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Dear Elves,
Santa is preparing for his big night... so he will probably not be checking in here as often as he would like over the next few days.
I want to thank everyone that got in the holiday spirit and made this an outstanding event.
I have yet to hear from a few people in regards to confirming they shipped their gifts. I hope that responding to my messages was a simple oversight. I do hope that everyone gets their gifts this holiday season.
I want to wish each and every one of you the best of holiday memories.
Happy Holidays!
Santa
Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
Make it Snow !
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Santa is preparing for his big night... so he will probably not be checking in here as often as he would like over the next few days.
Thanks boss.
This elf will be delivering several boxes of toys to the local shelter on Christmas morning. This year, toy donations are at records lows. Everyone is hurting. It's not too late to buy a toy and bring it to a Toys for Tots drop-off location.
Santa Wharvey, lets meet up back at the North Pole day after Christmas. I'll buy the eggnog for you and Al.
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[quote=dhammer53;10956659]This elf will be delivering several boxes of toys to the local shelter on Christmas morning. This year, toy donations are at records lows. Everyone is hurting. It's not too late to buy a toy and bring it to a Toys for Tots drop-off location. [quote]
I do hope that everyone gets their gifts this holiday season.
The big question is, did -you- get all of your FT Secret Santa presents? I've been following this thread avidly and will definitely participate next year!
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Talkboard Topics, Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Youthinasia
The big question is, did -you- get all of your FT Secret Santa presents? I've been following this thread avidly and will definitely participate next year!
Santa received one gift from an elf that was not assigned to him. This elf has such a kind heart that she has sent something to me for the last several years. While not opened yet, I am sure it will be perfect.
Santa has also received two other boxes. Not sure if they are from one or two people yet since I have not opened them.
Santa is still waiting for one of his gifts from last year....
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This Santa is amazed at the USPS shipping times, including how two packages, sent on the same day, sent the same way, can have such different delivery dates--the one going cross country arrived three days before one going halfway across the country.
__________________ “The church is near but the road is icy, the bar is far away but I will walk carefully”
---Russian proverb
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhammer53
It's not too late to buy a toy and bring it to a Toys for Tots drop-off location.
I have been feeling more giving than usual this year; maybe watching the impact of the economy on others has a bigger impact than I realized.
I adopted 3 families thru the USPS' Dear Santa program. I made sure that they rec'd a lot of necessities (one girl asked for a scarf and hat for her Mom, who rides the bus ) but also each got something fun to open.
While I am pleased that I helped them, I drove away from each home with a terribly empty feeling.
Yesterday, I also donated 10 teddy bears thru United's program.
__________________
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line....but that won't get me the points and segments I want!
I got gifts of Colorado with an evening at home theme. Perfect for the road weary traveler! A Jennifer Garner video (I love her!), popcorn, tea and a PRETTY teapot, along with locally made toffee (which has already been sampled and found to be YUMMY!) and lovely handmade earrings! Now I have plans for tonight.
Then to resume my travels in the New Year, LIME green luggage tags to easily spot my bag.
The card even included belly rubs for Baxter and Bessie. Our evening is complete.
Thank you so much, for the lovely thoughtful gifts! I am truly touched and appreciative. I look forward to meeting in the future.
Last edited by Baxter&Bessies'Mama; Dec 24, 08 at 1:36 pm.
Reason: speling
I have been feeling more giving than usual this year; maybe watching the impact of the economy on others has a bigger impact than I realized.
I adopted 3 families thru the USPS' Dear Santa program. I made sure that they rec'd a lot of necessities (one girl asked for a scarf and hat for her Mom, who rides the bus ) but also each got something fun to open.
While I am pleased that I helped them, I drove away from each home with a terribly empty feeling.
Yesterday, I also donated 10 teddy bears thru United's program.
Good man. It is nice to help out those less fortunate. The need will always be great but do what you can. You can't solve all the problems but together we can make a big dent in the need.
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Programs: HH Diamond, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 9,956
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinsac
I have been feeling more giving than usual this year; maybe watching the impact of the economy on others has a bigger impact than I realized.
I adopted 3 families thru the USPS' Dear Santa program. I made sure that they rec'd a lot of necessities (one girl asked for a scarf and hat for her Mom, who rides the bus ) but also each got something fun to open.
