OFFICIAL 2021 Flyertalk Secret Santa Extravaganza Thread!
Sep 18, 2021, 10:22 am
#1
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
OFFICIAL 2021 Flyertalk Secret Santa Extravaganza Thread!
Official 2021 Secret Santa Thread!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR FLYERTALKERS!
In spite of the current world COVID-19 crisis, I want to continue this tradition… as this project is a labor of love for me to this wonderful community!
Greetings from your Flyertalk Secret Santa coordinator William (wharvey).
I am stepping forward for YEAR 19 of this event for the Flyertalk community. Hard to believe this tradition has continued for so long. I hope the community appreciates this experience. While I no longer personally participate in FT Secret Santa gift exchanges, this is my small way to return something to this tremendous community! I appreciate hearing about the gifts exchanges and the friendships established as a result of this event.
This is the official thread for the 2021 Secret Santa Extravaganza. Any questions or comments should be limited to this thread or private messaged to me and no other threads should be started. Any private messages sent to me should have a subject of : <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. (and yes, you should replace “your FT handle” with your ACTUAL handle; that was an issue for some the last few years!)
I hope many of you choose to participate in this years’ event. I would love to have lots of new faces joining in the festivities. Take the challenge to "recruit" one new FTer to join in the festivities this year! After you sign up, you will get the Santa icon in your profile to show that you are part of the festivities! Feel free to link your Signature to this thread!
While you are thinking about what to get for your FT "friend", consider also purchasing a gift for a child or making a donation to your favorite charity. Please do not use your Secret Santa gift as your donation.
Below are the rules for the 2021 Secret Santa event:
1. Any questions on the Secret Santa process should be directed to me via this thread or via private message (please do not use email). Subject should always be: <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. (and yes, you should replace “your FT handle” with your ACTUAL handle)
I plan to respond through the PM system so make sure you have enabled that feature if you want to participate. I also recommend that you set up automatic email notification of messages.
2. The expected minimum on your gift purchase is $50 USD and does NOT include shipping, tracking and packaging costs. Of course, I am sure no one will mind gifts of higher value or certain paper from airlines and hotels that are "priceless". I expect your gift to meet the $50 USD minimum. I do not enjoy dealing with members who get “cheated”. Again, this minimum is exclusive of shipping and packaging costs. Also, plan to send something personal to people; NOT donations on their behalf to a charity organization. This should be a minimum of $50 out-of-pocket; NOT a $50 item you got on clearance for $10! Please keep any receipts proving you met the minimum so we do not have an issue.
CONTINUED FROM LAST SIXTEEN SEASONS: If you are interested, you may volunteer to be a Secret Santa for up to five different Flyertalkers. If you sign up for one, two or five... it means you will also have one, two or five FTers with your name... UNDERSTAND, there is no guarantee for you to be assigned more than one person. Santa reserves final decision rights on this plan!! I also reserve the right to limit participation based on FT tenure or problems in years past. You may not receive all assignments at the same time. Be patient! Exception: Due to some problems in the past... if this is your first time participating, you can only sign up for one Santa.
This is my 19TH year of running Secret Santa. While my memory and files are good, know that it is probable you may get someone again that you had before… I try to cross check… but too many people are involved to be 100% perfect. Feel free to tell me that info if you remember...
CONTINUED BY POPULAR DEMAND: Ever wished you got a specific person as your Secret person to gift? Now is your chance. Again this year, you can "request" particular individuals you would like to get assigned to you for your gift buying. No guarantee... but I will do my best.
3. Secret Santas have the option of remaining anonymous. I will not disclose names nor addresses of anyone who participates to anyone other than their Secret Santa. I expect that any information you receive from me will not be shared with anyone else.
