Thank you Terria for running a great swap...so many smiles on faces I am sure.

I haven't heard from my Secret Pal that I sent a package to, so if you don't correspond on here I hope you read this knowing I was wondering if you liked your surprises. I enjoyed shopping for you and am hoping you got somethings you wanted.
Again to my sender, I will open my package at the end of the week and will post pictures after. advance thank you.

I received a lovely package from QuiltyMom (Sue). We had a bit of misunderstanding, but I think have worked it out. Sometimes words "sound" differently written than they were meant. She sent me a lot of butterfly fabric, a neat pincushion/scissor set, table runner, template, two angel ornaments, lotion, hand sanitizer in a holder, potpourrie, and one of her "famous" hand crafted cards. Thank you very much, Sue.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]451218[/ATTACH]

I realize it's none of my business but if I were your Secret Santa, I'd be very sad right now. I was very excited and anxious, to find out if my Secret Santa recipient liked what I sent . . . and was hoping she'd be equally excited to open it. Reading her response to what I'd sent, was one of the high points of the swap, for me. :) If she'd purposefully made me wait an extra week, I'd probably be in tears, about now. :(

For the sake of your Secret Santa, please open go ahead and open the gift she sent you, so that she can enjoy your reaction and know it makes you happy. :)

I have not heard a peep from my SSR, sent her a PM. I realize that the weather conditions and conditions of life might preclude reading this board. I was just excited about one of the gag gifts relating to Coconut rum and hot chocolate!

Hi everyone....I recieved a wonderful package from Teresa, lotion, quilt books (2) I love quilting books. dog treats and a toy, lots of fabric, houseslippers, flavored coffee, popcorn, needles ,tape, homemade handwarmers ( my hands are always cold, so they will be used alot) hope I didn't forget anything, could have because there was alot....
Thanks again Teresa....
BillieJean
I wanted to post pictures but I can't seem to be able to get them...sorry

still havnt heard from my ss ,she didn't send her name in my goodie box , but if you read this ,just want you to know ,I loved everything you sent ,and I mean everything ,it was a perfect gift, thanks a lot SOM

Packaged Received
 

FYI, Annt59 let me know through a PM that she received the package I sent to her. Sorry, I didn't take a picture of the contents before I sent the package. I did take a picture while I was in progress of making her a little mini quilt that was included. This was the "flimsy" of it. Hopefully, she will get a chance to post some pictures soon.

Forgive me if I tread on anyone's toes - you can blame on me being a 'foreigner' if you like, but I've been reading all the posts for the last few days and see there is quite a bit of hurt feelings. Never underestimate the power of the written word.

I haven't been terribly active on this thread. Although I started off in fine fettle, the endless pages of stream of consciousness posts are not for me - I find them too exhausting to keep up with, so decided not to, and only dipped in and out from time to time. My choice.

I know that lack of thread participation by 'swappers' annoyed some people and there was bad feeling which Terri thankfully jumped on. Some 'joking' posts were clearly thinly veiled digs in order to 'encourage' people to join in more. I suspect others felt like me - they simply couldn't/didn't want to keep up. Some days there were hundreds of posts akin to a chat room. This may have intimidated some who may have otherwise joined in. Others just don't post, but prefer to stay in the background. Anyway it's their choice.

Another area of hurt feelings was that not everyone joined in the opening at the same time. Some people need to realise that this is a fun swap and this opening may not be the most important event in their lives............ The rules state "There will be a chat session, so everyone can come and we can open our gifts together." It doesn't say you HAVE to open your gift at that time, although that is a huge part of the fun for many. Bear in mind that this gift bought by someone else, might be the only gift they get this Christmas. It is their choice how they decide to savour it. Others will have simply have forgotten about the parcel that arrived weeks ago. (Mine did last year - the world didn't end.)

Similarly, life gets in the way of people posting on time. I know six or so weeks is a long time. If only all our lives are so perfect that all we have to do is organise one parcel and pop it in the post............. Some people may have to wait for pay day and it may be a large chunk of their budget. I will repeat the previous sentiment when my own parcel wasn't posted on time, 'We do not know what goes on behind closed doors'.

