# The Straight Dope Secret Santa 2004 Exchange! New, with Improvements! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 23, 2004, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269 "2004-11-23T14:10:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Sean\_Factotum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sean\_Factotum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sean_Factotum)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/361 "2004-12-15T21:58:06Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > Well, I live near the birthplaces of basketball AND volleyball, and a large black ball named for a great General but I don’t think we have any famous authors. > Crap. I was hoping it was me. ☹ UPS sez to check your side door. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/362 "2004-12-15T23:18:51Z")
> [@Sean Factotum](#): > > UPS sez to check your side door. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!! This book looks so COOL! This is perfect timing too. I finish my class on Saturday and I don’t start my next one until 1/8 so I have time to read it too! I’m so excited. I love new books! ---
**Author:** ![Hugh\_Jass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/4da419/32.png) [@Hugh\_Jass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hugh_Jass)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/363 "2004-12-15T23:36:53Z")
> [@tanookie](#): > > That “famous author” wouldn’t perhaps be known for his poetry would he? Well, he’s not really known for his poetry, though he did write poetry. To be more specific, though, IT AINT YOU. heh heh heh ---
**Author:** ![N.Sane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f19dbf/32.png) [@N.Sane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N.Sane)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/364 "2004-12-15T23:38:08Z")
Sorry I haven’t been on in so long–between starting a new job, no computer access right now, and no internet at home, it’s been hard to get online. I’m at the library, which is closing in 14 minutes, so I’ve got to be fast. I got my lovely Secret Santa package in the mail this week. You didn’t put your screen name on the package, but I have this to say: [Gomer Pyle]Thank you! Thank you! Thank you![/Gomer Pyle] Also, I have purchased the items for my giftee, and they will get out in the mail by Saturday at the latest. Cross my heart!!! My charitable donation, if you need to know, went to Toys for Tots. I hope that’s okay. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/365 "2004-12-16T01:05:07Z")
Ok, this isn’t good. Well, actually it is good. Too good. I’m on page 66 and I haven’t even touched my homework. I have to finish my paper on stem cell research but this book is much more interesting. Thanks again Sean Factotum! With every page, I become more and more grateful that I never sent a resume to the Ad Agency at the end of my street 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/366 "2004-12-16T01:13:37Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Your person certainly does like it! > Lindt dark chocolate truffles and scrumptious lavender bubble bath–heaven, I tells ya, heaven. > _(Although LilMiss has already attempted to abscond with the bubble bath. The threat of no pressies for her made her return said bubble bath very fast!)_ Yay! Glad you liked it. ---
**Author:** ![tanookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@tanookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanookie)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/367 "2004-12-16T02:16:52Z")
> [@Hugh Jass](#): > > Well, he’s not really known for his poetry, though he did write poetry. > > To be more specific, though, IT AINT YOU. > > heh heh heh Aw shucks! I’ll go back to accosting the mailman daily then 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ms\_Macphisto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Ms\_Macphisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms_Macphisto)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/368 "2004-12-16T06:16:45Z")
My gift finally made it in the mail today. The deadline for mailing things to the States to have them arrive before Christmas was Dec. 10, so barring a miracle, it will be late, and from what I know of Canada Post and have heard of the USPS, I’m not holding my breath. So, sorry to my giftee, but it will get there eventually. I’ll try not to spill the beans by posting your name, but since a few others have been posting hints, I’ll join in and just say that I’m at least somewhat better at keeping secrets than you are. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Medea\_s\_Child](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Medea\_s\_Child](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Medea_s_Child)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/369 "2004-12-16T12:06:11Z")
I sent mine out yesterday, along with a postcard. It has a long way to go, so it probably won’t make it on time (hence the postcard, which will probably get there first.) I’m debating if donating money directly to people here (I’m in China) counts as a charity - its zero overhead and $5 US is a decent chunk of change for these people. There’s a shanty town area nearby that I walk through pretty frequently and chat with people. If not, I’ll drop off a check with my local humane society when I get back. ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Factotum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sean\_Factotum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sean_Factotum)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/370 "2004-12-16T13:08:27Z")
> [@congodwarf](#): > > Ok, this isn’t good. Well, actually it is good. Too good. I’m on page 66 and I haven’t even touched my homework. I have to finish my paper on stem cell research but this book is much more interesting. Yeah, I forgot to warn you about starting the book if you had other things to do. How late did you stay up reading it? ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/371 "2004-12-16T13:29:37Z")
