BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 09:41 PM

A past Santa sent me a parcel from S.S. Anta (Sandra's Santa), something Australia Post would not have allowed as we have to show ID when posting overseas.

Another Santa wrote my name & address in both To & From boxes - good thing they didn't make a mistake as the Lost Mail office would have probably not appreciated the contents as much as I did.

sandra (also looking forward to opening a big parcel)

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: maeve
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 01:54 PM

Dear Santa,
A ginormous parcel with obscure return address has been delivered and I thank you. I shall leave it intact until Christmas Day morning, when my own True Love and I will delve into its secrets.

Yours in gratitude,

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 11:09 AM

I have a Santa!!!

No, I'm not making beads at all -- just stringing them together in interesting combinations...if I ever find the time again. (And I probably will MAKE time for it after all this paperwork and tying up of loose ends and flying off to funerals and plannint Tom's memorial, etcet etcet finally settles down a bit.) And start practicing letterforms in slate, which is something else that was on hold while dealing with Tom's illnesses.

My favorite sweet is actually NOT chocolate, but caramel...however caramel and chocolate makes a really fine combination. I prefer good chocolate, but it can be milk, dark or even white "chocolate" (which really isn't chocolate, but I love it.) I also like very good fruit jellies. Oh, and dark chocolate covered candied orange rind. My favorite dessert is actually espresso Romano with a good dark rum...but that might be difficult to ship. What I REALLY enjoy are foods or candies that I'm unlikely to run across in my neck of the woods -- regional specialties. I have a very adventurous palate...

Thank you, Santa, for reassuring me!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Amergin's Amiable Arctic Representative
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 10:22 AM

Amergin - we need to talk, my friend. You have some 'splaining to do.

Also, Santa is still trying to lure a young lovely into the shipping box....must find the right kind of bait. Gemstones, perhaps...

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: dulcimer42
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 05:44 PM

So glad to hear from the research elf assigned to my gift delivery. My, you have a way with the spicy words!    Actually, Spiceland was not given its name because of the Many kinds of spices in the area though.   It was the spicebush Lindera Bezoin   which used to grow all over the area. The Quakers who settled the area named thetown Spiceland, because of the fragrance of this particular bush.    Although I am not one of them,   the Quakers are still in abundance in the area.   Their church is right in the center of town. So you might tell the rest of the elves that they best not get too tipsy on eggnog or other spirits of the season before stopping here.   I'd hate for Santa to be run out of town by one of the local Quaker leaders.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Bat Goddess's Panting Santa
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 04:49 PM

Sorry for the delay, but fear not, I've been scouring (well, driving) the world 'round to find just the right thing(s) for you. A question or two has come up:
In your beadmaking, are you doing lampwork, Sculpy, paper, or what other kind of beadmaking? For shippable food, do you prefer chocolate (what kind), a sweet or savory something,a favored comfort food? You're allowed to choose more than one. Gotta go, it's time to wax my runners and get another something.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Amergin
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 02:36 PM

I haven't heard from mine in a while...but that's all right...he probably discovered all the naughty things I did in the last year...I really tried to get one passed the old man....ah well, he's too clever for me.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 06:39 AM

OMG....slip up last THURSDAY !!!!! I remember the slight abberation from saintliness on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday but no not Thursday too. I have been rumbled by Santa ...or the old man!

StF

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 10:38 PM

There are some pretty good looking teases and hints passing through this thread. And a few folks who don't seem to have put in an appearance. Yet.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Firecat
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 08:02 PM

Thanks for the update!

Don't worry about it being late. As long as Rudolph doesn't get pulled over by the police for using psychedelic drugs to fly, it will be fine. If it doesn't make it here for Christmas, it'll make it here for my birthday (Old Christmas Eve!)

