# 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:** 22
**Author:** ![Kuizelemartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e19b73/32.png) [@Kuizelemartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kuizelemartz)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2004, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/421 "2004-12-20T20:33:24Z")
I got my present this morning! YAY! But I’m gonna save it for Christmas Eve or Christmas day. I want to cheat a little bit though. Box looks like it was sent from a company and paid by PayPal. OK, lemme put this box back under the tv so I’m not tempted to google the compmany’s name and see what they sell. ---
**Author:** ![Greenback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/2bfe46/32.png) [@Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greenback)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2004, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/422 "2004-12-20T22:15:25Z")
I GOT MY SECRET SANTA!!! And in a moment of absolute spinelessness I opened the package as soon as I got home from the post office. But it was worth it. I got a gadget and chocolate and a water pistol. Now I am on a sugar high, wasting time at the office watching metal balls swing and squirting anyone who dares interrupt me. Thanks **Anaamika**. I’ll be over as soon as I’m fired looking for work 🙂 Merry christmas. ---
**Author:** ![Gail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Gail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gail)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/423 "2004-12-21T04:01:03Z")
My gift arrived from my secret santa today. Yay! Thank you so much, Faithfool…now I feel so…gifted. 🙂 I love the kitten calender and the kitten nightshirt…My daughter, Sandy is definitely jealous of the nightshirt. I immediately filled the snowman salt and pepper shakers. Sandy loved it that there was something for her in the box. The ornaments are on the tree and I’m about to enjoy the hot chocolate. You are a great Secret Santa! Thanks Again. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/424 "2004-12-21T13:32:40Z")
Mine went in the mail last night. Nothing beats pushing the limits of the USPS. To my giftee, the item I was going to send is on backorder, so please accept the gift I sent in leiu of the actual gift, which will be sent as soon as it comes in. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/425 "2004-12-21T13:39:47Z")
Oh, yeah, and please accept my sincirest apologies, as I realised now that I double-checked your post that one of the items is completely wrong. I read your post and took your address down, but got confused on a very important detail. I remembered it was one or the other, and unfortunately I went with “the other”. Maybe you can re-gift it? I’m sorry. I swear this season hasn’t been hectic in the least. On the bright side, my workplace has a matching gifts program, so your half of my donation to the Mercy Hospice has been doubled. Silver linings abound. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Greenback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/2bfe46/32.png) [@Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greenback)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/426 "2004-12-21T14:37:17Z")
I almost forgot to add: The canadian juvenile diabetes foundation received $5 more than I usually give so I have fulfilled my obligations as a SS. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/427 "2004-12-21T14:44:04Z")
Yesterday was a long day. Really long. Left the house at 7 am and didn’t get back until after 10 pm. DeHusband and I had to see DeNiece’s Christmas pageant, which was held in BFE. (No, really! It does exist… way lost in central Alabama, where the roads don’t go.) So there we are, tired and sore from sitting in bad chairs in a high school lunchroom for 3 hours when we pull up to DeHouse. Wait. What’s this? Boxes??? The Amazon Santa has found us and barfed all over our doorstep. Yippee. Glad the order came in, but now all these gifts have to be wrapped. Sigh. We start moving the boxes inside and what do I find? A cushy envelope… Gimmee Gimmee Gimmee - From British Columbia!! **Happy Happy Happy Dance** A Pressie! For Me!!! SQUEEEEEEEEE!! OOOOOOOOOoooo A card. Pretty. From **Ms Macphisto**!! She’s so cool. Ooooo and two boxes, so prettily wrapped… I should save these for Christmas… silver ribbons… They even smell pretty… I’ll just take a little peek. \<\\> TEA!!! I gots TEA! A pretty box of precioussssssss tea! Empress Afternoon Blend. (Afternoon? Please. It was all I could do to wait till this morning. This afternoon was out of the question.) OOOo and look. I got a pretty snowman tin. With Chocolates!!! Oh yeah baby. I am such a happy happy girl! At this point, DeHusband wanders back in the room. I ask him what two things I love bestest in the world. “Ummm Me and your cat?” OK yeah sure, but after that. “Chocolate and Tea.” 😃 So here I am at my desk this morning, soon to break into the tin of chocolates, raising my a nice hot mug ‘o tea to **Ms Macphisto**. My gift is absolutely perfect and lovely. Thank you so very very much. ---
**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 21, 2004, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/428 "2004-12-21T16:48:08Z")
Glad you like the NYC things **mlerose**. I love my gifts from **Misstake** –6 beautifully scented holiday candles, a candle holder and some chocolates. I collect candles, burn candles, and love scented candles. And of course chocolate is always appreciated. Thanks bunches!!! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/429 "2004-12-21T17:49:00Z")
> [@Greenback](#): > > I GOT MY SECRET SANTA!!! > > And in a moment of absolute spinelessness I opened the package as soon as I got home from the post office. But it was worth it. I got a gadget and chocolate and a water pistol. Now I am on a sugar high, wasting time at the office watching metal balls swing and squirting anyone who dares interrupt me. > > Thanks **Anaamika**. I’ll be over as soon as I’m fired looking for work 🙂 > > Merry christmas. You’re very welcome. Just so everyone knows, and doesn’t wonder about Greenback’ balls, I sent him a Newton’s Cradle. Google it, and you’ll say, “Oh, one of \*those \* things.” You quoted me, way back in this thread, saying you agreed with me on the cool gadget thing! So I had to get you something that both looked cool and did something. I got myself one, too, **Greenback** , so now we both have one on our desks. Merry Christmas to you, **Greenback**. ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/430 "2004-12-21T17:59:20Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I love my gifts from **Misstake** –6 beautifully scented holiday candles, a candle holder and some chocolates. I collect candles, burn candles, and love scented candles. And of course chocolate is always appreciated. > > Thanks bunches!!! 😃 You are very welcome! I had a birthday hat and whistle, but they grew legs waiting to be boxed up. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2004, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/431 "2004-12-21T18:43:43Z")
