# 2019 Secret Santa Exchange (express lane version) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 17, 2019, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589 "2019-11-17T22:34:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/121 "2019-12-20T19:44:45Z")
> [@BludgeonMeSoftly](#): > > Specifically they are Bob’s Sweet Stripe soft peppermint candies that come in a giant box at the store. They smell yummy and look so festive. Best peppermints ever! ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/122 "2019-12-21T05:21:00Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > Ok…so…the last little thing I wanted to include with my gift finally arrived today, everything is wrapped and ready to go out tomorrow. Should still make it there before Christmas! > To celebrate finally getting with the program, I opened my gift from **Sir T-Cups**. > > As I type this I am having a nice cup of Pomegranate tea from the Disney’s Wonderland Mad Hatter Tea collection in a really fun Jack Skellington mug. What could be better than Disney Tea? > > I also received… > > A RunDisney cooling towel…perfect for hot Sacramento summers. I am hoping to be healthy enough to start running again by spring, so this will definitely come in handy. > > A Xavier University pizza cutter…will be putting that to the test soon! > > A Universal Orlando AP button…going on my tote bag that has like 25 buttons on it already! > > I love all of it, **Sir T**. Thank you! Yay! Glad it came ok and you liked it. I was able to come home today to a package where I thought “Wait a minute, I know that name! I know that city!” Who knew that we would pick each other! As tempted as I am to tear it open now, Mrs. Cups and myself don’t have a lot under the tree this year, so I’m keeping it there until the big day. I’ll come back and report on Christmas. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/123 "2019-12-21T05:43:26Z")
> [@Edward\_The\_Head](#): > > Well the system went a bit screwy then, or purple is hoarding gifts! :eek: I got purple as well. > > Edit: was supposed to be a joke, I know such things are a pain to set up. Sorry if it looked like I was being greedy! There was an odd number of participants and couldn’t find another way around it, especially since I tried not to match people with whoever they got last year. I twisted myself into knots (which is why they got sent to y’all so late) and didn’t even realize it would look kinda bad until it was far too late. Of course long afterwards, I figured out a better solution … like thinking of the right thing to say a day later. Which I also do a lot. That was all a long way to say I’m really sorry about all the confusion and consternation that I caused. Wish I could get a do-over. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/124 "2019-12-21T13:20:26Z")
The person doing all the work deserves a little more!😃 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/125 "2019-12-21T13:23:57Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Sorry if it looked like I was being greedy! There was an odd number of participants and couldn’t find another way around it, especially since I tried not to match people with whoever they got last year. > > I twisted myself into knots (which is why they got sent to y’all so late) and didn’t even realize it would look kinda bad until it was far too late. > > Of course long afterwards, I figured out a better solution … like thinking of the right thing to say a day later. Which I also do a lot. > > That was all a long way to say I’m really sorry about all the confusion and consternation that I caused. Wish I could get a do-over. No prob! Everyone got presents, so don’t give it another thought. 🙂 When are you going to open MINE??? ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/126 "2019-12-21T16:39:37Z")
I’m trying really, really hard to Do Not Touch Until Christmas™ so that I’ll have actual gifts to unwrap on the big day. In the meantime, the box is right at eye level where I see it constantly. Gives me the warm fuzzies each time. I’m pretty good at extracting the maximum pleasure from the little things in life! ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/127 "2019-12-21T17:01:25Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I’m trying really, really hard to Do Not Touch Until Christmas™ so that I’ll have actual gifts to unwrap on the big day. In the meantime, the box is right at eye level where I see it constantly. Gives me the warm fuzzies each time. > > I’m pretty good at extracting the maximum pleasure from the little things in life! Ok. My hat is off to your self-control. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/128 "2019-12-21T17:44:43Z")
I think this thread is a good example of who would pass the marshmallow test and who wouldn’t. Yo, gonna eat that? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2019, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/129 "2019-12-21T20:01:38Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > I think this thread is a good example of who would pass the marshmallow test and who wouldn’t. Yo, gonna eat that? 😃 I will DEFINITELY eat it! The future is uncertain. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![slightly\_askew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@slightly\_askew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slightly_askew)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2019, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/130 "2019-12-22T02:59:51Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Yay! Came home to a lovely package from **slightly askew**! I very briefly thought about waiting but I was overcome by my inner 6 year old, sooo… > A beautiful pottery mug from a local artist and some home made peanut brittle! > [SDSSGE 2019 Goodies - Imgur](https://imgur.com/JFrylpe) > Aaaand, a homemade ornament which is already on the tree! > [Snowman in the Tree! SDSSGE 2019. - Imgur](https://imgur.com/J3Ux9Vo) > > Finally, a lovely card for the mantle. Thank you so much, I will enjoy the mug with my morning coffee on weekends (Now my official weekend mug) and the brittle is delicious! > FWIW, Ella our resident Hellcat must have smelled your cats on the box as she gave it a good going over! 🙂 Hurray! Glad that the package got there and that you like everything. Always get so nervous sending packages off into the unknown. Yes, the kitties did help me pack everything up. I think if you look closely on one of the box flaps, there are some teeth marks on it from when [Tini](https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/golightlyone/WIN_20180914_12_40_55_Pro_zpsl8o214fb.jpg) was chewing on it. Won’t have access to mail until after Christmas, but I will be looking forward to a New Year’s present. ---