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: billybob
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 07:34 PM

Oh my goodness, I have a very heavy Parcel ! Thank you Santa, Not sure I can wait till the 25th to open it??? Cant squeeze it, tried shaking it, but the wrapping is very well sealed, really tempted..... but its bedtime !!
Thank you Santa,so excited xxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 06:18 PM

Santa! Plenty of time yet. I applaud your method of getting the elves to do their jobs - such pesky little critters they are! Correct use of the word decimate - that would please Kendall. He cringes when he hears of anything being 'decimated'. It's a hard life being a pedant!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Amergin
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 04:16 PM

Firecat's Flying Fatso...I think the illness you are referring to is Elf In Mouth disease....

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Firecat's Flying Fatso
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 03:01 PM

So, your gift might be a little late. I was feeding the elves to the reindeer when I was taken up by an officer of the law. It appears that there is some law about feeding elves to reindeer -- it causes tooth decay or root rot or black tongue or something -- and I have spent the last few days in durance vile. This has put me behind time, but I managed to go free when I reminded the judge that I had a "naughty and nice" list and he was on it and that I **could** give it over to the press. How quickly can YOU say, "Case dismissed"?

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 02:06 PM

Probably the more to torment you, Linn!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 12:02 PM

My Santa is still silent...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Jacqui's Jocular Jack Frost
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 11:39 AM

I feel I must have to apologise. My elves went on strike due to poor working conditions and low pay, ok, no pay. For some reason, they felt they were due some sort of compensation for all the work they've done for me over the centuries. I did, and still do not, agree. They refused to work on your pressie, and get it out in a timely fashion. In fact,t ehy refused to do any work at all, feed the reindeer, clean up poop from the stalls, test Rudpolph's virility, for somereason with that last, they started demanding rubber gloves before they touch him there. I forbade them, said Rudolph want's it to feel natural.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the lazy bastards refused to see things my way. That is until I introduced to them the fine old Roman tradition of decimation. Now that there are a 10th less elves to ruin the holidays, and a few fatter polar bears and abominable snowmen, the rest are more than happy to make up for loss time and take up the slack of the decreased work force. I will make sure that, if need be, the reindeer make a special trip to your house so an elf may hand deliver your gift. Sorry about the delay.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Mary Hermance's not so experienced Secret Sa
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 10:13 AM

My Secret Santa trainer informs me that I should have labeled this message as above if I ever wanted to get an answer: And now that Santa is finally getting organized, Mary Hermance, may he know what Post Wheeler and Arthur Waley books you already have, just in case he has a lucky find?

Fond regards,

flat learning curve.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Sarah the flute's furtive Santa
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 09:03 AM

I know, I told you I was watching... Mind you, last Thursday's slip up was a bit hard to miss and what that old man must have been thinking when you - no, least said soonest mended as me old Dad used to say.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 05:19 AM

I have a parcel!!

a large parcel!!

from New Zealand.

it is sitting on the floor at the moment & will be opened on Christmas day when I will thank my lovely Santa properly

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Billybob's Brilliantly Bubbly Santa
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 04:48 AM

Hello Ms Bob - your package is on its way, courtesy of a very helpful elf who delivered it, well wrapped, to the local Post Office on Monday.

I will leave it to your discretion whether you open it now or on Christmas Day.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Dulcimer's Secret Santa's elf-service counte
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 12:17 PM

Dear 42,

I must say you don't look a day over 39.

My name is Elfish Presently, Santa's research elf assigned to your case. I must say I was intrigued to be sent to exotic Spiceland Indiana. I wasn't even sure there was much of anything exotic in Indiana, but I was definitely pleasantly proven wrong by the wonders of your thriving metropolis and your year-round seasonal festival.

I walked past the salt mines and the pepper mill where you urned your first celery. I passed by the bakery where local dillatantes were preparing dill-dough for pickle bread. I passed the church where they'd mustard up all the unsavory sinner-men to convert them to true bay-leafers. I met up with Rosemary and that nut Meg who helped drive my caraway with a rye smile or two. Meg did a Pole Dance like I'd never seen up North! All was very impressive, I must say!

