ARE WE GONNA DO SANTAS THIS YEAR?
I want to be ready and it's never too early to shop.
Anybody taking over?
I don't know about doing Santa but I usually fuck at least one elf.
;)
Fuck santa and the sleigh he rode in on!
This thread is off to a great start.
It's freaking July. Who the hell thinks about Christmas in July, I mean other than Walmart?
Some people in Oz have Christmas in July. I think that was started by a bunch of foreigners who missed having Christmas in the cold weather.
I always say I don't approve of Christmas in July unless we also have Pentecost in January. Nobody has taken me up on it (even when I don't just get a blank stare).
I'm in this year, last year I didn't have the cash. With this much notice I can budget for it. I can exchange with anyone in Canada (prefered) or the USA.
I don't know about doing Santa but I usually fuck at least one elf.
;)
So, you usually go fuck your elf?
People have been telling me to do that for years....
Gosh, it is awfully early to say. But if I'm still around then, I'll participate. :D
Attention, attention please.
Everyone is designated a Santa and instructed to send an expensive gift to Branna.
That is all.
No.
I mean, no it's not too early to think about it!
I am definitely IN.
Saying that makes me feel I have officially shrugged off my sulk and committed to the Cellar again.
Hey, one sulk in 4 years ain't that bad...?
I would like a serial killers theme please.
I accept it is distasteful and unlikely to happen, but if you don't ask, you don't get!
I'd like Ali to police it, because she had a bad experience last year and it's the best way I can think of to draw her back in. Failing that - and if there are simply no other candidates - I will take control myself. But then you're stuck with serial killers :) Honestly, I will not take any offence if a US candidate is the preferred organiser. I'll pretend it's about time-zones...
I'd like Ali to police it, because she had a bad experience last year and it's the best way I can think of to draw her back in. Failing that - and if there are simply no other candidates - I will take control myself. But then you're stuck with serial killers :) Honestly, I will not take any offence if a US candidate is the preferred organiser. I'll pretend it's about time-zones...
Make me her secret Santa and I promise she will NOT be forgotten. And she will be happy. Well after the slow boat to Down Under sets sail. :D
One of our local radio stations was doing Christmas in July yesterday, and would interject some Christmas music about every hour probably. I'm driving home in my hot ass car (fairly nice weather except from where I was sitting) and thinking "nooooooooo..."
I'll do Secret Santa again. I won't organize, unless you all want things to actually transpire NEXT July.
I'd forgotten it was July to be honest.
Saving my birthday, I think it has rained every day since.
And thunderstorms! Crikey - we used to get them in August - occasionally. We've had thunder and lightning every day this week. Seriously, they were a rare occurence when I grew up, and yet in exactly the same house, they're now the norm.
But, back to OT. Any time, any place, anywhere.
Just let me know.
(Ironically, Carter USM used the slogan in a song about alcoholism. Just so you know).
ETA, found it, love it, love it, love it:
[youtube]txLq-pyxhUs[/youtube]
I'm in but not offering to organise it.
Make me her secret Santa and I promise she will NOT be forgotten. And she will be happy. Well after the slow boat to Down Under sets sail. :D
FTR, Ali was not forgotten and I don't believe she was disappointed. :)
No, I loved the gift you sent Case. :) The nutcracker ornament is actually sitting on my piano still. I didn't bother putting it away with the other christmas decorations. I left it out to remember you by...and I use the cake server all the time, and get lots of comment about it.
My bad experience was definitely nothing to do with the gift or my gifter. :) Anyone that draws Case is a lucky duck.
I will decline SS this year though. :)
Not I. I am happily unemployed. I'll send ya an electronic ecard to anyone that wants one though.:blush:
Actually, I did buy something that I thought I wanted, but then I thought that it would make a great Santa gift for a select number of Cellarites (it's a themed item). So I'm in.
BTW, SS does not have to be expensive. My gift cost only a bit more than lunch at McDonalds (not counting S&H). It's a commercial mass-produced item from a discount site, but unique and well suited to a group with a certain theme. So it's possible to participate without breaking a budget. The amount of the gift is not important, only the effort that goes into it.
Inexpensive does not have to mean unthoughtful.