4. The coordinator assumes no responsibility for delivery or non-delivery of gifts. I want this to be fun and hope that everyone who participates will have fun and get into the holiday spirit. Understand, however, that failure to deliver will result in your being denied participation in future years. I highly recommend that you "track" your gifts so we do not have issues of people saying they do not receive gifts you say you shipped. There are several FT members on Santa’s bad FTer list for failing to deliver gifts in the past even though they received gifts… so they will not be allowed to participate this year. In addition, delivering gifts more than 6 months after the holiday does not count as delivering. This has happened in the past, even to me. Everyone has a right to expect a gift during the holiday season. If you cannot commit to this, do not participate. I also highly recommend that you include a delivery verification mechanism when you ship, that takes care of a lot of problems we have had in the past. Understand, failure to fulfill your commitment will result in your suspension from Flyertalk.
5. You must be registered on Flyertalk.com at the time you send your private message. IF you are a lurker, you must register on Flyertalk.com before becoming a Secret Santa participant. You may also want to click and post in one of the "Who We Are" threads and introduce yourself to the Flyertalk Community and give your Santa some clues. In addition, you must have Private Messaging enabled, I do not plan to communicate via email.
6. Deadline to participate is November 13th, 2021 at 5 pm Georgia USA time. If you wish to participate, you MUST send a PRIVATE MESSAGE to me through the FT system. Subject Line: <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. For example, it should say "wharvey Secret Santa 2021” where you replace "wharvey" with your FT handle. In this private message, you must provide the following information and PLEASE answer the questions in the order provided below as that will help me input the data into my tracking documents. In fact, please just copy the questions below into the private message window and answer the questions. I make no promises of anyone getting into the process if they miss this date and do not follow the process as detailed.
a. Your full name (first and last name):
b. Your FULL mailing address for your gift. This address should be one where you can receive a package in November/December.
c. Your email address (must be verifiable):
d. Your phone number:
e. Your Flyertalk handle:
f. Is this your first time participating in Secret Santa?:
g. Your Gender and Age (if you are willing to disclose):
h. Maximum number of times you wish to participate: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5):
i. Specific FTer (if any) you would like assigned to you:
j. Some facts about yourself that might help your Secret Santa shop for your gift. Please make sure they are helpfulhints... (DO not be shy... is there something particular you would like to get? Also be as specific as possible.
k. A "Yes" or "No" as to whether or not you are willing to send a gift outside your country. If at all possible, please be willing to ship out of your own country... especially for USA residents.
AGAIN, please help Santa out by using the SUBJECT LINE as requested.
If I receive enough participants early on, I may go ahead and match up members so you can get a head start on your gift buying. I would then provide a second match-up after the November 13th deadline. Santa has to get his rest in before the mad rush of the holiday season!
Please be sure to read Santa updates throughout this thread!!! I also encourage you to have fun and post in this thread often... tell us what you have gotten in the past, the fun you are having buying, anything related to this holiday event! I also expect you to post descriptions/pics of your gifts in this thread when you receive your gifts. That helps your giver know you received their gift.
I am glad to step forward again this year and be your Secret Santa coordinator and hope you find it to be another wonderful experience of this great Flyertalk community.
NOTE: Do make sure you check in on this thread often... Santa announcements often get made here... and I do not want you to miss any of the updates! I recommend you subscribe to this thread.
William
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR FLYERTALKERS!
In spite of the current world COVID-19 crisis, I want to continue this tradition… as this project is a labor of love for me to this wonderful community!
Greetings from your Flyertalk Secret Santa coordinator William (wharvey).
I am stepping forward for YEAR 19 of this event for the Flyertalk community. Hard to believe this tradition has continued for so long. I hope the community appreciates this experience. While I no longer personally participate in FT Secret Santa gift exchanges, this is my small way to return something to this tremendous community! I appreciate hearing about the gifts exchanges and the friendships established as a result of this event.
This is the official thread for the 2021 Secret Santa Extravaganza. Any questions or comments should be limited to this thread or private messaged to me and no other threads should be started. Any private messages sent to me should have a subject of : <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. (and yes, you should replace “your FT handle” with your ACTUAL handle; that was an issue for some the last few years!)
I hope many of you choose to participate in this years’ event. I would love to have lots of new faces joining in the festivities. Take the challenge to "recruit" one new FTer to join in the festivities this year! After you sign up, you will get the Santa icon in your profile to show that you are part of the festivities! Feel free to link your Signature to this thread!
