# SDMB Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2016 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 1, 2016, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371 "2016-11-01T15:58:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/141 "2016-12-26T03:16:48Z")
> [@freckafree](#): > > Just opened my box of goodies from **Hockey Monkey**! Thank you, thank you! I received a very cute reindeer ornament that will be going on the tree forthwith, some yummy-looking comestibles that I will sample later, and a CD of music that looks very interesting. > > Best of all is a magnificent necklace made by **Hockey Monkey** herself! I make jewelry, too, and this is 100% the kind of work that I do NOT do! I hate, hate, hate stringing. The design work is so much more exposed, and it is surprisingly difficult (for me, at least!) to make a multi-strand necklace that is so perfectly balanced. I love the mix of beads, too – Czech pressed glass, some lampwork, some firepolished beads, some druks, and a couple of beautiful enameled links, all in plums and purples. It is truly a gorgeous piece that I will wear with pleasure! Yay you liked it! I forgot to mention in my note that the CD is a sample from a local recording label of all local artists. The mix is \*quite \*diverse. I have not received my package yet, but I’m sure it will get here soon and I will enjoy an extended Christmas. ---
**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 26, 2016, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/142 "2016-12-26T05:32:53Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Wow, swampspruce, what a box! Jerky, chili-raspberry jam, a lovely mug in my namesake purple, a beautiful card, hot cocoa mix, and the obligatory candy cane tucked in to keep the other goodies company. > > Looking forward to all my new snacks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it; I hope you and your family have had a great Christmas! **Silvorange** , Thanks to you for taking the time to do this! Happy New Year All! ---
**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 26, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/143 "2016-12-26T23:14:30Z")
I’m reporting in that Santa, aka Slow Moving Vehicle, got to my home in the (ahem) Nick of time! Thank you SMV. The locally made soap smells wonderful, and the scrubbie thingy (official name in my family) is timely as mine had recently died and not been replaced yet. I’ve hidden the chocolate-covered pecans in my workbag so they’ll come to the office with me tomorrow as an afternoon treat. Love pecans, love chocolate. Can’t go wrong! The wooden yo-yo will also come to work. I’ve already been practicing all those old moves. It appears my skills need some burnishing. Best of all, the bookmark has already been pressed into use and is very happily sitting in the pages of “My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” as I type this. Wonderful book BTW. Thank you for being such a great Santa! ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/144 "2016-12-26T23:48:28Z")
Being something of a traditionalist, I didn’t fully open and explore my package from **racer72** until yesterday. And boy, was it cool! In addition to the aforementioned chocolate-covered cherries, which came from a local company owned by a friend of **racer72** (yes, I said I was off candy, but chocolate + Washington cherries? Yeah, those won’t last long), he sent a cool and colorful Seattle magnet, and a package of locally-made soaps. Because I like to smell pretty, that’s why. Don’t judge. His note also mentioned that he was sending a tee shirt from his employer. I figured that what the heck, I can always use another tee shirt to run in. Well, when I pulled that sucker out, I almost squeed - it was from Boeing! I watch a lot of general aviation and air traffic control videos on YouTube, so a Boeing tee shirt fell right into my “Cool As Hell” zone. Thanks so much, **racer72**! > [@carnut](#): > > I’m reporting in that Santa, aka Slow Moving Vehicle, got to my home in the (ahem) Nick of time! Thank you SMV. The locally made soap smells wonderful, and the scrubbie thingy (official name in my family) is timely as mine had recently died and not been replaced yet. I’ve hidden the chocolate-covered pecans in my workbag so they’ll come to the office with me tomorrow as an afternoon treat. Love pecans, love chocolate. Can’t go wrong! > > The wooden yo-yo will also come to work. I’ve already been practicing all those old moves. It appears my skills need some burnishing. > > Best of all, the bookmark has already been pressed into use and is very happily sitting in the pages of “My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” as I type this. Wonderful book BTW. > > Thank you for being such a great Santa! So glad you liked it! The bookmark didn’t _quite_ turn out the way I had in mind, but an imperfect present that made it by Christmas was better than a perfect one that didn’t, so I sent it anyway. Glad you like the chocolate-covered pecans - a local product as well - and the yo-yo. You said you liked work _toys_, but you might be plagued by annoying co-workers. The yo-yo started out as a Filipino hunting weapon. Not suggesting anything, just sayin’. ---
**Author:** ![Nayna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ebca7d/32.png) [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/145 "2016-12-27T19:07:01Z")
I spent a long day yesterday bouncing between East Coast airports, and got home late to find a beautiful package from \*\*Bad News Baboon! \*\* Inside was a handmade hat (perfect for my area’s climate!, and gorgeous colors!), a book from a local museum that I can’t wait to read (about … well, it’s hard to describe and I left it at home so I’m going from memory, but the impact and importance of the periodic table. In a cool, fun way!), a chocolate bar (already half-gone), and a lovely note. Thank you, **BBB**! ---
**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 27, 2016, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/146 "2016-12-27T19:11:25Z")
> [@slightly\_askew](#): > > Actually, after seeing all the Disney presents, I was wondering if your username was a reference to a certain amusement park ride. It is, but maybe not in the way you think. Long story short: I hate that ride and constantly get sick on it, yet am perfectly fine riding almost any other coaster. College guys thought that was funny and ended up calling me Teacups because of it. After 4 years the nickname just stuck ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2016, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/147 "2016-12-28T12:48:27Z")