FTR, Ali was not forgotten and I don't believe she was disappointed. :)
Oh, my bad. I read into the post by SG.
BTW, SS does not have to be expensive. My gift cost only a bit more than lunch at McDonalds (not counting S&H). It's a commercial mass-produced item from a discount site, but unique and well suited to a group with a certain theme. So it's possible to participate without breaking a budget. The amount of the gift is not important, only the effort that goes into it.
Inexpensive does not have to mean unthoughtful.
A gift card at McDonalds is all I could afford YET somehow I think a McDonalds giftcard would not be very thoughtful. I know that isn't what you meant though.:)
I'll be thinking of something inexpensive yet theme -y
No, I loved the gift you sent Case. :) The nutcracker ornament is actually sitting on my piano still. I didn't bother putting it away with the other christmas decorations. I left it out to remember you by...and I use the cake server all the time, and get lots of comment about it.
My bad experience was definitely nothing to do with the gift or my gifter. :) Anyone that draws Case is a lucky duck.
I will decline SS this year though. :)
I am still so pleased that you liked my gift. :)
As I do not know anyone very well, is it possible to have everyone do a small questionnaire of sorts? I would hate to give someone something they would not like at all.
Simple questions like : what is your favorite colour, what kind of music do you listen to, do you like to cook and if so are you a gadget type person, do you have room for knick knacks, how into christmas themed things are you, and if so is it it the Christian side or the commercial side.. etc.....
Just send them a live goat, if they don't like it they can eat it.;)
Jaydaan, if you don't get me, you can PM me and I can probably point you to posts of interest for your Santee.
Mostly it's for fun: a lot of people like things that are from where you live: local treats or knick-knacks.
Send them something they can wear and play with: A pair of jeans with a hole in the pockets.
I can organize if you want. And I won't be offended if you don't want.
OMG y'all, it's July, fer Chrissakes.
[size=1]I mean, it'll be at least another three months before the annual obligatory "I know I'm a newb but I've been around a few months and I promise I'm good for it" person even registers.[/size]
It is? July? already? Dayum
Atually, it almost August! Just 4 more days and we'll have a party for all the horses!
:lol2: I know, the year is going by too quickly! My life is slipping through my fingers... :(
151 days til Christmas. If you have a family, budgeting is important :)
In my case 11 paydays So 2 pressies per cheque or so. Knowing about this now also gets my butt in gear for all the other gifts I need to get.
Christmas is usually the most depressing time of year for me. Everything bad that's ever happened to me seems to have come close to that holiday. Every year I say I'm gonna have a joyous holiday, but it never seems to work. I was on somewhat of a roll last year and I had a heart attack. Was in the hospital from 12-17 to 12-23 I think it was.
However... I will try even harder this year.
Capnhowdy my husbands bad time was in Feb every year for about 15 years. Then he said to me, " it's gonna happen anyway, so lets just make sure we have some $$ in the bank, insurance up to date and be prepared for the worst" So we did. And nothing major happened! Just acknowledging the fact that he could not change or stop most of the things that happened made it not so bad. We went through the month (and the month after) saying " well we had a great week, lets do it again next week" I guess what we really did was change our perspective. :)
I will say one thing about your last Christmas, it WAS a joyous Christmas to you and your loved ones..... you LIVED! and most likely learned how to help yourself stay healthier. Don't try harder... that never seems to work.
Instead find little things that will matter to you and your loved ones, and do those instead. One thing we did (especially when we were broke, and now its tradition) is our version of the 12 days of christmas. We would pick one thing to do as a family each day for the 10 days up to christmas eve (christmas eve and christmas day were 2 and 1 for us ) ie:
decorate the tree
make cookies
make and write christmas cards
wrap presents
go tobogganing
go for a hay ride
go look at lights,
go to the movies (or grab a movie and stay in)
go out for hot chocolate and donuts,
host a dinner party,
go skating at the free rink
go swimming at the rec centre
take the cameras out, and go picture hunting
volunteer at the food bank,
take some of those cookies we made to an old folks home,
go play with animals at the SPCA, feed and brush some who need love too
Lovely words, Jaydaan. And I don't know the Cap'n's personal situation...
But it doesn't work for people like me.
