# SDMB Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2017 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 5, 2017, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841 "2017-11-05T23:06:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![justanothermike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@justanothermike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justanothermike)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/141 "2017-12-23T19:40:44Z")
@Tripler - So, you don’t know me, and if you did you’d know that I’m not one to get excited by things. My wife and I are new to Christmas but we knew last year at our first Christmas that we should just open gifts at the same time so that there was no pressure on me for my immediate reaction. If you’re familiar with “love languages” gifting is probably my strongest one. I love giving gifts. I love trying to really get a person and to figure out what it is that will really make them light up, and I’ve been really good at it in my life. However, people have always had a hard time figuring out who I am at that same level and therefore have low expectations of gifts and stifle my reactions so as not to get hurt by it. That’s the honest truth. I think I’m usually on the defensive from the moment I open a gift and even if I like something my reactions are therefore usually muted. With that said I got your box today. I opened it up with my usual low expectations because people that know me don’t often get me something that really hits me, so what are the chances here, right? Well my friend (you’re now my friend, you have no choice), you get me, lol. I love a good story. I told my life story on a 9 part podcast series. I now help other people with a similar life to tell theirs. So story is important to me. Your letter is funny and engaging and really got me excited about the contents of the box. And yeah, I type mine out too so people can actually read them ;). After reading your letter, I read the included sheet about the [redacted] that you got me. W-H-O-A that is cool!!! The story behind it is tremendous, as is your involvement with [redacted] and the subsequent legitimacy of this find. Very cool. The pint glass of this particular science hero is really cool too. Heck, the box it comes in alone is fun to read. I loved the disclaimer on the bottom about the ink on the glass and the ridiculous California standards for warning me about it. It is as if I could feel the warm noodly one himself in my presence as I gazed upon the magnificence of the [redacted] and accompanying pint glass. Truly a noodly miracle indicative of this season!!! Thanks Tripler, your story and presentation actually got me excited about this gift as I unwrapped everything. My wife had fun watching me open it. It isn’t often that I am truly blown away by the cool factor of a gift. I love things like this! ---
**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 24, 2017, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/142 "2017-12-24T00:26:58Z")
A Christmas Miracle courtesy of **Silvorange**! The doorbell rang this morning and Lo and Behold! A package from Loo-Vul, KY! I really did think I would wait until Christmas morning but then I remembered that I would be with the Outlaws so, I tore it open like the 8 y.o I am at heart. A lovely note explaining that the contents were all things Kentucky, which may now displace Florida as my Favorite State (Sorry Reepicheep, although I have a Flamingo Aloha shirt that’s one of my favorites!) A box of Rebecca Ruth’s Chocolate Bourbon Ball Chocolate Candy which I am saving (somehow) until Boxing Day. A lovely collection of assorted Bourbon smoked Sea salt, Pepper, Sugar, Paprika, Mint Julep Sugar, and Vanilla Bourbon Sugar. I will be making some cocktails and baking with these and I’m quite looking forward to it! A package of Modjeskas (marshmallows enrobed in caramel), something I have never had before and I love the attached story that came along with them! Definitely not something you should eat if you’re diabetic but Day-um they are tasty! I begrudgingly shared one with SWMBO and will savour the rest over the holidays. A coffee mug with the caption “Move over coffee, this is a job for Bourbon!” Which is going to be my new work mug plus a package of Kentucky Mountain Coffee that smells divine! Finally, a crimson red t-shirt that shows the outline of the State and the caption , “Gettin’ Lucky in Kentucky” and you can bet your boots I’ll be wearing that sooner than later! Thank you so much **Silvorange** for my gifts which I absolutely love. You couldn’t have picked them better, and you have my Gratitude for taking time to organize this! I truly hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and New Year which I extend to everyone who participated. Thank you Dopers for making my faith in Humanity a little bit stronger! ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/143 "2017-12-24T00:45:45Z")
I am so participating in this next year. Merry Christmas! ---
**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 24, 2017, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/144 "2017-12-24T01:56:26Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I am so participating in this next year. Merry Christmas! This was my first year and it was fantastic! ---
**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 24, 2017, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/145 "2017-12-24T03:21:18Z")
I finally opened all my lovely gifts from **ThelmaLou**! It was a TexMex Christmas! I received some amazing jewelry, earrings and a bracelet, made right in San Antonio. They were purchase at the Peace Market from the artist! I also receive some yummy treats, some made in Texas, some in Mexico. A coffee mug with a variety of local coffees, a tortilla warmer, and a lovely bar of soap. Thank you so much, **ThemaLou**. Your gifts certainly brightened my day! ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/146 "2017-12-24T04:56:55Z")
