pressie has been hijacked on the high seas

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes Santa
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 09:46 AM

I dispatched your pressie a while ago and the reindeer PROMISED me it would be there within a week. They do not appear to be back yet...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 02:31 AM

fingers crossed!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 07:53 PM

There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 05:02 PM

Or any news for me?? Christmas came and went. My birthday came and went. Easter??? Maybe Easter??
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 12:17 PM

Any news from afar yet? We're due for a winter storm overnight--providing a landing pad for the reindeer if they're out making any really really really late deliveries.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 08 - 05:52 PM

The daffodils greens are starting to poke through the lawn (where I didn't get them all dug out when I relocated the flower bed) and in the new flower bed (for all of those bulbs that did get moved). I wonder if my Santa would like a bouquet of daffodils--a box arriving in a few more weeks will encounter this first sign of spring.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 08:39 PM

Nothing yet. Did you say you sent it pony express? They pony may have taken a break somewhere along the way.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Animaterra's Secret Santa Smirks!
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 08:57 PM

Hehehe. . . haven't worked it out yet? There were lots of clues.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 08:59 PM

... well, not exactly rum... I'm more of a whiskey girl, as my friends can attest, and as our Sinsull will attest to the recipe ; )

Glad you enjoyed.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 01:26 AM

I haven't had a chance to post until now, but my package arrived well in time for Christmas! Thank you!! Rumballs! Yum, yum, yum, *HIC* !

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 07:12 AM

Have got back home - nothing here - last year there was a Post Office package delivery slip - none this year - but there has been so much rain it could have dissolved...

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:28 AM

Oh yes I think so, did you not see my response to your post about not receiving your SS pressie yet?
Look back up this thread to the 27th.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: JennyO
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:12 AM

Oh goody - I see you finally got your present, artbrooks! Glad to see that the lilly pilly jelly made it intact. There would have been an awful mess if it hadn't.

Two-up is a game they traditionally play here on Anzac Day. The pennies are seldom seen now. We don't even use them as currency any more.

The Leunig calendar is also rather hard to come by. We have to rush out on one particular morning in December and buy up copies of the Sydney Morning Herald in order to get our calendars. You can't buy them by themselves. Fortunately this time I was on the ball and got several of them. And all that extra large newspaper made a wonderful base for my new no-dig garden.

Hope you enjoy the CD and all the other stuff!

From your rather hot Southern Fried Santa, JennyO

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Giok's Secret Santa
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 07:50 PM

Yo, Giok! Did you ever actually figure out who your Santa is? It's true the Dan Schatz CD is a cluelet. The other CD is another cluelet. And that's more cluelets than you should need!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:11 PM

Ah ha...and well worth the wait!! My Secret Santa, the marvelous and clever Jenny-O, has sent me a CD (which is currently playing), a jar of home-made Lilly-Pilly jelly, some Aussie tea, a game, a calendar, a copy of the New South Wales Folk Federation newsletter, a stuffed bird that sings and some pretty shells and rocks. All wonderful stuff. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:10 PM

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;   
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,   
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Santa?"

(This version of the classic poem wasn't widely published because it didn't scan)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:20 PM

Thank you, Animaterra! Now I know how you got your handle. Wonderful chorus of singers.

Dan, glad you're enjoying the CDs!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 06:14 PM

Thank you, Skarpi!

I sort of guessed you were my SS, but then thought maybe you weren't as the hints seemed too obvious. I'm really glad it turned out to be you -- I was going to listen to the CDs today, but the day got away from me -- with luck, tomorrow, then!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:26 PM

You found me out Kim!

My pleasure, and I mean that - I do so enjoy putting together a box of goodies.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:30 PM

Saw Dave (Breton Cap) when we visited Sussex in December. I'm sure he was my BN1 Santa this year.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Kim C
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:21 PM

I opened my box Christmas morning and was delighted to find all the things inside it -- most especially the gorgeous red shawl. I am pretty sure my Santa is a certain English lady who married a certain fellow up in Maine. ;-)

Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:07 PM

She's in NZ at the moment

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:54 AM

Jacqui C = Mary Barr's Mudcat Name is Vectis

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:46 AM

He recently moved back to his parent's house I believe, so may be 'in between' with things at the moment.
G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:44 AM

HMMMMM MY SS hasn't posted since late November. Anyone seen Breton Cap recently?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:41 AM

Our package deliveries this year have been jinxed--one gone missing from DHL (Fry's should drop them as a carrier--they're lousy) and several family ones that haven't made their way here yet, despite early sending. And one I mailed out has gone missing.

And then there's my Mudcat Santa--still out there somewhere. In the Hinterland.

[sigh]

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 10:21 AM

I got back home last night very late so didn't look at my parcel until today. I loved the backwards clock, which will have pride of place in the computer room. It just suits this madhouse!

I have a name - Mary Barr - that sounds very familiar, but I just can't place a face or a Mudcat name............