While I am pleased that I helped them, I drove away from each home with a terribly empty feeling.
Yesterday, I also donated 10 teddy bears thru United's program.
What is the USPS Dear Santa program, and how does one get involved? Since hearing the stories of Toys for Tots from Mr. Kipper's boss in the Marine Corps, and how they'd see many kids come in and pick non-age appropriate toys, but the ones that were worth the most, I generally avoid Toys for Tots, opting to do an ornament from a tree somewhere. However, the Dear Santa program sounds like it's perhaps even better--to me, the girl asking for a scarf for her mother is how you tell the family REALLY needs the help, and really appreciates it.
__________________ “The church is near but the road is icy, the bar is far away but I will walk carefully”
---Russian proverb
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kipper
What is the USPS Dear Santa program, and how does one get involved?
It is organized by the US Postal Service, and then run by volunteers.
Letters written to Santa are then held at the local post office (based on the kid's home address, included in the letter). Volunteers put the letters into folders by zip code, and when I walked in, they asked where I wanted to gift.
I was given a folder from a blighted area. There were about 40 letters in there. And, my god, I cried sitting in the post office lobby. Some of the kids asked for 5 cassettes for the Wii and Game Boys, and DVDs for their players. But some kids wanted and needed necessities. And those are the ones I picked.
I adopted several families. Every family member rec'd things from me to fill a need. I bought non-perishable food, scarves, sweaters, socks, sweats, school supplies, blankets. For one family, I promised them that I would buy bus passes for Mom, daughter, and son for Jan and Feb; all 3 attend school. (I'm proud of Mom--and I verified that she truly is enrolled!) One family was homeless until recently, and I collected some used furniture from friends for them to furnish a nearly-empty apartment.
But holidays are supposed to be fun. I made sure that each family member got something fun to open. For the Moms, I bought small lotion gift baskets. One 16-yo kid described herself as a budding artist, and I bought a whole slew of art supplies....water colors, oils, brushes, sketch books, etc. I went on Craigslist and bought some lightly used tricycles and bikes (helped the sellers, too).
You have to wonder if these families really need that for which they ask; but one visit to their home and neighborhood erases any questions. I expected to come out of this feeling wonderful and happy. Maybe it's my own abundance (and embarrassment ) of riches.....but I came away feeling very empty , even tho I know I did something good.
__________________
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line....but that won't get me the points and segments I want!
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Programs: HH Diamond, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 9,956
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinsac
It is organized by the US Postal Service, and then run by volunteers.
Letters written to Santa are then held at the local post office (based on the kid's home address, included in the letter). Volunteers put the letters into folders by zip code, and when I walked in, they asked where I wanted to gift.
I was given a folder from a blighted area. There were about 40 letters in there. And, my god, I cried sitting in the post office lobby. Some of the kids asked for 5 cassettes for the Wii and Game Boys, and DVDs for their players. But some kids wanted and needed necessities. And those are the ones I picked.
I adopted several families. Every family member rec'd things from me to fill a need. I bought non-perishable food, scarves, sweaters, socks, sweats, school supplies, blankets. For one family, I promised them that I would buy bus passes for Mom, daughter, and son for Jan and Feb; all 3 attend school. (I'm proud of Mom--and I verified that she truly is enrolled!) One family was homeless until recently, and I collected some used furniture from friends for them to furnish a nearly-empty apartment.
But holidays are supposed to be fun. I made sure that each family member got something fun to open. For the Moms, I bought small lotion gift baskets. One 16-yo kid described herself as a budding artist, and I bought a whole slew of art supplies....water colors, oils, brushes, sketch books, etc. I went on Craigslist and bought some lightly used tricycles and bikes (helped the sellers, too).
You have to wonder if these families really need that for which they ask; but one visit to their home and neighborhood erases any questions. I expected to come out of this feeling wonderful and happy. Maybe it's my own abundance (and embarrassment ) of riches.....but I came away feeling very empty , even tho I know I did something good.
I will definitely look into that next year. I don't have a problem buying them something fun too, but would choose like you, and choose the ones that asked for necessities. You did something outstanding for the families, you shouldn't feel empty.
__________________ “The church is near but the road is icy, the bar is far away but I will walk carefully”
---Russian proverb
) but also each got something fun to open.
But some kids wanted and needed necessities. And those are the ones I picked.
