Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
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Posts: 9,953
After getting to my parents' about midnight, I couldn't sleep, knowing that there were presents under the tree for me. So, while Mr. Kipper slept, I opened presents!
Thank you to my Virginia Santa, who indulged my Pittsburgh Penguins habit, with a welcome mat that will go right inside the door, because I think it's just the perfect size to fit there. Besides, I couldn't subject it to the outside elements. The thermometer will go outside though, so I can see how cold it is this winter! I'm also guessing, based on the address, that this Santa is the one who sent me the Home Depot book, which has already seen some use. Thank you!!!
Then, I opened the package from Boise, and found yummy chocolate (I had to eat at least one before Mr. Kipper found them), a Barnes and Noble gift card which will definitely be used in the near future to buy a book about history, per the note, and the gift that I could smell from the moment I started prying open the box--Boise State Bronco Blend. It smells heavenly, and it's taking a lot of willpower to wait to open it until we get home, rather than now. Thank you, Boise Secret Santa! You indulged my sweet tooth, my coffee addiction, and my love of history.
After opening those, I opened the box from Oregon, that read, "Do not open until Xmas." I figured that I was very good, since I managed to wait until about 1:00 AM, December 26. Inside, I found a lovely card, with a message from my Secret Santa. Santa--I appreciate your care in selecting what you did, and I'm sorry to hear that you too have had to remove certain foods from your diet. I also found a plethora of gorgeously wrapped presents: a luggage tag, that's definitely appreciated, a multi-tool that will be very helpful when I'm trying to fix something, and Mr. Kipper has hidden his tools--like last weekend, when I was trying to tighten the new leaking showerhead that he'd installed. Santa, how'd you know that we collect pint glasses and that Mr. Kipper collects beer coasters? Also, how'd you know that I'd been looking at the book on weapons at Borders earlier in the month, and had put it back because Mr. Kipper wanted a book on World War I? And, Santa, I love the Steelers charm bracelet--it's definitely me. Thank you Santa!!!
Thank you to all of my Santas--I love my presents, and like in previous years, your presents have shown the care you took to select things I'd like, and have, by far, demonstrated that more than many of the presents I've received from family members. Thank you!!!
__________________ “The church is near but the road is icy, the bar is far away but I will walk carefully”
---Russian proverb
Last night I opened the Beautifully wrapped package from Williams Sonoma. Wow, wow, wow! Goodies to make a great dinner AND breakfast! Sauce, pasta, lemony dipping sauce for the decadent dinner. Then healthful organic oatmeal waffle/pancake mix and gourmet maple syrup. All accompanied by a snowflake pancake turner and a spatula.
My package just arrived, and wow! My Secret Santa peered deep into my soul to get me the perfect gift that I didn't even know existed: The Larousse Gastronomique collection, a lovely boxed set of four classic recipe books (Meat, Poultry & Game; Fish & Seafood; Vegetables & Salads; Desserts, Cakes & Pastries). Combined with the food grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer, this will keep me busy!
Thank you so much! The books are beautiful and they will be well-used, and loved, for years to come.
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Posts: 1,194
Thank you, Canadian Santa!
As Alaska is really a renegade province of Canada, and Vancouver is Seattle's prettier, marginally less annoying fraternal twin sister who makes way better Chinese food, it was only right and proper that a Vancouveronianite was chosen to play Santa in Anchorage, Alaska.
BC Santa's presents arrived on Boxing Day and I was of course at home. Here in Alaska, the spirit of Boxing Day has not been forgotten, so it's best to stay home with the door bolted and shades drawn so as to avoid the roving gangs of punchers.
Under the circumstances, I trust you understand why I has the postman hold up several forms of ID to the peephole before I consented to open the door and sign for the Vancouvertonian parcel.
The parcel itself, as you'd expect from anything coming out of a place with so many trees, was of the highest quality paper and took me several minutes working an X-Acto blade to prise the gummed bits apart as the paper itself was impervious to edged weapons.
Now a lazy Canadian Santa would have nipped on down to the discount store and picked up a couple of discount Anne Murray cassettes and wrapped them in a gently worn Sunnyvale Trailer Park wifebeater, taking care to toss in at the last minute a couple of pieces of back bacon from the previous AM's breakfast down at the Possum Lodge 'to keep things interesting'.
But no.
No.
This BC Santa Was Not Of That Ilk.
The contents of the parcel spilled-out to reveal a number of individually wrapped Christmas presents...
Tuques! My two boys and I are now the proud wearers of 2010 Winter Olympic tuques emblazoned with Quatchi the Sasquatch, Miga the Owl and Sumi the Beaver, respectively.
Sweets! A piece of Canadian-made chocolate and a container of maple syrup. The syrup is medium grade, the kind that actually tastes like maple syrup and is far preferable to me than the more refined grades.
Music! A DVD/CD of Newfie band Great Big Sea. BC Santa could not have possibly known that I spend many a summer in Novy as a boy, so while we all know that Newfie jokes are all based on fact, they do make some great music. It is playing as I write; and my boys are currently clapping and dancing to "Captain Kidd".
Jewelry! A Vancouver 2010 pin, to be worn alongside my son's Fur Rondy pin.