Christmas is better now I'm back with the 'rents. But that carries its own stigma.
It's tough.
Sorry to be down and all.
Luckily, tis not the season to be jolly...yet. ;)
You are under no obligation. Neither am I, which is good because I am decidedly unjolly today! :)
Thanks, Jaydaan. A very lovely and uplifting post. How thoughtful.
Christmas is usually the most depressing time of year for me. Everything bad that's ever happened to me seems to have come close to that holiday. Every year I say I'm gonna have a joyous holiday, but it never seems to work. I was on somewhat of a roll last year and I had a heart attack. Was in the hospital from 12-17 to 12-23 I think it was.
However... I will try even harder this year.
Never ever say you will have a Joyous holiday! again
unless....... you are trying to actually hear celestial harps close up and personal this time. ( I am glad you are ok cap'n)
I'd just bake people stuff with no expectations. Oh and maybe a twinkly light or two.
edit- [I guess I'm seconding what jaydaan said- nice thoughts jay]
OK, I hereby invite all those who have a tradition of crappy Christmases to come to my house and have a good one.
I promise there will be wine, women and song...and blokes, and food and laughter and love too.
...I am decidedly unjolly today! :)
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP SHAWNEE GET HER JOLLYS BACK?!!!
hehehehehe
I love that list Jaydaan. Its not only a remedy for the holiday blues, its a wonderful prescription for the everyday blues, too. Its so easy to forget how fun and engaging the simple things in life really are.
Life? You have a life? I hate you. :p
Don't know if I'm known or liked well enough around these parts to be in, but if I am, then I am!
Party at Ali's house!!! Jaydaan, bring your list! We'll help the jollyless become jolly yet, dammit!
All hail the great Satan Clause
I'm in, but I really like the questionnaire idea. I've been gone for 4 months and feel like a different person...I'm still finding out who I am, let alone trying to put together a thoughtful gift for someone I've never met.
Unless I get Bruce. Then I know EXACTLY what he gets!! :p
Unless I get Bruce. Then I know EXACTLY what he gets!! :p
We ALL know WHAT he gets. The question is where do we stick it.
:D
And will it fit sideways....
First time here, liked the humor, will check some other forums. And, I am up for Santa. Having no idea what it is about. My kids are 17 and 15, dont do santa, I need a place for my Santana expression...W.C.
Welcome, Wily.
Careful. Especially if you get Bruce. J/K
So, Sundae are you organizing or shall I? So sorry i didn't notice you had already offered when I did -I must have been tail-posting.
I would like to suggest that those who would participate if they were not in a financial lockdown situation, step forward and say so (privately), because we always get people who enjoy sending a gift but do not want to receive one. Then everyone can be happy :) The senders and receivers are all mixed up in a round robin, so no-one will know who you are.
It might also be cool if a few people -either participating or not- would act as emergency reserve secret santas, and then if somebody has a sudden decline in fortunes and is unable to follow through, they don't need to feel bad or wait until the last minute to hope they can make it work..... and then leave someone disappointed.
SG? it's your call -I don't need to be in charge (really! :lol:) but these impatient urchins have already started PMing me. If you are up for it I'll forward them, and in the meantime, you lot, back on your blocks!
Well, we are pushing into mid November, gotta start looking for presents! So, yeah, would be great to start organizing Secret Santa. Anyways, I'm still here, so I'm in! :D
Monster, I only got one message (which you did too) so I think people have voted with their feet.
Sorry I didn't respond immediately, Grandad has needed a bit more attention this week (he had another fall and the 'rents are on holiday) so I've been spending more time with him.
Go for it. I know you love it, and do a bloody good job.
No offence taken at all.
Fraid I am out this year. I just don't trust myself to get my act together and post stuff in time.
OOOH! I didn't even think about so many of us living in different countries. In the US doesn't parcel post to foreign countries have to go out by the beginning of December to arrive in time for Christmas?
Alright, here it is:
The RULES ;) ....break them at will......
1) Must be a dwellar of over a year's standing, must have been posting recently. Sorry Newbs, but we've been burned.....