I managed to observe you while parcely hidden behind the mint. (I always wanted to ex-spearmint at being a Mint-Spy!). So, rest easy. Your dreams will be fulfilled and filled full.

Anyway, I've found out that spice IS truly the variety of life and you can be assured that your box of bounty will cumin thyme for your Merry Christmas.


Enjoy!
Elfish Presently
Research Elf
North Pole



P.S. Only 57 more dulcimists to go. I'm glad I was instrumental in helping.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 11:56 AM

There are a couple of wild cards in play this year.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 08:22 AM

Just to let my SS know I am still being ultra good ...with only the odd slip up here and there

StF

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 05:35 AM

thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou

happy sandra

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's secretive santa
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 04:24 AM

Watch out Sandra the reindeer should be with you very soon.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Severn
Date: 08 Dec 13 - 01:50 PM

I worked for that outfit for 37 years. I'm post-postal now.......

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST, Severn's Not-So-Secret Anymore Santa
Date: 08 Dec 13 - 08:39 AM

Severn, it is indeed from your no-longer "Secret" Santa...me, Bat Goddess.

The admonition to not open does NOT apply to the outside shipping box. Everything inside it is wrapped, and will thus tease you every day until Christmas while they are sitting under the tree (or potted palm).

Oh, you may read the card, but you may want to avoid reading the letter.

Guess I farmed out delivery to an okay outfit!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Anne Lister
Date: 08 Dec 13 - 07:16 AM

Well, if that's the case, Rap, more fool them! Unless the rest of the team are also asthmatic and sedentary?

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Severn
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 11:19 PM

I got a Christmas package from a Mudcatter who signed their name on the box that came from New England. I assume that it's you, dear Santa, but if not, please tell me otherwise. I've been known to receive other surprise boxes from Catter friends or fans. I just need to be sure that it's from the official Secret Santa, not that I open anything before Christmas morn. Thanks..

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 10:53 PM

Congratulations, Anne! You've been accepted as quarterback on the University of Notre Dame football team!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Barb'ry's Sneaky Bearded Santa
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 09:09 PM

Dr. Barbara,

Did you think I'd forgotten you this year? Absolutely not! Wire reports (lists are so old school - Santa uses Google.com now) indicate that you were a very good girl.

The elves have assembled a streamlined parcel-like-object to slip into the bag on the sleigh. Assuming your rooftop is suitable for landing, said-parcel will be delivered via reindeer. If our satellite GPS and Google Earth search indicates loose tiles or bumpy thatch, we will engage the services of a parcel delivery partner.

Yours cordially,

BSBS

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Anne Lister
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 03:54 PM

I have received a parcel! It was waiting for me when I staggered home from a day in a busy town centre - now it's sitting below the tree, ready for opening on the due date.
Thank you, Santa! (I'm assuming it's from my Santa as I can't think why anyone else would be sending me a parcel from Indiana!).

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Dulcimer's Delinquent Deer Driver
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 03:00 PM

Sorry I took so long getting to you, but the special elf who's assigned to you had 41 other dulcimer-ers to take care of before you. However, he states that out of the 42 checked out so far, you've behaved the best of the lot, take that for what you will. You will make out quite well this Christmas as a result. So, things are heating up after being kept at a dull simmer and choice goodies (my choice, of course) will be soon on the way to reward your patience.

Let Nothing You Dismay,
Father X-Mas

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: artbrooks
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 10:19 AM

Be careful, Santa - you know that recent research has proven that all eight of those reindeer are female. They may take you straight to the mall, and I'm a ways away.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Art's staggering Santa
Date: 07 Dec 13 - 07:56 AM

Actually Art's staggeringly good Santa has good tidings having stayed sober long enough to hitch up yon sleigh and head off into the night. Keep a look out Arty boy things are happening skyward

hic!