> [@Nayna](#): > > I spent a long day yesterday bouncing between East Coast airports, and got home late to find a beautiful package from \*\*Bad News Baboon! \*\* Inside was a handmade hat (perfect for my area’s climate!, and gorgeous colors!), a book from a local museum that I can’t wait to read (about … well, it’s hard to describe and I left it at home so I’m going from memory, but the impact and importance of the periodic table. In a cool, fun way!), a chocolate bar (already half-gone), and a lovely note. Thank you, **BBB**! My apologies again for being late! In addition to work, I picked a new pattern to try. I hope your holiday was great and that the new year brings much joy! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Butterfly\_s\_Ghost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_butterfly_s_ghost/32/3462_2.png) [@The\_Butterfly\_s\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Butterfly_s_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2016, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/148 "2016-12-30T10:30:29Z")
I got mine yesterday from **Cold Dish**! 🙂 Thank you so very much!!! The Star Wars Santa hat will make my cousin very _very_ envious indeed! 🆒 😃 In addition to the (did I mention very cool!) hat, I got a Missouri magnet (already proudly displayed on my fridge), a Christmas Ornament with the “St. Louis Cardinals” logo on it\*, a T-Shirt sporting the Stars and Strpes (Yeah! 🆒), american candy and strawberry’s seasoning wich I’m especially looking forward to trying. 🙂 All that in a beautiful christmas-sy box. I’m so very happy, thank you very very much!!! 🙂 - I have no clue at all about baseball, but the ornament reminded me that my old school has a softball team called “The Raging Abbots”. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Butterfly\_s\_Ghost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_butterfly_s_ghost/32/3462_2.png) [@The\_Butterfly\_s\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Butterfly_s_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2016, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/149 "2016-12-30T10:36:01Z")
…meanwhile I just checked on the tracking status of the gift I sent out on the 15th. Unfortunately the status hasn’t changed since the 16th when USPS’s tracking system showed that the parcel had been received by German Post. I’ve issued a claim with German Post to inquire where the parcel is. If I haven’t heard back from them next week and the parcel hasn’t been received, I’ll send out a replacement. ---
**Author:** ![melondeca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@melondeca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melondeca)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2016, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/150 "2016-12-31T15:20:42Z")
I’m still waiting patiently (tap, tap, tap), but I’m enjoying reading about all the other gifts. Some of you people are making me feel like a slacker Santa. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2016, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/151 "2016-12-31T16:59:40Z")
We have a small handful of gifts that haven’t arrived yet, but they are going long distances. I know the one I sent has just made it to the right country. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/152 "2016-12-31T20:17:22Z")
My gift went overseas and the recepient is spending the hols elsewhere. Probably should call it a New Year’s present. ---
**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:** [January 3, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/153 "2017-01-03T18:58:04Z")
Or Ukranian Christmas on 7 Jan. Khrystos Rodyvsya! ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2017, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/154 "2017-01-03T20:37:16Z")
My gift from my pinch hitting Santa, **Baker** , arrived today! Thank you so much for offering to be my Santa so I wouldn’t be left out. I got a [box of goodies from Kansas](https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15894293_10154424230161715_1865862500794671956_n.jpg?oh=a1a845c4de7d7e1d51bb8a99cb68623e&oe=5920BDBA)! Inside there were some lovely postcards depicting the Capitol building and scenes from Kansas, a kick-ass rocks glass with the State Seal etched on (which will see action tonight!), a jar of crabapple jelly and a jar of sunflower jelly, a CD with Christmas music from a local artist and a little crystal mousie hiding from a kitty! You are quite right **Baker** , that I’ve never heard of sunflower jelly before. We have kudzu jelly, hot pepper jelly, frog jam and toe jam, but not sunflower! 😛 I will be trying them out maybe as a midnight snack this evening if I can wait that long. I am a jelly/jam fan but my husband is not, so I don’t have to share! ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2017, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/155 "2017-01-03T20:56:11Z")
I forgot to actually say Thank You. Thank you **Baker**! ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2017, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/156 "2017-01-04T01:55:26Z")
I’m so glad you liked the stuff! Finding something with a mouse at short notice was not as easy as I thought it would be, if you don’t count catnip mice. Oh, I think I left the price tags on. Sorry about that. If you haven’t looked yet have hubby do the removal thing. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2017, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/157 "2017-01-07T03:28:32Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Or Ukranian Christmas on 7 Jan. Khrystos Rodyvsya! just got home from christmas eve compline. slavite yoho! ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2017, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/158 "2017-01-08T21:37:38Z")
I had a package arrive from Germany! Thank you, **The Butterfly’s Ghost**! My daughter and I very much enjoyed the postcard of the Cologne Cathedral and the pop-up of the Kranhäuser. We had to look them up to see what they are like in real life. I think she is going to steal my little bottle of the original Eau de Cologne, and she will almost certainly try to get her mitts on the bag of coins from all over the place. We had never seen the Romanian plastic bills before, so that was especially cool! We read the book about the Heinzelmännchen and wished that we had some elves to do all our work for us. We promise that we would never put peas on the floor and scare them away! Thank you again for your thoughtful gift! ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2017, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/159 "2017-01-09T01:16:40Z")
So, has everybody recieved? ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2017, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371/160 "2017-01-09T01:20:50Z")
I think it’s down to the ones going to and coming from the most remote participant. I’m the one who sent one there, and tracking says that it was on the right continent shortly after Christmas, but it has not been delivered. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2016/770371.md?page=9)