While you are thinking about what to get for your FT "friend", consider also purchasing a gift for a child or making a donation to your favorite charity. Please do not use your Secret Santa gift as your donation.
Below are the rules for the 2021 Secret Santa event:
1. Any questions on the Secret Santa process should be directed to me via this thread or via private message (please do not use email). Subject should always be: <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. (and yes, you should replace “your FT handle” with your ACTUAL handle)
I plan to respond through the PM system so make sure you have enabled that feature if you want to participate. I also recommend that you set up automatic email notification of messages.2. The expected minimum on your gift purchase is $50 USD and does NOT include shipping, tracking and packaging costs. Of course, I am sure no one will mind gifts of higher value or certain paper from airlines and hotels that are "priceless". I expect your gift to meet the $50 USD minimum. I do not enjoy dealing with members who get “cheated”. Again, this minimum is exclusive of shipping and packaging costs. Also, plan to send something personal to people; NOT donations on their behalf to a charity organization. This should be a minimum of $50 out-of-pocket; NOT a $50 item you got on clearance for $10! Please keep any receipts proving you met the minimum so we do not have an issue.
CONTINUED FROM LAST SIXTEEN SEASONS: If you are interested, you may volunteer to be a Secret Santa for up to five different Flyertalkers. If you sign up for one, two or five... it means you will also have one, two or five FTers with your name... UNDERSTAND, there is no guarantee for you to be assigned more than one person. Santa reserves final decision rights on this plan!! I also reserve the right to limit participation based on FT tenure or problems in years past. You may not receive all assignments at the same time. Be patient! Exception: Due to some problems in the past... if this is your first time participating, you can only sign up for one Santa.
This is my 19TH year of running Secret Santa. While my memory and files are good, know that it is probable you may get someone again that you had before… I try to cross check… but too many people are involved to be 100% perfect. Feel free to tell me that info if you remember...
CONTINUED BY POPULAR DEMAND: Ever wished you got a specific person as your Secret person to gift? Now is your chance. Again this year, you can "request" particular individuals you would like to get assigned to you for your gift buying. No guarantee... but I will do my best.
3. Secret Santas have the option of remaining anonymous. I will not disclose names nor addresses of anyone who participates to anyone other than their Secret Santa. I expect that any information you receive from me will not be shared with anyone else.
4. The coordinator assumes no responsibility for delivery or non-delivery of gifts. I want this to be fun and hope that everyone who participates will have fun and get into the holiday spirit. Understand, however, that failure to deliver will result in your being denied participation in future years. I highly recommend that you "track" your gifts so we do not have issues of people saying they do not receive gifts you say you shipped. There are several FT members on Santa’s bad FTer list for failing to deliver gifts in the past even though they received gifts… so they will not be allowed to participate this year. In addition, delivering gifts more than 6 months after the holiday does not count as delivering. This has happened in the past, even to me. Everyone has a right to expect a gift during the holiday season. If you cannot commit to this, do not participate. I also highly recommend that you include a delivery verification mechanism when you ship, that takes care of a lot of problems we have had in the past. Understand, failure to fulfill your commitment will result in your suspension from Flyertalk.
5. You must be registered on Flyertalk.com at the time you send your private message. IF you are a lurker, you must register on Flyertalk.com before becoming a Secret Santa participant. You may also want to click and post in one of the "Who We Are" threads and introduce yourself to the Flyertalk Community and give your Santa some clues. In addition, you must have Private Messaging enabled, I do not plan to communicate via email.