The staggering Santa

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,The Upside-down Santa of Vectis
Date: 06 Dec 13 - 04:23 PM

It's great news that your parcel has arrived so early, but I had asked the delivery dragon to ensure that you received it 'just in time'. You just can't get the staff, can you?

We will be having a fairly quiet traditional Christmas this year. Some of our family are away doing other things, so there will be less of us around the table. Not a BBQ or sandcastle in sight and there may even be some snow.

You mentioned that you have an idea who I am, but that I might have moved recently. Quite unlikely, I assure you, as I find that this North Pole residence is perfectly habitable, though not to everyone's taste.

Hopefully you will find your gift to be suitable, but beware, if you are bad or you open it before the big day it will turn into a lump of polish coal. Compliments of the season to you and yours.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Becca72
Date: 06 Dec 13 - 11:38 AM

I'll be on the look out, Santa. Thank you!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Becca72's Concealed Claus
Date: 06 Dec 13 - 10:30 AM

I have just dispatched an elf to the swallow shed to attach your interesting box to a line of creeper.

Please let me know when it arrives safely. You may open the external wrapping, but the box itself must not be opened until December 25.

CC

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST, Severn's Stealth Santa
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 04:08 PM

Each time I got the cats herded together, one would sneak off. Get a harness on one, and the other would disappear. Finally capitulated and farmed the job out -- New Knighted Snakes Snail Mail Service got the job. Sent Priority, so you should have it reasonably soon.

But...the wrapping says wait until Christmas...;-)

SSS

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Becca72
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 02:32 PM

Oh, thank you Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 02:22 PM

Still...nary a peep.

Santa? Are you out there?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Becca72's Concealed Claus
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 01:44 PM

I've been testing both out, and decided they work well as a team.

All being well, they will be beginning their flight from Claus Towers to you tomorrow. I'll confirm it then.

CC

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST,Maeve's mystical and mysterious meditative M
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 03:26 PM

The warmth of your welcome is appreciated but you will realise there is little point in a surveillance elf if she is made too comfortable by the object of her duties. And we appreciate your concern, but again you will realise that my elves and my reindeer are used to adverse weather conditions and can, indeed, foretell much of what will happen atmospherically.
Your package, my dear, has been entrusted to paid messengers so that it doesn't get caught up in my usual Christmas deliveries. I have NOT marked "Do not open until December 25th" on the box, and trust to your good judgement, and the only clue to its origin will be an obscure address for potential return if it were to go astray ... but I trust it will travel well.

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: vectis
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 04:37 AM

YAY!!!

The elves left a pressie in my mailbox today :-D

Thank you so much Santa. I have a few ideas of who you may be but I reckon you might have moved recently.

YAY! I gotta pressie!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 11:38 AM

SRS, very glad you got the advent calendar, hope you enjoy it! Thanks for all your hard work in herding us Christmas Cats!

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 11:14 AM

And now that Santa is finally getting organized, Mary Hermance, may he know what Post Wheeler and Arthur Waley books you already have, just in case he has a lucky find?

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 11:00 AM

Goodie goodie goodie! My Santee is a librarian in Ohio and she likes dragons and so do I! This should be fun! (Rubs little elvish hand together gleefully.)

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: dulcimer42
Date: 01 Dec 13 - 04:10 PM

Like the old song said, "I'm gettin' nuttin for Christmas......"

Subject: RE: BS: 2013 Secret Santa tormenting can begin
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Dec 13 - 02:21 PM

Hmmm...granted I've been pretty busy and distracted lately with some very unholiday events, but I just went through all the posts again to make sure I hadn't missed anything...

My Santa is silent...

Encouragement is to be encouraged...but please bear in mind that my brain is fried (actually, I hope I put it and my vocabulary in a safe place where I can retrieve them later) and I'm emotionally exhausted. Even the simplest of puzzlements may be overwhelming.

But, Santa, you COULD let me know you exist...

Linn