2) This is more of a token gift exchange. Hard to put dollar amount, but think about "am I enjoying this enough that I will get my money's worth even if my recipient hates it/disappears off the face of the planet?" If you choose to send an expensive gift or pay a fortune for overnight intercontinental shipping, remember that was your choice. Homemade gifts -food and crafts etc are perfectly acceptable and welcomed by many.
3) Remember there's always the chance that the gift you are to receive will go missing, arrive broken or your santa will disappear in puff of FSM smoke. We will do our best to avoid this, however.....
4) The two optional themes are (a) serial killers (b) cellar memes e.g. cocks, sharphins, unsorry fingers.......
5) Dwellars from any continent/country may participate. Those in the US will have the option not to mail overseas/to Canada, those in other countries may express a preference not to, but it cannot be guaranteed. You will get the option to withdraw if we can't satisfy your need to mail domestically.
6) You should be prepared to mail your gift by Friday December 11th, earlier if shipping overseas.
7) You should be prepared to post a picture of the gift you receive -preferably of you enjoying your gift, but we'll take the goodies by themselves. We'll help if you've never posted a pic before.
Agree(ish) to all of the above? then.....
Send me a private message by 6am cellar time next Friday (November 20th) with the following info:
1) your mailing address -one where a package can actually be delivered without anyone needing to be there at the time.
2) three words that relate to what you would really love to receive
3) three words to describe what you would really hate to receive
4) Whether you are happy/able to ship your gift overseas
5) any other special needs/requests including if you are willing to be an emergency back-up santa in case of acts of FSM.
the top three I will C&P to your santa, so please try and lay them out nice and neatly :) Like this:
Monster (you choose dwellar name and/or real name)
1234 Madland avenue
Ann Arbor
MI 66666
USA
Love: Purple, beer, scrapmetalart
Hate: LATEXallergy, girlie, folkart
Time line:
6am, Friday November 20th -deadline to join up
Friday November 20th -recipients assigned
Friday December 11th last day for mailing PM monster when you have shipped your gift (not saying you're going to.....done deals only)
When you receive your gift PM monster IMMEDIATELY so your santa can relax
When you open your gift, post pictures IMMEDIATELY so we can all be jealous.
I personally think Santas should remain anonymous for more fun guessing, but far be it for me to dictate on that.
HOWZAT? Any questions?
Wait, one more thing. If you want to participate but are broke, there are people who would also like to participate as senders only. Now, I know it can feel bad to receive without giving, so how about this: if you are in this situation or cannot sent a package for logistical reasons but would still like to participate, pm me just the same and add that your gift will be a donation in the cellar tip jar. Nobody needs know how big or small that donation is. Will that work? I think it will....
Also, worth bearing in mind that foodstuffs and drinks etc, may well be opened up by customs if sending overseas.
Ohhh...so much to think about. :p Hihi....Could I write more than 3 words? It's difficult to express my likes/dislikes in three words. :blush:
no can do. i just gave all my money away to the poor....oh wait that's me!
I will send anyone that wants one a nice Christmas e-card.
I can see the line up right now.:rolleyes:
Ohhh...so much to think about. :p Hihi....Could I write more than 3 words? It's difficult to express my likes/dislikes in three words. :blush:
No, you gotta leave santa room for imagination
sky, some people would prefer an e-card to more junk to clutter their houses..... send your details.....
you too, dana and anyone else feeling the pinch. I have had several offers from people who want to shop and then not have to find a home for what they bought :lol:
8 recipients in, two "interests without official entries yet", this is shaping up nicely...... roll up ...roll up
bump
13 in, one interest with out official entry yet...... 3 more days to be in!
bump
13 in, one interest with out official entry yet...... 3 more days to be in!
13in?!!! If that's the case... hehehe
oh hush.
wolf and buster, I need your vital statistics....
I'm IN. :santa:
thanks for taking the job over, monnie.
Oooooooooooooo-- missed the deadline. But I've been in the hospital, so is ok?
is ok, last chance, hustle them in, hope you're doing ok, Bri.
One santa says mention if you have food allergies. one recipient has mentioned. anyone else for the epi-pen train?
last bump for the Santa train ...
No Santa this year for anyone in my own family other than my daughter, so gifts for outside my family are out of the question.