**Author:** ![BludgeonMeSoftly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c89c15/32.png) [@BludgeonMeSoftly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BludgeonMeSoftly)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2019, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/131 "2019-12-22T04:18:50Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > while celebrating beethoven’s birthday yest., i was informed that i had a package. > > indeed santa had landed (there by giving me sleigh access). i opened the box to the delight of the fur faces. the box contained: > > cat colouring book with colour pencils > eye and foot mask > flashlight > a pen that looks to me like an elephant trunk > 3 hand crèmes from crabtree and evelyn; how on earth did you know nantucket briar was my favourite!?! > puffer peppermints > > i am using the st nicholas day loophole and will start colouring on the 19th! > > thank you very, very much, bludgeonmesoftly! i always trust the sdmb secret santa! You’re very welcome RC! I’m so glad that I chose so well for you. PS your elephant trunk pen is magnetic, and I find those very handy to take notes in the kitchen ---
**Author:** ![BludgeonMeSoftly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c89c15/32.png) [@BludgeonMeSoftly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BludgeonMeSoftly)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2019, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/132 "2019-12-22T04:20:19Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > Best peppermints ever! You are correct and make good life choices! ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2019, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/133 "2019-12-22T14:31:05Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Sorry if it looked like I was being greedy! There was an odd number of participants and couldn’t find another way around it, especially since I tried not to match people with whoever they got last year. No worries, I was just giving you a ribbing. 😃 Which is why I did the edit, I knew it sounded a bit jerckish if I left it. I was a bit worried that someone would get missed, but since they didn’t we’re all good. 🆒 You can open the box if you want, everything is wrapped. The card doesn’t give anything away. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2019, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/134 "2019-12-22T18:12:08Z")
> [@slightly\_askew](#): > > Hurray! Glad that the package got there and that you like everything. Always get so nervous sending packages off into the unknown. > > Yes, the kitties did help me pack everything up. I think if you look closely on one of the box flaps, there are some teeth marks on it from when [Tini](https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/golightlyone/WIN_20180914_12_40_55_Pro_zpsl8o214fb.jpg) was chewing on it. > > Won’t have access to mail until after Christmas, but I will be looking forward to a New Year’s present. According to the tracking it should be there on the 24th, I hope everything arrives safely. Tini is cute, and definitely not a hint of trouble in those ideas at all! Thank you again, and thanks to **PHS** for putting this together!! ---
**Author:** ![Das\_Glasperlenspiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/das_glasperlenspiel/32/2944_2.png) [@Das\_Glasperlenspiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Das_Glasperlenspiel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2019, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/135 "2019-12-23T18:12:48Z")
I just got a package from Emily G! Overgrown child that I am, I had to open it immediately! Inside were: - chocolate from Montreal (which promptly was hidden from Himself) - two lovely handmade ornaments - a sparkly snowman and one featuring Montreal landmarks - which promptly went on my Christmas tree - beads! I can never have too many beads! Thank you, Emily G, and have a wonderful Christmas! And thank you to Purple Horseshoe for organizing! ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2019, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/136 "2019-12-23T18:21:00Z")
Awwww…I JUST saw this Next year. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2019, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/137 "2019-12-23T22:25:31Z")
> [@Das\_Glasperlenspiel](#): > > I just got a package from Emily G! Overgrown child that I am, I had to open it immediately! Inside were: > > - chocolate from Montreal (which promptly was hidden from Himself) > - two lovely handmade ornaments - a sparkly snowman and one featuring Montreal landmarks - which promptly went on my Christmas tree > - beads! I can never have too many beads! > > Thank you, Emily G, and have a wonderful Christmas! And thank you to Purple Horseshoe for organizing! Glad you got the package 😃 Merry Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/138 "2019-12-25T10:12:00Z")
Happy Christmas all! I’m away for a few days visiting family, the postie hadn’t dropped anything round before I left, so I didn’t open mine before Christmas day 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/139 "2019-12-25T13:24:37Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > Yay! Glad it came ok and you liked it. > > I was able to come home today to a package where I thought “Wait a minute, I know that name! I know that city!” Who knew that we would pick each other! > > As tempted as I am to tear it open now, Mrs. Cups and myself don’t have a lot under the tree this year, so I’m keeping it there until the big day. > > I’ll come back and report on Christmas. Merry Christmas to all and to all…um…read the cool things I got! The first thing I saw was some Blue Diamond Almonds. Did you know a majority of almonds are manufactured in Sacramento? I sure didn’t! I can guarantee you these will be eaten before the day is out (and most of it will be by Mrs. Cups). Or maybe I can use the almonds in a hilarious cookbook called “Cooking with a Serial Killer”. Not only are there actual recipies in here, but also information on a Sacramento-based serial killer that I now have to research. This is going to be fun… While I’m doing that I can munch on some delicious local chocolates! I almost feel bad eating them because they’re really, really pretty. Finally, I have two sports items to show off! The first is a T-shirt from the Sacramento River Cats, the AAA baseball team and some really, really awesome coasters from the local soccer club! I love coasters and actually have a few sets that I rotate out, I’ll add this one to the bunch! Thank you so so much! Merry Christmas! ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2019, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589/140 "2019-12-25T14:32:43Z")
I opened the awesome gift from **Carnut** this morning! Even as I type this, my feet are cozily ensconced in a pair of aloe-infused green fuzzy socks with nutcrackers on them and I am wearing the beautiful earrings whose colors look like the Northern Lights (the viewing of which are on my bucket list). Also included are some-yummy looking local chocolates, a pair of coffee-themed socks that will be the envy of the other members of the descriptive coffee analysis panel I’m part of for the J.M. Smucker Co., and one of those Swedish wiping towel thingies (also coffee-themed). Thank you so much! I hope my Santee received the package I sent. It was supposed to have arrived before today, but ya never know with the USPS. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-secret-santa-exchange-express-lane-version/843589.md?page=8)