**justanothermike** , fantastic!! I was concerned when I left for ABQ to pick up my folks that it might not arrive on time for Christmas due to. . . _ahem_ misconceptions about [redacted] hazards. I’m thrilled you like it! I too appear on a podcast, but that was years ago, and hosted by a favorite of mine: Clay S. Jenkinson. We have more in common than you know. Triper [redacted] [redacted] Merry Christmas [redacted] :D! ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/147 "2017-12-24T06:20:48Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Thank you so much **Silvorange** for my gifts which I absolutely love. You couldn’t have picked them better, and you have my Gratitude for taking time to organize this! I truly hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and New Year which I extend to everyone who participated. Thank you Dopers for making my faith in Humanity a little bit stronger! I’m so glad you liked everything, and I can’t believe it got there before Christmas! I will update the “received” count tomorrow. I’ve gotten a bit behind since my computer died a few days ago. ---
**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/148 "2017-12-24T08:03:46Z")
Oh boy! I got my package from **Freckafree** tonight, long after the family had gone to bed, I decided to check the front porch _just in case_ UPS had made a late delivery, and indeed, they had! And it’s a good thing too, because the first thing out of the box was a delectable-looking chocolate-covered marshmallow with sprinkles, and my kids would have definitely gotten the lion’s share of that! And two _lighted_ crochet hooks in very hard-to-find sizes! They are the sort of hooks that you’d use to make little stuffed animals or toys, and I know I’ll find a lot of good use for them. The last thing I unwrapped is a wonderful white binder for my sheet music, with a sort of stylized tree made out of musical symbols on it. I love all of it! (( **freckafree** )) ---
**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 24, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/149 "2017-12-24T13:57:44Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > I finally opened all my lovely gifts from **ThelmaLou**! > > It was a TexMex Christmas! > > I received some amazing jewelry, earrings and a bracelet, made right in San Antonio. They were purchase at the Peace Market from the artist! > > I also receive some yummy treats, some made in Texas, some in Mexico. A coffee mug with a variety of local coffees, a tortilla warmer, and a lovely bar of soap. > > Thank you so much, **ThemaLou**. Your gifts certainly brightened my day! I"m so glad you liked all the things I sent, Rhiannon. 🙂 It was so much fun picking them out. (You can even steam veggies in that tortilla warmer–pretty cool, eh?) ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/150 "2017-12-24T18:53:29Z")
Tracking says mine is still in transit. I gave it 20 days, which was the best I could do after purchasing and boxing up. I mailed internationally, so I guess it just didn’t make it. I was warned that even though it usually took 8 or 9 days, it could get held at customs, legally, for as long as 31 days. I’m not sure why it would get held, though. I also haven’t received anything. Not that it matters in particular to me since I don’t celebrate Christmas. I figured it wouldn’t get here before the end of Hanukkah on the 20th, so when it gets here, it gets here. My birthday is Jan 7. If it comes in time for that, I’m good. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/151 "2017-12-24T19:05:02Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Tracking says mine is still in transit. I gave it 20 days, which was the best I could do after purchasing and boxing up. I mailed internationally, so I guess it just didn’t make it. I was warned that even though it usually took 8 or 9 days, it could get held at customs, legally, for as long as 31 days. I’m not sure why it would get held, though. > > I also haven’t received anything. Not that it matters in particular to me since I don’t celebrate Christmas. I figured it wouldn’t get here before the end of Hanukkah on the 20th, so when it gets here, it gets here. My birthday is Jan 7. If it comes in time for that, I’m good. International can take a while. We sometimes run well into January because of that. When I am assigning Santas, generally I make it so the international senders are international recipients as well, on top of trying to have the US folks matched to people from non-contiguous states, and preferably very different parts of the country. ---
**Author:** ![justanothermike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@justanothermike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justanothermike)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/152 "2017-12-25T03:11:15Z")
I was so excited earlier that I forgot to thank you, Silvorange, for putting this together. Thanks for your hard work! I know this has been so much fun for BludgeonMeSoftly and I as we take our first steps into this part of our new world. You’ve inspired me to maybe do something similar with all the people I’ve met in my new life as well. So thank you for doing this. You’re doing a good thing. 🙂 ---