Glad to see you on again, Bri. Hope you're feeling somewhat better. Time to get our Christmas on!!
ok, match-ups are done, details are coming....
radar you disappoint me, I had already bought the Palin book for youand waited in line to get it autographed.....
OK check yer PMs. If you didn't get a recipient and were expecting one, let me know (via PM)
re-iterate:
mail by 11th Dec or asap if overseas.
PM me when mailed.
if it all goes pear-shaped and you can't deliver, PM me ASAP. we all understand that situations change and emergencies crop up. and we all hate expecting goodies and not getting them. i have back-up plans, if you're struggling, just let me know.
First person to receive their gift gets to start the SS2009 Gifts thread. Everyone should post there (1) to say they received theirs, and (2) a pic when opened
"mail by 11th Dec or asap if overseas."
is that (and the victim's personal preferences) the only roolz?
Apologioes for being a dumbass but I've signed up for a few of these and I've got'em muddled in my head :3eye:!
sorry found it ...
"2) This is more of a token gift exchange. Hard to put dollar amount, but think about "am I enjoying this enough that I will get my money's worth even if my recipient hates it/disappears off the face of the planet?" If you choose to send an expensive gift or pay a fortune for overnight intercontinental shipping, remember that was your choice. Homemade gifts -food and crafts etc are perfectly acceptable and welcomed by many.
3) Remember there's always the chance that the gift you are to receive will go missing, arrive broken or your santa will disappear in puff of FSM smoke. We will do our best to avoid this, however.....
4) The two optional themes are (a) serial killers (b) cellar memes e.g. cocks, sharphins, unsorry fingers.......
"
Glad to see you on again, Bri. Hope you're feeling somewhat better. Time to get our Christmas on!!
Bri? j/k ;)
Received loud & clear.
I know it's not necessary to report receipt of the PM, but I'm all excited!
I will buy, wrap, post ASAP of course, but from previous years (this is our third, people!) I know it don't take that long. So [my recipient] be prepared for an early present.
OOOOH!
Sorry, can't contain myself.
I like to see Sundae all hepped up on Christmas! :santa: ;)
whoa sg, you'll reveal yourself too soon! :lol:
radar you disappoint me, I had already bought the Palin book for youand waited in line to get it autographed.....
Dammit, now I have to explain why I was making that snorting chuckle noise in the office.
Were you "left behind"?
I have received notification of the first gift mailed!!!!
That is just so wrong on so many levels.
I have received notification of the first gift mailed!!!!
Two mailed..... (both international)
What are the international no-nos? if any? Foods, liquids? hazardous materials?
hazardous is a defnite no-no, liquids and foods may be opened by customs (and may smash) liquids are heavy. I'd pick food of the three. What you can ship really depends more on the country you're shipping to than US rules.
So [my recipient] be prepared for an early present.
whoa sg, you'll reveal yourself too soon! :lol:
Meh, the recipient will know when they receive a package from the UK.
We have to sign and attach a customs form for a start, and my location is well documented.
I can't help giving that away, but I haven't given any clues as to the contents. In fact I've been as circumspect as I can on the customs form too - hoping the early posting can accomodate a search delay!
So I assume there are plenty of Dwellars living in hope that they are the recipient. I tell myself this anyway.
Three shipped
Once received and
Opened Already! :lol:
7 out of 17 or 18 shipped
5 received
only two sets of pics so far, though, I think...
btw last mailing date for international is Friday for American Dwellars..... and the recommended all-secret-santa-shipping date is then too...
you smug Brits!!
I'm mailing mine today!!! :santa:
you smug Brits!!
I'm mailing mine today!!! :santa:
And the photographs?
And the photographs?
That's on today's agenda too. ;)
you superior Brits!!
Fixedit for ya!
I mailed my SS just about two hours ago!!!!
nine shipped....halfway there!
I've almost acquired all of the contents. Running behind, but I'll get there.
I'm with Juni! I gotta get my ass in gear. Can't find one part of what I want to send.... may have to reconsider and go without. :(
I had to change what I sent, slightly... for weight issues.... but it was sent yesterday. I wish I knew the person better, but here is hoping they like it anyway. :)
I had to change what I sent, slightly... for weight issues.... :)
What, the 3XL wasn't big enough?:D
