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BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!

01 Oct 11 - 09:06 PM (#3232397)
Subject: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

It's time for
Secret Santa!!!

The request was made during the year that we arrange for cards and packages as separate options this year, so after giving it some thought, I'll do it this way:

We'll do the usual gift exchange and I'm sure there will be hint threads and teaser threads, and that is the one that is going to require the most planning. I have last year's list so I'll make sure not to have you exchange gifts with the same party you had last year.

Send a PM telling me you're in, giving me your full name and address (and if you would, arrange the lines the way they're supposed to appear in your mail system). In your PM to me please indicate "Secret Santa gift" so I know where to put your name.

The economy is such around the world that some people have asked to have the option to send a card only, so I'll have a separate file that I'll arrange by continent for those who want to send a card. I don't see any reason why you can't participate in both, but this one won't get the same filtering, so if you want to do get an address to send a card to, send me a PM that says "Holiday Card exchange." I am going to assume that everyone wants to send a card overseas, so I'll send out names on other continents when possible.

Does this make sense?

You can start sending me names for either list now, and I'll plan to send out GIFT SENDING names early November. Let's aim at a deadline of November 1 to let me know if you're in. This site from last year gives a general idea of when to ship if you want to keep your costs down. The USPS has a new inscrutable search engine and gave me no useful results when I searched on a variety of keywords. If someone comes up with this information for this year, please post it. And this is only the US side of things. If some of you on other parts of the planet will post links to when your packages should go out, I'd appreciate it.

I will send the card addresses out after the gift end of things is finished.

Does this sound like it is what people had in mind, and will it work for you the way I've laid it out? If you have adjustments to suggest make them early so we're not tweaking this system at the last minute.

Your Especially Early Holiday Elf

SRS


02 Oct 11 - 12:28 AM (#3232461)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

I'll send this back up to the top so our UK folks will find it in a few hours when they hop out of bed and wonder what exciting thing awaits them today. :)

SRS


02 Oct 11 - 12:34 AM (#3232464)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: artbrooks

We're in. Do you want separate PMs from me and Jenn?


02 Oct 11 - 03:33 AM (#3232483)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: gnomad

Royal Mail Guide to Christmas posting dates.

I don't do this sort of thing myself, but I hope this helps things along. This should bring the post visible for UKers, it being roughly 8.30 Sunday morning here.


02 Oct 11 - 09:06 AM (#3232555)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Wow! UK "surface mail" earliest deadlines on that list have already passed. Does anything go that route any more? Must mean by ship?

Art, if you send both at once do it like two separate mailing labels. I cut and paste when possible to avoid my own typos.

I have some cards I bought years ago at an arboretum - not holiday, but the type of fancy popup card that I would want to find in a holiday format to send if I was only sending a card. And I think Liz the Squeak makes cards. There are lots of possibilities for those who want to go that route.

SRS


02 Oct 11 - 11:23 AM (#3232598)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

And the names are rolling in.

I forgot to ask people to tell me if you prefer to ship to an international recipient or within your own country. That helps me organize the list.

SRS


02 Oct 11 - 06:12 PM (#3232768)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: ragdall

The Canadian dates for holiday mail are on a .pdf file here:
http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/holiday/holiday_mailing_dates_en.pdf

and also here, if you prefer to use javascript: http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/holiday/default.jsf

rags


02 Oct 11 - 11:12 PM (#3232867)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Thanks for that piece of the puzzle, rags.

I hope people will keep this up at the top so others see it. I look a little demented being the main one posting here. Santa having a conversation with herself. :)

SRS


03 Oct 11 - 05:20 AM (#3232933)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

YAH!!!!


03 Oct 11 - 06:42 AM (#3232959)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: GUEST,vectis

I am up for a gift to a secret santa exchange.


Got it. --mudelf


03 Oct 11 - 07:25 AM (#3232970)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Leadfingers

Yes Indeed ! All in favour of Secret Santa !!


03 Oct 11 - 09:38 AM (#3233027)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

vectis, got it! Do you want to leave your info there, or have a mudelf remove your address from the thread? You may get a lot of cards from folks who see it - but anyone who wants their name and address not online, send a PM.