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Megan L
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 05:15 AM

AYE ah might hae kent yer spoiled rotten so ye ur lassie. Mind you ah canny think o onybody better suited tae it :)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 05:12 AM

Hehe, I knew you'd take an instant liking to that little piggie. I'm not sure it's the kind of liking that'll secure him a long and happy life, though :o))

Enjoy! If you haven't already ;-)

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:59 AM

We've known for years that you're touched, Liz.
In the nicest possible way of course :)

G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:41 AM

Right... OK, *I* put Limpit's present that turned out to be a skull and crossbones shirt on top of the jalapeno peanut brittle. That's why she smells like a chili.

I don't know WHO gave her the shirt, because there was no label, just 'The Limpit' written on it. Whoever it was, thank you so much, you made a happy child very smelly.

The surprises keep coming because today, whilst tidying the coffee table (yes, I'm a slob), I found an unopened pressie!!

Thank you Bente, for the CD. It looks like a wonderful selection and I shall be listening to it this morning whilst tidying the rest of the front room. The other goodies will be shared out at New Year and possibly ingested whilst tidying. The piggie is mine!!

Thank you all of you, I'm truly touched.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy's Santa
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 05:17 PM

Nancy please no worries. Thank you for letting me know the prezz hadn't arrived. It will be a real delight to send another package which this time will have to be a goody from my new native shore - but will probably blow my cover. Your (for the moment secret) santa x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 04:57 PM

Oh dear, Santa -- you really shouldn't send another package! For all we know, the first one might be sitting at my house today, or arrive tomorrow, or...   I'll be sure to post as soon as I get it!

The earlier whining was mostly for effect -- even the one a couple of years ago did eventually arrive.

I'll keep checking the mailbox!

Thanks,
Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King's upset santa
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 10:35 AM

I've just been to the Post Office and they say they won't even look for your parcel for another week and I've got a big white form to complete!   So no more disappointments Nancy, there will be another parcel in the post this weekend - who knows, hopefully you will end up with two prezzies. (I have checked your address with one who knows & that was correct). New prezzie will still take a bit of time though - there's lots of water to cross.    Stay good!
Santa x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 03:38 AM

S.S.Anta you might have got past the Royal mail with that name, but wouldn't have got past Australia Post. They do not send out parcels without sighting Photo ID!! And you were a bit sparse with the description of contents, we might be able to do similar with contents, but not names.

According to Mudcat here seems to be only 1 Mudcatter living in that area, and as he has the same name as one of the performers on the CD included (but not noted on contents!) all I can say is THANKYOU Greg Stephens!

It was interesting to see the pic of the Gladstone Pottery Museum & other Potteries sites in the calendar. I've done a bit of searching in the past for info on my very ordinary but much loved vintage dinner set (Meakin 1940/50s) & my wonderful antique 1760-1776 Bow of Duesbury coffee cup. I've also been looking for info on other places pictured. Looks like you live in an interesting part of the world.

Thankyou for an interesting parcel of goodies.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 12:08 AM

I think we have two concurrent threads - "My Pressie's Arrived" and "Thank You Santa." But in any case, for those who aren't following the other -

I was Kat's Santa - glad you liked the CD, Kat. I suspect the Dan Schatz CD is indeed a clue as to the identity of YOUR Santa in Maryland, Giok. In fact, I know it is.

Chanteyranger, I love the CDs you sent - the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers CD reminds me of a project John Hartford did years ago (although in a somewhat different idiom) with many fiddlers working together. And the In Harmony's Way album is a wonderful addition to any collection. My son, not quite eight months old, now laughs uncontrollably every time the words "WHACK folla rolla rolla tura lie-o" gets sung - which is a lot, because the song sticks in one's head. What a great album! Thank you, Santa!

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:07 PM

And there's my sis, bet, with an actual address of "North Pole" (Alaska) and she's not seen hide nor hair of her Santa's pressies, either.

I know of one Santa who is out of commission for the moment, but someone else stepped in for them, though it may have been a bit late.

Perhaps Santas who are having problems could post or PM Liz or one of us to let us know. I'd be happy to send out a few things if I knew who to send them to, as a Santa's Helper.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 05:41 PM

Whoops! Sorry, Fran -- you're right! It was two years ago I was thinking of.

Anyhow, I'll keep my hopes up -- thanks, Santa!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King's Santa
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 05:09 PM

Oh Nancy I'm so sorry that your prezzie hasn't arrived. It left here (sorry no clues yet) at the beginning of December. I'll make some enquires tomorrow to see if we can find out what has happened.
Santa

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 02:30 PM

I'm still waiting too ... was warned by my Santa that this would happen, though, so I know I haven't been forgotten ...*sniff*

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Fran
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 01:50 PM

I had you last year Nancy and got you your pressie well in time, you even commented on how organised I was! Good luck for this year though, maybe who-ever got you missed the post or something happened, fingers crossed for you.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

No sign of one for me yet *sniff*

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 12:48 PM

Nancy King was good, too. I saw her stocking and there wasn't a lump of coal to be found.

Dan the loyal son

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:40 AM

Mine isn't here yet either.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:33 AM

You need a Santa as good as mine mate
G ¦¬]