I’ve been gifted. Woo. The custom’s form says, “Food.” Someone knows me very well. 😃 ---
**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:** [December 22, 2004, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/432 "2004-12-22T02:08:15Z")
i got a package from a sneaky santa from denver. no note i could see. but wonders were with in! a wonderful kitty pin! i was just in c c on sat. wonderful store. a kitty box of stationary. what a cool box! it is magnatized!!! so very cool! a wire heart basket of bath products. i do enjoy yardley products. i’m gonna have a great bath time on christmas eve. thank you colorado santa! fear not enchanted state doper… santa is on the way and should be there by thurs; friday latest. ---
**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 22, 2004, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/433 "2004-12-22T06:01:28Z")
Glad to hear you liked the present **DeVena**! Of course, it’s probably pretty hard to go wrong with chocolate and tea, and it’s all local too. Now I just need to (not so) patiently wait for my present to arrive. ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/434 "2004-12-22T14:11:02Z")
Thank you **Hugh Jass** , I love the Texas stuff. I’m sure I’ll have to fight my roommates for the jelly beans. The piggy bank is dareling nad the magnet is nifty and definately Texas sized. The pralines and the koozie are also cool. I was going to wait until Christmas, but I’ve worked the past eight days in a row and thought that I deserved to open something cool before my two exams today and moving out, Again, thank you. I love the stuff. ---
**Author:** ![mlerose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@mlerose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlerose)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/435 "2004-12-22T15:24:05Z")
You’re welcome, **rocking chair**! I had to guess about what you might like and research showed you like posting in threads about cats, so I figured you might like some not-too-cutesy cat stuff. And I’m glad you like the bath stuff, too! I was going to put a card in with the box and I forgot add it before I taped the box up! I’m glad it got there before Christmas. ---
**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 22, 2004, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/436 "2004-12-22T19:05:38Z")
> [@gfloyd](#): > > Thank you **Hugh Jass** , I love the Texas stuff. I’m sure I’ll have to fight my roommates for the jelly beans. The piggy bank is dareling nad the magnet is nifty and definately Texas sized. The pralines and the koozie are also cool. > > I was going to wait until Christmas, but I’ve worked the past eight days in a row and thought that I deserved to open something cool before my two exams today and moving out, > > Again, thank you. I love the stuff. Woo hoo! ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/437 "2004-12-22T20:11:40Z")
> [@Gail](#): > > My gift arrived from my secret santa today. Yay! > > Thank you so much, Faithfool…now I feel so…gifted. 🙂 > > I love the kitten calender and the kitten nightshirt…My daughter, Sandy is definitely jealous of the nightshirt. > > I immediately filled the snowman salt and pepper shakers. Sandy loved it that there was something for her in the box. The ornaments are on the tree and I’m about to enjoy the hot chocolate. > > You are a great Secret Santa! Thanks Again. So glad that you and your daughter loved it **Gail**! I was hoping I’d done alright. Besides, I thought those salt and pepper shakers were so neat with the snow globes inside. I was tempted, I tell you. 😛😉 Wishing you all the very best and I was thrilled to be your Secret Santa. 😃 Can’t wait until this time again next year!! But I’m still hoping that mine will fess up soon… \< putting on my psychic hat and consulting my fabulous tarot cards \> “I’m visualizing a K and an L. We have one in the Doper audience?” \< thus endeth my special abilities \> MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHT NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! {{{hugs, hot chocolate and happiness}}} ---
**Author:** ![monica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a183cd/32.png) [@monica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monica)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2004, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/438 "2004-12-22T23:54:44Z")
Mine has 2 days left to arrive ( I think- do they deliver on Christmas)? ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2004, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/439 "2004-12-23T00:11:22Z")
I’m getting very excited, but there was nothing in this morning’s (Thursday’s) post. So unless mine arrives tomorrow (Christmas Eve), I’ll have to wait until next week to see what my Secret Santa has got me. ---
**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 23, 2004, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269/440 "2004-12-23T02:25:13Z")
Thank you **Greenback**! Someone came pounding on my door about an hour ago, and it turned out to be a very bored-looking postal worker bearing a big colourful box. I have no willpower whatsoever when it comes to opening presents, so I tore it open right away. Well, the lack of willpower plus the fact that I’m heading straight to the airport after work tomorrow and I’m already going to be lugging around an astounding amount of stuff for a four-day trip, so if I didn’t open it today I wouldn’t get to until after Christmas. The coffee is very much appreciated (and very good - I’m drinking some right now), though I had to laugh when I looked at the package and saw it was roasted right here in Victoria. Merry Christmas everyone! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-secret-santa-2004-exchange-new-with-improvements/276269.md?page=23)