SRS


03 Oct 11 - 06:38 PM (#3233341)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

My list is growing rapidly! Thanks, all, for arranging your addresses how they look to your post office. That is always the bit that puzzles me. This way, when you get the name for your santee, I'll be sending it the way it should appear so you don't need to wonder. :)

SRS


04 Oct 11 - 02:08 PM (#3233797)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sarah the flute

I'm in
Hope my PM arrived OK

Sarah


04 Oct 11 - 03:52 PM (#3233844)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Yup. You're on the list!

SRS


05 Oct 11 - 04:21 AM (#3234144)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

bounce!


05 Oct 11 - 12:43 PM (#3234323)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

OK, I'm in, PM sent.

Is there a monetary value limit for the gift this year?


05 Oct 11 - 04:25 PM (#3234471)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Nancy King

Whew! Almost missed this! Yup, I'm in -- PM on the way!


05 Oct 11 - 05:19 PM (#3234511)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Barb'ry

I'm in too¬


05 Oct 11 - 05:19 PM (#3234512)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Anne Lister

Hope my PM arrived, too!


05 Oct 11 - 06:30 PM (#3234550)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Cats

I'm in


05 Oct 11 - 07:21 PM (#3234569)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

I didn't set a level, but isn't it usually somewhere in the $10 to $20 US range? I have to admit that while I probably don't go over that, I tend to pool suitable objects, some old, some new, so I couldn't place a price on the things I've sent, with the usual exception of a purchased CD. Quite a few folks in the past have sent a small selection of goodies - sometimes food, sometimes local crafts, other times a mix of local publications, distinctly local objects, and some more general gift with them. I have to admit the thing that always gets me when I first open a foreign package is reading the newspaper things were wrapped in. Ad pages - looking at products and prices, social or news pages, just to see what is going on or how things are described - it's all interesting.

The main thing is, if you're really pinched in the pocketbook, mail as early as possible so you can take advantage of the slower less expensive shipping. It's not a problem if it arrives early, but it is disappointing if it arrives very late. Be sure to wrap your package well if you send it that way.

When I send out addresses I will remind people that part of what makes this a nice group experience is some participation in the threads that surround the exchange. Please participate so others know you're there. If/when you sign on as a guest, use the same name so the moderators don't go nuts wondering who is posting, and please come back to the threads when the gift to you arrives to let the sender know. Most international packages aren't traceable unless they go in the most expensive first-class mail, so we need confirmation in the threads.

And of course, say "Thank you!" :-)

SRS


05 Oct 11 - 07:35 PM (#3234574)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

I sounded like my mother just then.

SRS


05 Oct 11 - 08:04 PM (#3234588)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: JennieG

And there is nothing whatsoever wrong with that......*grin*

Cheers
JennieG who always says thank you and loves getting thanks in return


05 Oct 11 - 08:32 PM (#3234602)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

Australia Post - sending parcels overseas

Don't miss the boat for Christmas Sea Mail The Sea Mail closing date for gifts being sent to the United Kingdom is 21 September & US is 28th Sept so we've missed them!

But don't worry as AusPost says - "If you miss the Sea Mail Christmas closing deadlines you can still get your gifts overseas using Airmail and if you're really in a last minute rush, our Express Courier International service provides a door-to-door courier delivery to most major international metropolitan cities within two to four business days."

Which is why I prefer to fit my pressies into a padded envelope as that means cheaper air mail postage than a bulky parcel, except when I include something heavy!!


05 Oct 11 - 10:37 PM (#3234644)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

There are so many excellent light-weight things to send. I've had two different shawls I bought in auctions - one from MMario, one from Jacqui, that I sent to my santees. (I have one myself, I'm not deprived - it's a pretty blue one Jacqui sent a couple of years ago - thanks again!) and I've bought other Mudcatter's music and sent it (by way of red herring!) and typical American foods like spice mixes for chili, etc. If you look around for the unusual but interesting (and durable for shipping) you really can find quite a lot.

SRS


06 Oct 11 - 12:57 AM (#3234682)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: JennieG

Small flat objects like fridge magnets are good too - I have sent and received those in different years. They are often fun local souvenirs.

Cheers
JennieG


06 Oct 11 - 12:35 PM (#3234871)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

The lists are growing - keep sending those PMs with your shipping information if you want to join the game!

SRS


06 Oct 11 - 06:01 PM (#3235043)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: JennieG

Heave......


07 Oct 11 - 12:11 AM (#3235171)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Ho Ho HO! A boost up for the night, see if there are any more takers for the gift and/or card exchange.