Tales! A wonderful hard cover copy of "The Night Before Christmas".
Thank you to my SS who managed to have their package arrive on the dot of the 24th , a very nice surprise when I got home from work that evening. Thank you for the beautiful necklaces and flowers. More importantly, thanks for those instructions you have no idea how necessary they are. I’ve got the paper whites set up and the others in the fridge. Wish me luck!!
Under the tree on Christmas, there were lots of gaily wrapped gifts from you! I was giddy to find glittery butterfly candles, which will be perfect for relaxing baths in hotels...a fun new activity called Scraperfoil which will be enjoyed by the whole family...some luxurious bath products from England and...
...the most gorgeous weekender set from Crabtree & Evelyn!!! There is no way you could have known that Rose is one of my absolute favorite scents. Wow !! The sizes are carry-on appropriate, and the bag will be well-loved for years to come while on my various travels. Secret Santa, you were truly thoughtful in all your gifts and I love them.
A very heartfelt Thank You!! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Received a note from the upstairs guy that Santa had left a
package for me; I'll not be back in New England for another
week or so but will give appropriate thanks in due course.
Now a lazy Canadian Santa would have nipped on down to the discount store and picked up a couple of discount Anne Murray cassettes and wrapped them in a gently worn Sunnyvale Trailer Park wifebeater, taking care to toss in at the last minute a couple of pieces of back bacon from the previous AM's breakfast down at the Possum Lodge 'to keep things interesting'.
Is there a Sunnyvale in Alaska? Who would have guessed?
DD
__________________
Dawingdoo. Spiwit. A sense of bwavado.
Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and ready for the New Year.
I had every intention of being home for Xmas but then the opportunity arose for a last minute trip to Fl to be with family for the 1st time in 10 years that we were all together. (Almost never got out after they closed LAS because of snow). Made it home this afternoon to find my 2 SS boxes.
Thank you SO much to both of you.
The first box had a lovely fragrance I could smell before I even opened it. Of course, being from England I LOVED the teas! Although I am a "hands-on" gal restoring antiques in my spare time, I am a woman at heart and cannot wait to light the candle and start reading the book.
The 2nd SS box contained 2 more books, wonderfully wrapped and I cannot wait to read those too! The hard part is deciding which one to start on first! (Or which cruise to take in 2009!) The kids LOVE their slinky's - how thoughtful!
Once again, thank you SO much to my Secret Santas' and I wish you and yours a happy and safe New Year and a fun, travel-filled 2009!
Cheers,
Angela
I received what I believe to be a handmade scarf in the best color ever! It is so cold here in PHX right now (ok, no snickering!). So I wore it tonight when I walked the Bs.
And I got the most beautiful quilting book I've ever seen. Not only does it have lovely quilting patterns, but the patterns are based on architectural designs and color pallets from around the world! Seriously, how could my SS have found a more perfect quilting book? Ok, now I have to improve my quilting skills to be worthy of these patterns.
Oh wait, to quilt more, I would have to stay home more. Sigh. Such a problem to have!
Thank you so much. And, yes, I noted that yet ANOTHER gift would be forthcoming.
Programs: Rapid Rewards, AMR, Worldperks, SPG. Addicted to traveling!
Posts: 199
Thanks to my Secret Santas!
I've received two Secret Santa gifts so far, and want to say thanks!
One came from NY, NY, and included a Sudoku book, Scrabble kit, two types of chocolate, a small Mickey Mouse stuffed toy, and luggage tags. Thank you!
I don't remember the shipping city of the second gift I received; sorry! It contained 2 books of Southwest drink coupons (which I will put to good use ), 2 sets of cat-themed napkins, a very nice glass teapot, and chocolate-covered graham crackers. Much thanks!
WOW! Thank you to my New Jersey Secret Santa (Catman) for all the goodies you sent to me for Christmas.
I ripped open the box and was greeted by a beautifully thought out letter. The letter gave detailed instructions on how and when each goodie was to opened.
First I was instructed to enjoy the Chocolate in the Pink Bag in preparation for the goodies to follow. These were not just ANY Chocolate, but Teuscher Confiserie I was obedient in following the instructions as Chocolates are my favorite. They were "Cat" Chocolates, my first clue . . . my Secret Santa loves CATS.
The next instruction was to open the wrapped package . . . YEA!!! A white UNITED Polo and wait . . . if that were not enough, there is also a navy UNITED Ball cap! Pause, I must go try it on, do I look good or what?
Next, the two little boxes, "number one before two". All wrapped in Silver Boxes with Silk Organza Ribbon and Bow. Number one revealed a Silver Luggage Tag with my name and address all in script and then number two . . . a Gold Luggage Tag with my FlyerTalk handle. Exactly what I had wished for . . . Secret Santa you are the BEST!
Finally the instructions led me to a card, not just any card, a perfect card related to Airplanes, Frequent Flyer Miles and Santa. (I really want to know where you shop) Inside there was other goodies . . . United Beverage Vouchers and My Secret Santa's identity . . . Thank you Mark aka Catman you have made my day!
So, while Mr. Kipper slept, I opened presents! 