**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, 2017, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/153 "2017-12-25T13:12:19Z")
Merry Christmas, Dopers! I just opened my package from **Melondeca**! She sent me a really cute handpainted papier mache kitty (squee!) box. His expression is a classic SDMB eye-roll. Perfect! She also sent me a gorgeous purple bracelet from a microbusiness that benefits women in Uganda. While I mentioned that I love jewelry, I did not mention that I am a beader, so I particularly love, love, love that it is made of handmade paper beads (which is what I thought when I opened the bag, but I went to the website – [beadsforlife.com](http://beadsforlife.com) – to make sure.) Thank you, **Melondeca** , for your thoughtful and beautiful gifts! ---
**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, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/154 "2017-12-25T15:31:50Z")
I screwed up the link. Here 'tis: [www.beadforlife.org](http://www.beadforlife.org) ---
**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, 2017, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/155 "2017-12-26T01:55:09Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > A Secret Santa gift from Hockey Monkey. > > On the top was a beautiful card. With glitter! > > You know, I love the Secret Santa event. Mostly Dopers appear as words on a monitor. But, when you participate in Secret Santa, it is like we now have a bond. I remember the gifts I sent and have received. And the folks that sent them. Gracias Silvorange! > > Getting back to the Monkey’s package. The packing material was 197 (maybe an exaggeration) disposable shopping bags. The perfect size for my waste receptacle. But, more than I can use. However, I have a friend that has a store. And he will recycle them to his customers. > > Digging deeper I found some delicious chocolate pecan pralines. I have been pigging out on them. > > Then comes a fruit cake. I haven’t sampled it yet. I will take it to a friend’s house to share. The Monkey assures me that this is no ordinary fruit cake. Says that it is the “gold Standard” of fruit cakes. Produced in the Monkey’s hometown. I will report back after the sampling. > > Gracias Hockey Monkey. We have now bonded. I have touched items you have touched. > > And thank you for playing Secret Santa! YAY! Tracking on it has been silent since Dec 14 so I was afraid it wouldn’t arrive. I apologize for all the bags, but I didn’t want the items to shift around, and was out of newspaper. I thought the chocolate praline would be an acceptable substitution for fudge and am glad you like it. I hope the fruitcake lives up to my hype. ---
**Author:** ![melondeca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@melondeca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melondeca)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/156 "2017-12-26T03:25:15Z")
> [@freckafree](#): > > Merry Christmas, Dopers! I just opened my package from **Melondeca**! She sent me a really cute handpainted papier mache kitty (squee!) box. His expression is a classic SDMB eye-roll. Perfect! She also sent me a gorgeous purple bracelet from a microbusiness that benefits women in Uganda. While I mentioned that I love jewelry, I did not mention that I am a beader, so I particularly love, love, love that it is made of handmade paper beads (which is what I thought when I opened the bag, but I went to the website – [beadsforlife.com](http://beadsforlife.com) – to make sure.) > > Thank you, **Melondeca** , for your thoughtful and beautiful gifts! I’m so glad you enjoyed your gifts. I must admit that I did a little online snooping and found the jewelry you make. It is stunning! You are so talented. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/157 "2017-12-26T21:41:17Z")
6 to go, I think, with some long journeys involved. It’s only the 2nd of the 12 days of Christmas! I’ve barely started planning a late Christmas party for January 6th, myself. 1. ThelmaLou --\> Rhiannon8404 2. Swampspruce --\> carnut 3. Hockey Monkey --\> harmonicamoon 4. Filbert --\> Nayna 5. carnut --\> Sir T-cups 6. Anaglyph 7. EmilyG --\> Tripler 8. melondeca --\> freckafree 9. Nayna --\> EmilyG 10. The Butterfly’s Ghost 11. justanothermike --\> ThelmaLou 12. BludgeonMeSoftly --\> Rocking Chair 13. rocking chair 14. harmonicamoon 15. Sarabellum1976 --\> slightly askew 16. Tripler --\> justanothermike 17. Rhiannon8404 --\> BludgeonMeSoftly 18. slightly askew --\> Reepicheep 19. purplehorseshoe --\> melondeca 20. Sir T-cups --\> purplehorseshoe 21. Silvorange --\> swampspruce 22. Reepicheep --\> Hockey Monkey 23. TruCelt 24. RivkahChaya 25. freckafree --\> Sarabellum1976 ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/158 "2017-12-26T22:46:25Z")
I have received mine, but haven’t opened it yet. Mine sent overseas has not arrived yet, so I’ll wait and open it after that person gets theirs. ---
**Author:** ![Anaglyph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Anaglyph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaglyph)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2017, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/159 "2017-12-28T10:17:06Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > I have received mine, but haven’t opened it yet. Mine sent overseas has not arrived yet, so I’ll wait and open it after that person gets theirs. Glad to know it arrived! ---
**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 28, 2017, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841/160 "2017-12-28T12:07:02Z")
The Doper Secret Santa thing is a fabulous idea. I had no idea it could be so much fun. WTG, Silverorange! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-secret-santa-gift-exchange-2017/800841.md?page=9)