SRS


07 Oct 11 - 12:48 PM (#3235406)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Pushing back to the top. Those of you in the UK, home from work soon, settling in for a beer and a little Mudcat browsing, drop me a PM with your address (arranged in the way it should look on the front of the envelope in your mail delivery area) and let me add it to my gift exchange or card list.

SRS


07 Oct 11 - 08:42 PM (#3235608)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

rise again, rise again


08 Oct 11 - 11:40 AM (#3235817)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Haven't had any new addresses in a while. Running this back up to the top for weekend Mudcat visitors.


08 Oct 11 - 04:50 PM (#3235915)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: JennieG

It's bouncing along nicely.


08 Oct 11 - 04:56 PM (#3235916)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: greg stephens

WEll I'm in, as always. Though I have to say I am still waiting for last year's present!


08 Oct 11 - 05:20 PM (#3235923)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Now you tell me. . .


09 Oct 11 - 05:14 AM (#3236088)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

BS: Thank you Santa - Christmas 2010


09 Oct 11 - 10:02 AM (#3236190)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Back in January it was still chatter, but by say, June, something should have arrived. :-/ I sent out a book in July to one of our folks because I realized nothing had arrived, I'd have sent a couple had I known more never got there. I guess I'll add a third column to the table this year for "received" and if people keep receipts from their postal folks perhaps missing packages can at least be reported. We do have a couple of volunteer pinch-hit santas, but hope to not have to use them.

SRS


10 Oct 11 - 09:29 AM (#3236684)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Back up to the top!


10 Oct 11 - 12:06 PM (#3236778)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Becca72

When might we expect to receive the names of our santees?
No pressure - just curious!


10 Oct 11 - 02:34 PM (#3236874)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

First post spells it out. I plan collecting addresses during October and will send santee info after Nov. 1, unless there is a compelling reason why we should do it earlier. If people are fairly prompt in choosing their gifts and shipping, 7 weeks should be enough time.

SRS


11 Oct 11 - 12:23 AM (#3237114)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Another one added today.

I think a few folks are reluctant to join because they've been disappointed in the past. This game is a way to turn back time, to bring a child-like anticipation for grownups, and when packages arrive, the pleasure of exploring the contents and guessing. To keep this thread going, I wonder if any of you might like to share a great experience with one or more of these Secret Santa packages when they arrived?

I'll start- though it is about the sending, not the receiving - when we did this the first time my children were still here at home, and we planned a nice lap quilt. My Santee was MMario, and we made a very sturdy travel-worthy quilt, with a soft corduroy back and it might have been flannel on top - I don't remember now - but it was one durable lab robe. My kids enjoyed his thanks and news that he was planning to put it in his travel kit, so he'd have that mudcat lap quilt for his trips. They were happy to send this along because I had received a wonderful cotton lap quilt from a co-worker in a gift exchange, and I can't tell you how many naps have been taken under that gift. They wanted to pass along that sensation of a comfy nap cover to a Mudcat recipient.

SRS


11 Oct 11 - 09:05 AM (#3237139)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Becca72

My apologies. I obviously missed it in the OP; must not have been paying attention that day.


11 Oct 11 - 09:14 AM (#3237150)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Don't worry, when threads get long enough people tend to skip down to the most recent posts.

SRS


11 Oct 11 - 11:45 AM (#3237233)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

Maybe some of the UK Catters have diverted to Facebook and haven't seen this. I'm not on Facebook, but maybe someone else is who can point the MudCat group to this thread?


11 Oct 11 - 12:33 PM (#3237258)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

There are a lot of them over there - I hope they're still visiting Mudcat because facebook doesn't have much activity except to complain that Mudcat is down. :)

SRS


12 Oct 11 - 03:53 AM (#3237642)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

I'm not a facebook member, but I do check the Mudcat page when I can't get into the Cat! The page is available to non-facebook members


12 Oct 11 - 03:56 AM (#3237645)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

Is it, Sandra? I didn't know that, any chance of a link?


12 Oct 11 - 04:18 AM (#3237651)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: DrugCrazed

I'll mull this over, I'd like to do it but I'm currently running around like a headless chicken so I'd rather not be someone who ends up disappointing someone else. SRS, if I don't send you a PM or post in here by next week(ish) then just shout.


