# 2024 Secret Santa is on!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [November 19, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427 "2024-11-19T01:17:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 5

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**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/81 "2024-12-17T20:35:33Z")

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No way! That’s so cool. Tell her I said thanks, and good work.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/82 "2024-12-17T21:59:17Z")

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And now USPS is saying tomorrow by 9PM.

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**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/83 "2024-12-17T22:53:16Z")

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I’ve sent four packages this month. Three of them have or are scheduled to arrive on time. Of course my mother’s package is lost somewhere in CO. Why a package going to Idaho from WV ended up in CO is anyone’s guess but at least they are still tracking it.

I still remember that horrible year when everything was not just late but **LATE!!!**

I have received a very festive looking package from PA. So far it has remained unopened, I like to have something to unwrap at xmas and wrapping presents is just not something that Hubs does. (He forgets my birthday but never forgets to have my car washed and serviced on schedule and unless he’s having health issues, he also takes the trash out.)

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**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/84 "2024-12-18T00:40:33Z")

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Just to comfirm…my package did go out in the mail yesterday.

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**Author:** ![FMera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fmera/32/9857_2.png) [@FMera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FMera)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/85 "2024-12-18T02:23:21Z")

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Sent. It should reach them by end of week!

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**Author:** ![hocow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hocow/32/4112_2.png) [@hocow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hocow)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/86 "2024-12-18T17:03:22Z")

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My package is officially on the way west! Should arrive there by Saturday.

Also, my present arrived safely yesterday! Lots of goodies from Minnesota! Chocolate caramels and malted milk balls, yummy homemade cookies, an adorable Christmas gnome (that makes a cute companion to a similar one already on my mantle!), a cute North Pole potholder/towel for the kitchen, a super fun magnet (I love magnets!), a fabulous “surrounded by ice holes” sticker that will definitely find a home, and (most intriguing) wild chokeberry syrup. I’ve never heard of chokeberry syrup but I’m very excited to try it!

Thank you so much, @carnut!

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/87 "2024-12-18T17:56:32Z")

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I’m starting to feel guilty because I didn’t send lots and lots of stuff.

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**Author:** ![Kitten\_Mitten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b782af/32.png) [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/88 "2024-12-18T18:36:44Z")

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In all my many decades of life, I’ve never mailed/shipped a package so this was a new experience.

I’m pleased to say that the Secret Santa package has been successfully sent on its way. 🎄

And _Happy Birthday_ to **hocow**

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**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\
**Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/89 "2024-12-18T20:54:34Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I’m starting to feel guilty because I didn’t send lots and lots of stuff.

Never feel guilty about doing something thoughtful. My experience with Secret Santa has always entailed small gift(s). Your recipient will surely be thrilled.

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**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/90 "2024-12-19T00:51:58Z")

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> [@Nayna](#):
>
> FairyChatMom

I just got a call from My Beloved, and she says my package from @FairyChatMom has arrived, which I will open when I get home late tonight.

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**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/91 "2024-12-19T08:12:13Z")

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First, I got this note from her saying “I know you asked for something from the heart, but i couldn’t find a pattern for an aortic valve, so I went with cat butt coasters”…and four different colored knitted cat butt coasters, all with tails and little pink cat butts in the center that are cute as hell! 😄  
I also got a wonderful book about “Moll Dyer and Other Witch Tales Of Southern Maryland” by Lynn J. Buonviri, with a St. Mary’s County Historical Society bookmark.  
TRhank you very much!

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/92 "2024-12-19T11:25:14Z")

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Moll Dyer is a big deal hereabouts - the rock with her hand print has been placed outside the historical society and they do Moll Dyer Day every year - I will attend some day! 😉 So I hope you enjoy the book.

And the cat butts are machine washable and dryable, in case your Christmas or New Year’s party gets out of hand. 😃

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**Author:** ![Nayna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ebca7d/32.png) [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/93 "2024-12-19T14:44:59Z")

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Everyone’s gifts sound amazing!!!