> [@Sean Factotum](#): > > Yeah, I forgot to warn you about starting the book if you had other things to do. > How late did you stay up reading it? 2:30. Amazingly enough, I’m not tired this morning and I’m actually looking forward to working on my paper tonight. I think it was just the right amount of goofing off that I needed. I hope my giftee likes their gift as much as I like mine! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/372 "2004-12-16T13:38:37Z")
😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 (for the 12 days of Christmas!!) Mine themed package is going out today. But a few things first to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ … [ul] [li]I really, really suck at the wrapping thing. Especially if my resources are limited. So sorry \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ !![/li][li]The boxes are not actually representational of what lies inside. I swear I haven’t sent a Craftsman router, a “diamond” tennis bracelet from Fingerhut and certainly, no checks (in the mail). ;)[/li][li]Finally, there has been not a whit of artistic ability harmed in the presentation of this gift. Everyone is _completely_ safe.[/li][/ul] I don’t know if it will reach \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ before Christmas, although I do have my fingers (and toes and eyes) crossed. If not, I do apologize. I don’t have the funds to express it and I had to wait to purchase said item until there was at least a little money in the bank. So, I hope you enjoy it. It was certainly picked out with love and happy wishes for a great holiday season and new year. [And \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ :D, I know something you don’t know! Bwahahaha and a Ho Ho Ho!] ~Your Secret Santa faithfool ---
**Author:** ![Iceland\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@Iceland\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iceland_Blue)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/373 "2004-12-16T13:49:58Z")
Mine arrived safely today and will be under the tree come Christmas morning and I will not open it till then.I hope my giftee has received theirs.It went out like a week ago at least.It’s probably hovering over the Mid Eastern states by now on its way to… (Well that’d be telling but it has to make it past the hillbillies,the swamps and the incestuous wookey guys named Cletus and Brandine and their squillion kids) ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/374 "2004-12-16T14:10:42Z")
> [@Sean Factotum](#): > > Secret Santas today have it so easy, not like when **Annie** was a kid. You betcha. I forgot to mention I donated $5 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and also picked up a couple of coats at the thrift store that were donated to New York City’s annual coat drive. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/375 "2004-12-16T14:46:50Z")
> [@Medea's Child](#): > > I sent mine out yesterday, along with a postcard. It has a long way to go, so it probably won’t make it on time (hence the postcard, which will probably get there first.) > > I’m debating if donating money directly to people here (I’m in China) counts as a charity - its zero overhead and $5 US is a decent chunk of change for these people. There’s a shanty town area nearby that I walk through pretty frequently and chat with people. If not, I’ll drop off a check with my local humane society when I get back. Put the money where ever you deem important to you. ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/376 "2004-12-16T15:11:04Z")
Mayhaps that famous author wrote On the Road , since he was from Lowell. As was the woman that wrote Nickle and Dimed . Me wonders what I might be getting and if it’s from Texas … Back to the salt mines. ---
**Author:** ![tanookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@tanookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanookie)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/377 "2004-12-16T15:13:07Z")
> [@gfloyd](#): > > Mayhaps that famous author wrote On the Road , since he was from Lowell. As was the woman that wrote Nickle and Dimed . Me wonders what I might be getting and if it’s from Texas … > > Back to the salt mines. Howdy Neighbor 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/378 "2004-12-16T16:22:22Z")
Hihi I actually know someone that lives in Haverhill. My roommate’s( **laurelann** ), boyfriend lives there. ---
**Author:** ![Hugh\_Jass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/4da419/32.png) [@Hugh\_Jass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hugh_Jass)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/379 "2004-12-16T20:10:02Z")
> [@gfloyd](#): > > Mayhaps that famous author wrote On the Road , since he was from Lowell. As was the woman that wrote Nickle and Dimed . Me wonders what I might be getting and if it’s from Texas … > > Back to the salt mines. Hmmmmmm. ---
**Author:** ![Abbie\_Carmichael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@Abbie\_Carmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abbie_Carmichael)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/380 "2004-12-16T21:47:57Z")
Got my package today! Remember that thing I said about waiting until Christmas? Screw it! I have the Martian Death Flu and I want it NOW NOW NOW! _tears into package like crazed weasel_ YES! YES!!! YES!!! I’m glad I didn’t wait to open this because all of these groovy LOGIC PUZZLES will keep me entertained while I’m stuck in the house! And my Secret Santa, who could kick YOUR Secret Santa’s ass, sent me not only a brand-new magazine but THREE BOOKS of them!!! The _beautiful_ Godiva chocolate & caramel bar will have to wait but I have plans for it as soon as my stomach can handle it! It also shows that my Secret Santa did research on me, as I mentioned my caramel addiction in another thread. **Edward the Head** , you rock! Thank you!!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269.md?page=20)