12 Oct 11 - 09:31 AM (#3237787)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Sandra in Sydney

Mudcat facebook page for checking when the 'Cat can't be found


13 Oct 11 - 12:46 AM (#3238202)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

DrugCrazed, there are a couple of you who are wondering if you want to join, for the sheer fact of a busy life, but also because of past disappointment. I know of at least one last year that simply never reached it's destination, and there was another one that I never heard from one way or the other. I'm keeping all of that in mind as I compile this year's list. There are no guarantees, but short of that, I'll do inspire follow-through. :)

SRS


13 Oct 11 - 11:42 PM (#3238711)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Back up to the top!


14 Oct 11 - 10:06 PM (#3239173)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Round and round and round we go - any more participants in this year's Secret Santa exchange (or the new card component?)

SRS


15 Oct 11 - 10:03 PM (#3239684)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Some of you might want to contact friends who have played this game in the past. There are several I haven't heard a peep from, but I haven't seen them on Mudcat lately either. Probe the old lists, see if you can bring a few aboard, or we might send out names sooner than Nov. 1.

SRS


16 Oct 11 - 03:23 AM (#3239726)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

You're doing a fabulous job Maggie, keep it up Girl!


16 Oct 11 - 07:52 PM (#3239957)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Hawker

BOINGgggg......

Come on ! You know you want to! Who cares if it arrives late? Who cares if it is a hassle? Knowing it brings a moment of joy, excitement and a feeling that someone out there you maybe dont know that well cared enough to take time,out of thier busy lives to send you a present is just great.....and it needn't cost the earth either, make something, it's more personal then, My first Santa, Pseudolus sent me a beautiful fleece blanket that had been hand made, It has been to every festival we have been to since, not to mention the crabs shot glass and blueberry 'caviar' I received last year :0)


17 Oct 11 - 05:14 PM (#3240448)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Anne Lister

Refresh


17 Oct 11 - 09:10 PM (#3240558)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

What we really need is a secret santa for Max to get him a new server. See the Slowwwwwwwwww thread.

SRS


18 Oct 11 - 02:25 PM (#3240881)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

It feels like fall! We're getting closer to gift-giving season (at least in the northern hemisphere). Any more folks want to step up and join the game?

SRS


18 Oct 11 - 11:06 PM (#3241077)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Here is last year's match-up:

From -   To

Barb'ry - Nancy King
Sarah the Flute - Joybell
Hardiman the flute - ClaireBear
Sandra In Sydney - Barb'ry
Jacqui.c - My guru always said
Anne Lister - Becca72
Severn - Sarah the Flute
Joybell - Hardiman the Fiddler
Nancy King - Art Brooks
Leadfingers - vectis
Hawker - JennieG
My guru always said - Cats
Sinsull - Anne Lister
vectis - Wolfhoud person
Art Brooks - Jacqui.c
Jenn Brooks - Sinsull
Tinker - Tig
Wolfhound person - Tinker
Cats - Bat Goddess
Becca72 - Hawker
ClaireBear - Severn
JennieG - Animaterra
Animaterra - Sandra In Sydney
Bat Goddess - Jen Brooks
Tig - Dan Schats

late assignments (note to self: if I'd waited a little longer for stragglers, I could have mixed it up more.)

Greg Stephens - Ranger 1
Ranger1 - Greg Stephens
Hollowfox - Ranger Steve
Ranger Steve - Hollowfox

Anyone one the list you're in touch with who you think might want to join the game again? Please let them know!

SRS


19 Oct 11 - 02:12 PM (#3241429)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

Fab idea putting last year's list on here & suggesting nudging the stragglers!


21 Oct 11 - 10:46 PM (#3242823)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Joybell

I'd like to be in again too please. PM on the way.
Cheers, Joy


21 Oct 11 - 11:31 PM (#3242838)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Good! We're going to be spanning the globe again with our Santas! Who else would like to join the game?

SRS


22 Oct 11 - 10:04 PM (#3243290)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Any more out there? The list is growing, but I think it was quite a bit longer last year. Rattle cages, one and all, and in this next week let's see if we can add participants.

SRS


23 Oct 11 - 02:58 AM (#3243363)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: My guru always said

Refresh for UK'ers!


23 Oct 11 - 11:31 AM (#3243530)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

One last suggestion - if you know who your last year's recipient or sender was, and you haven't seen them respond to this list, why not send a link and a reminder of the program this year? If your santa kind of fell through, then skip the message.