To my sender - I’m really sorry, but I just want to relax and have a glass of wine and sufficiently enjoy and appreciate my gifts from you, and I just haven’t had the time to open the package yet!

I’ve simplified the list below. I’m confusing myself! Please let me know if you notice a mistake.

Baker, have you heard from your recipient? It looks like they haven’t posted here since last week, so let’s hope they received your package and have just been too busy to check in.

Baker - mailed  
CairoCarol - mailed, received  
carnut - mailed  
Czarcasm - mailed, received  
FairyChatMom - mailed  
FMera - mailed  
hocow - mailed, received  
JaneDoe42 - mailed  
Kitten\_Mitten - mailed  
Nayna - mailed, received  
purplehorseshoe  
Rhiannon8404 - mailed  
Rilchiam - mailed, received  
rocking\_chair - mailed, received  
WOOKINPANUBv.2 - mailed

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**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 19, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/94 "2024-12-19T14:47:36Z")

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Yup, I’m the slacker.

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**Author:** ![Nayna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ebca7d/32.png) [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/95 "2024-12-19T14:57:29Z")

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It’s all good! I think any of us would be happy to accept a gift any day of the year.

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**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 19, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/96 "2024-12-19T20:32:29Z")

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> [@hocow](#):
>
> wild chokeberry syrup

Chokecherries grow easily in our cold climate. They’re not something eaten fresh because they are very tart but the syrup and jam is fun to play with. Drizzle over pancakes, pound cake, or even pork chops. The Ice Holes sticker made me laugh and laugh. Ice fishing is taken very seriously by some folks. The cookies are called Dreams or Drömmar and I love the way they almost melt in my mouth. I made those the morning I shipped the package.

A short story about the grocery bag. It was supposed to have been something similar that I forgot to put in the grocery bag that I used to transport everything to the post office. But without that additional item, the box was too loose and I feared for the cookies survival. So in went the new, handy, folding grocery bag instead. It was perfect. It comes from a local, semi-luxury grocery chain. Use and reuse in good health! Merry Christmas!

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**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 19, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/97 "2024-12-19T21:32:09Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I’m starting to feel guilty because I didn’t send lots and lots of stuff

Absolutely do not feel guilty about this. While I usually send lots of stuff, the stuff I send tends to be kitsch, humorous small stuff and always includes something that I have enjoyed and sent on for someone else to enjoy. Truly, it’s the thought that counts.

In other news, I have received two boxes from @Baker . I just retrieved them from my mailbox. Baker discovered that I had given Nanya the wrong zip code (senility setting in) and the postal worker saved the day and sent them to the right zip code. I’ll open them once clear some space in here and finish my weekly meal prep work.

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**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/98 "2024-12-19T21:47:19Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I’m starting to feel guilty because I didn’t send lots and lots of stuff.

Me too. I sent a bag of goat milk salted caramels, produced up the street from me - they sound hideous but they are to die for - and mamaki-infused salt, also a locally produced goody. (Mamaki is an indigenous Hawaiian plant very popular for tea-making.)

Both elegant and delicious, I hope, but … only two items 🙁 so I am embarrassed now.

Just you wait, NEXT YEAR I will out-Secret-Santa all of you!

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**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\
**Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/99 "2024-12-20T01:25:42Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> Yup, I’m the slacker.

Shush, you. Nobody who participates in a game of giving is a slacker; it’s not a competition.

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**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 20, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-secret-santa-is-on/1010427/100 "2024-12-20T01:28:25Z")

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I … have received a box. I haz some confusions.

It’s marked as being from West Virginia, so I can _guess_ but there’s no identifying SDMB info, other than an IRL name that my sad trash-can colander memory cannot identify.

Many nicely wrapped items inside, so after opening one (a cat toy!!!) imma treat this like an advent calendar, and unwrap a thing, daily, one at a time.

I assume it’s from my Santa.

(There are firefighter truck calendars as filler … does that identify my Santa?)

ETA: Santa, if that’s you, please let the lovely @Nayna know, so the list can be updated.

… if not, we … uh, will all be confused together.

ETA 2: my box is finalized and will hit the P.O. tomorrow.

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