6. Deadline to participate is November 13th, 2021 at 5 pm Georgia USA time. If you wish to participate, you MUST send a PRIVATE MESSAGE to me through the FT system. Subject Line: <insert your FT handle> Secret Santa 2021. For example, it should say "wharvey Secret Santa 2021” where you replace "wharvey" with your FT handle. In this private message, you must provide the following information and PLEASE answer the questions in the order provided below as that will help me input the data into my tracking documents. In fact, please just copy the questions below into the private message window and answer the questions. I make no promises of anyone getting into the process if they miss this date and do not follow the process as detailed.
a. Your full name (first and last name):
b. Your FULL mailing address for your gift. This address should be one where you can receive a package in November/December.
c. Your email address (must be verifiable):
d. Your phone number:
e. Your Flyertalk handle:
f. Is this your first time participating in Secret Santa?:
g. Your Gender and Age (if you are willing to disclose):
h. Maximum number of times you wish to participate: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5):
i. Specific FTer (if any) you would like assigned to you:
j. Some facts about yourself that might help your Secret Santa shop for your gift. Please make sure they are helpfulhints... (DO not be shy... is there something particular you would like to get? Also be as specific as possible.
k. A "Yes" or "No" as to whether or not you are willing to send a gift outside your country. If at all possible, please be willing to ship out of your own country... especially for USA residents.
AGAIN, please help Santa out by using the SUBJECT LINE as requested.
If I receive enough participants early on, I may go ahead and match up members so you can get a head start on your gift buying. I would then provide a second match-up after the November 13th deadline. Santa has to get his rest in before the mad rush of the holiday season!
Please be sure to read Santa updates throughout this thread!!! I also encourage you to have fun and post in this thread often... tell us what you have gotten in the past, the fun you are having buying, anything related to this holiday event! I also expect you to post descriptions/pics of your gifts in this thread when you receive your gifts. That helps your giver know you received their gift.
I am glad to step forward again this year and be your Secret Santa coordinator and hope you find it to be another wonderful experience of this great Flyertalk community.
NOTE: Do make sure you check in on this thread often... Santa announcements often get made here... and I do not want you to miss any of the updates! I recommend you subscribe to this thread.
William
Last edited by wharvey; Oct 15, 2021 at 8:55 am
Sep 18, 2021, 11:13 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,055
Yay!!!! 
It's my favorite event of the year!!!
It's my favorite event of the year!!!
Sep 18, 2021, 7:25 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Central Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 189
wharvey, Thanks for again putting this all together.
Here is wishing to everyone great shopping and that Santa gets your packages to you. The Christmas Season has begun.
Here is wishing to everyone great shopping and that Santa gets your packages to you. The Christmas Season has begun.
Sep 20, 2021, 3:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,643
Awesome! Thanks for putting this together. Count me in!
Sep 21, 2021, 10:34 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PUF
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 192
Yay!!! So happy to see you’ll be organising yet another edition. I’m totally in
Sep 21, 2021, 5:09 pm
#6
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,040
This post will list all members who have submitted proper information for inclusion in Secret Santa
Ahopkins767 - 1
Atzy99 - 2
Bh22 - 3
Bravado04 - 1
Canforce - 2
Coder33 - 1
CPH-Flyer - 4
Cren - 2
CubsFan - 3
Cwkc - 1
Dark Blue - 2
DP1586 - 4
Dreaamliner - 1
Fishccy - 1
FlyingCow - 4
Fralcole - 1
Frenchkittiesofdoom - 1
Gsegall - 5
Holmedown - 3
Hwgeeks - 3
Jamesteroh - 5
John C Wisconsin - 3
Joshua362 -5
JSDS - 1
Kauppias - 5
Kipper - 5
Ladywrites - 1
Laktonen - 1
Lisabeth - 3
Marcia3641 - 2
Mdbe - 5
Mileage Lover - 2
MJBDiamond - 5
MrdPlus - 3
Nancypants - 5
Navi_jen - 5
Nephoi - 2