SRS


27 Oct 11 - 08:29 PM (#3245915)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

SOON!!!
. . . . SOON!!!
. . . . . . . . SOON!!!
. . . . . . . . . . . . SOON!!!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOON!!!


28 Oct 11 - 10:38 AM (#3246107)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

I'm in! I'm in! I hadn't responded publicly, but I'm definitely in!


28 Oct 11 - 10:42 AM (#3246110)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011-
From: Stilly River Sage

Good! Next week the assignments will be made! Rattle the cages of any you think might want to play but have missed this thread!

SRS


29 Oct 11 - 10:00 AM (#3246652)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

Down to the last three days before I start the mixing and matching of Santas and Santees. Send me a PM if you want to join the game. Find the instructions in the first post and refinements mentioned throughout.

SRS


30 Oct 11 - 12:26 AM (#3246824)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

Back to the top.


30 Oct 11 - 10:09 AM (#3247010)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Sandra in Sydney

again


30 Oct 11 - 04:53 PM (#3247204)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Boing!


31 Oct 11 - 05:02 AM (#3247469)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Sandra in Sydney

last bounce!!


31 Oct 11 - 10:28 AM (#3247617)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

I have my Word file set up with a table and I know how to use it. I'll start sorting tomorrow evening.

I'm sure there will be a few stragglers, so be warned: if you post in this thread that you're late and can you be added then you'll be telegraphing to other stragglers who you are. If you don't get a message to me by the evening of Nov. 1 (Texas, Central Daylight Time) then just send me a PM, don't post your intent here.

SRS


31 Oct 11 - 10:02 PM (#3248059)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

Tomorrow night I'll start working on the names. I had another one added today.




...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


01 Nov 11 - 04:43 PM (#3248738)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Tonight, tonight. . .

SRS


01 Nov 11 - 10:26 PM (#3248900)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

For several weeks I've collected names from folks wanting to participate in the Secret Santa gift (and card) exchange. That file has been printed out twice and the (scissors and tape) cut and paste part of this process has begun. I'll let people know this week by PM who their secret santee is. I'll announce in this thread when that process is finished.

If you're a straggler, like I mentioned earlier, don't broadcast that you're joining late, just send me a PM and I'll do what I can to include you in the game.

The teasing threads will soon begin! I really love being part of this - setting so much activity in motion. Let your good intentions guide you in this - if you've signed up to play, be sure your gift goes out early (better early than late) and put it in play. It isn't the dollar value, it truly is the thought that counts.

SRS


02 Nov 11 - 06:03 AM (#3248985)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Sandra in Sydney

cheers to Stilly!

BS: Secret Santa Hints 2011

BS: Santas and Santees


02 Nov 11 - 10:57 AM (#3249113)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

I've made the list and now I'm checking it twice . . .


02 Nov 11 - 02:58 PM (#3249245)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Cats

yippeeee nearly there. Bliss... shopping!!!


02 Nov 11 - 09:09 PM (#3249450)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

All assignments have been sent.

If you come to this late, send me a PM directly and I'll see about late assignments.

I made sure that none of the assignments are duplicates of last year, but I don't have information from previous years (I didn't look it up because that would have made this way more complicated than it needs to be.) If you've sent to this party before, see if you can be very creative in disguising your identity. Try asking your friends and family for help.

Surrogate R. Santa


27 Sep 12 - 12:02 PM (#3410928)
Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Gifts & Cards - 2011- NOV 1!
From: Stilly River Sage

We had a pretty good turnout last year, and I think only a couple of parcels went astray or weren't sent. Health and household crises do sometimes arise.

In mid-October I'll go ahead and start another thread for Secret Santa 2012. Don't sign up here. This is a heads up - since someone started a thread about christmas mince pies today I am reminded the holidays are just around the corner.

The main points I want to make here are that while most of the gifts arrive on time, there are always a few glitches. If you choose to play, you're welcome, and if something happens to take you out of play, please let me know so I can have an alternate (because we have so many generous Mudcat members who love this game!) step in and take care of the delivery. Don't wait till the last minute, some of these parcels go halfway around the planet and need time if they are to be affordable.

This game goes back quite a few years. For newer members not familiar with it, Here is an old thread with a lot of the games and chatter. People sign out of their Mudcat accounts to post hints or to tease the recipient, but please use a consistent guest name when you post in the threads that will run for this year so the moderators don't accidentally delete posts if they would otherwise look like spam. :)

SRS