Offerendum - 2
PandaSoPink - 2
Pigzilla - 1
Redhead - 5
Runner123 - 3
Samaryatim - 5
Samosa - 4
SDQBound - 1
Snowcrash51295 - 1
Steveman508 - 3
Tcl - 2
Tdnpf - 4
Tiga31328 - 1
Tokyofoodie - 4
Try2keepup - 5
Wakesetter93 - 1
Wirunner - 2
Worldwidedreamer - 1
Zoefish - 1
Updated November 13, 2021 @ 11:40 pm eastern USA time
Ahopkins767 - 1
Atzy99 - 2
Bh22 - 3
Bravado04 - 1
Canforce - 2
Coder33 - 1
CPH-Flyer - 4
Cren - 2
CubsFan - 3
Cwkc - 1
Dark Blue - 2
DP1586 - 4
Dreaamliner - 1
Fishccy - 1
FlyingCow - 4
Fralcole - 1
Frenchkittiesofdoom - 1
Gsegall - 5
Holmedown - 3
Hwgeeks - 3
Jamesteroh - 5
John C Wisconsin - 3
Joshua362 -5
JSDS - 1
Kauppias - 5
Kipper - 5
Ladywrites - 1
Laktonen - 1
Lisabeth - 3
Marcia3641 - 2
Mdbe - 5
Mileage Lover - 2
MJBDiamond - 5
MrdPlus - 3
Nancypants - 5
Navi_jen - 5
Nephoi - 2
Offerendum - 2
PandaSoPink - 2
Pigzilla - 1
Redhead - 5
Runner123 - 3
Samaryatim - 5
Samosa - 4
SDQBound - 1
Snowcrash51295 - 1
Steveman508 - 3
Tcl - 2
Tdnpf - 4
Tiga31328 - 1
Tokyofoodie - 4
Try2keepup - 5
Wakesetter93 - 1
Wirunner - 2
Worldwidedreamer - 1
Zoefish - 1
Updated November 13, 2021 @ 11:40 pm eastern USA time
Last edited by wharvey; Nov 13, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Sep 22, 2021, 8:42 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,082
Hi Boss.
The Elves are back from an extended vacation. My workshop was closed due to Covid.
As in previous years, The Elves are here to assist those participating in Secret Santa. If you need additional information on your Santee, send me a PM and I'll inquire. Your name remains a secret.
We'll talk more as we approaching the holidays. And now, if you'll excuse me, the Elves are goofing off.
HE (head Elf).
The Elves are back from an extended vacation. My workshop was closed due to Covid.
As in previous years, The Elves are here to assist those participating in Secret Santa. If you need additional information on your Santee, send me a PM and I'll inquire. Your name remains a secret.
We'll talk more as we approaching the holidays. And now, if you'll excuse me, the Elves are goofing off.
HE (head Elf).
Sep 24, 2021, 5:36 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
Programs: AA PPro/DL PLT, PPass, Marriott / Hilton Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Hertz Presidents Circle, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,630
After being absent for several years (relocation from France to the US and then heavy periods of work towards the end of the year) I will participate again!
Sep 28, 2021, 5:26 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,962
Great fun ahead, I am all in again this year 😄
Sep 28, 2021, 5:39 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Secret Santas in Germany? Europe?
I was just curious if the Secret Santa program extends into Europe and/or Germany?
Cheers
Glenn
Antdorf Germany
Cheers
Glenn
Antdorf Germany
Sep 28, 2021, 7:32 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: EXT, LHR & ORD
Programs: AA EXP MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,613
Oh Great - yes I am in again about to send pm
and THANK YOU for doing this again
and THANK YOU for doing this again
Sep 28, 2021, 7:33 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: EXT, LHR & ORD
Programs: AA EXP MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,613
Sep 28, 2021, 8:42 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Body in the CLE, soul still in New England
Programs: In 2023? Does it matter? SPG/Marriott: Plat; DL: Plat; B6: Mosaic
Posts: 2,979
Wharvey, thank you for organizing YET again. I'll be in shortly, once I have a quiet moment to put together my list The little Santa icon makes me smile every darn time I look at it.
And remember folks, supply chain disruptions are expected to be at an all time high this holiday season. The closer to Thanksgiving you can send your gift, the happier your recipient will be.
The little Santa icon makes me smile every darn time I look at it.And remember folks, supply chain disruptions are expected to be at an all time high this holiday season. The closer to Thanksgiving you can send your gift, the happier your recipient will be.
Oct 4, 2021, 6:18 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,740
I'll be in as soon as I have a moment to think. It was so much fun last year. Thanks again for organizing this.
Oct 4, 2021, 6:52 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,171
Sent my sign up PM