As for not liking what you got sent - words truly fail me. Isn't it about giving, not getting?

I'm nearly ready to jump off my soapbox now. However, one thing I would love to see introduced is that all participants have to send a personal message of thanks to their sender. I was brought up to always send a 'Thank you' letter for any gift I received and I really don't think it's too much for people to write a short private message of thanks. They don't have to participate on the thread, but can if they want to. I too love seeing all the parcels and I choose to post pictures. Sending a short 'Thank you' would circumvent a lot of bad feeling - you may find out why they were late/didn't join in the thread/didn't open 'on time'.

So, in the true spirit of Christmas - it is better to give than receive, thinking of others before ourselves. Surely that's the true intention of the Secret Santa? I know that this may offend some people and may feel as if I'm sermonising. You are free to disagree - it's your choice.
Peace to you all.

Knitette. I enjoyed reading your post just now. Well said. I personally appreciate whatever gifts I received. My Secret Santa Marsharini was very generous. I am so excited for next year. I am truly thankful for the thoughtfulness that goes into one of these swaps. This was my first year. I hope that everyone who participated and all of those that didnt participate feel blessed and I wish for everyone to have a Very Merry CHRISTMAS.

You echo my sentiments knitette...couldn't have said it better.

Thank you, you so eloquently said exactly what I was thinking and feeling. I'll be honest, I absolutely adored shopping and creating for my Secret Santa. She was a joy to get to know. And I received from a wonderful generous Santa who sent me some beautiful things that I will have a great time creating with. But, I am thinking twice about joining next year. I don't know, I have a year to think about it. Knitette really put into words what I was feeling.

The same for me. For all we know these ladies who have not yet posted may have had an accident or may have suffered a life issue and died!!! And if that is the case maybe they have no one who could post on here for them. For me the best part is about giving and that is what Christmas should be all about. I am so thankful to be alive and to be able to participate on this board. It is winter and there has been a lot of snow, ice and wind so some may not have electricity to use the computer. I am for sure joining next SS swap, whether I get a pkg or not, I sure can send a biggie for someone to enjoy. And that folks is what Christmas is all about. LOVE THY FELLOWMAN/WOMAN. LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND. Amy

Poor thing needs his heavy coat to protect himself from the weather!!

well said Knitette. at times as I read the posts I felt like I was eavesdropping on a kindergarten class! But, this has still be the most fun for me. I get tired of buying for my family and they just 'expect'. This was fun to purchase and to surprise someone. I, too, can't wait until next year and vote for a small Christmas in July swap!
Terina

well said Knitette in all the years I have done secret santa I have only received 2 special thank you,s pm,s ,and these 2 made my day . just taking the time to pm makes it all worth the time that you made your secret santa person very happy. I sent a pm to my secret santa thanking her for the wonderful gifts .

I am hoping she will understand that I haven't opened my package because of time issues. I am opening on Friday as it is my only day off and I want to enjoy my surprises. If this is an issue with my SS I do appolgize and wouldn't want to upset anyone. I am so appreciative of what I have even not knowing what it is. Again sorry for the delay.

Knitette, You said exactly what I wanted to say so I won't repeat. Thanks for understanding and realizing that being in the background sometimes is still enough to put a smile on my face and watching what others do and say makes for a good day in my eyes. I don't join in verbally, but I do read. I am one of the ones that hasn't opened my gift yet, no to be disrespectful to my SS but because my life is a bit busy and I want to savor my gift so I can enjoy it. Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you all.

I apologize for misunderstanding your earlier post.

Knitette....Thank you soooo much for your words. You have said it MUCH better than I could have.
You have hit the nail on the head!

I hope those that are complaining will take heed to what Knitette has said. If you aren't happy with what you rec'd, just bow out of the thread graciously. When you post publicly these negative things, it makes you look as if you aren't a nice person. It's your choice to join. You read the rules and you agreed to them. I stated in the rules that some will get packages better than others and it was nothing to complain about, but here you are complaining. I do suggest that next year, you not join Secret Santa. Honest, it won't break my heart and it won't break the heart of the others that join the fun. The fun is in the giving......it's Christmas time people!

I totally agree, there has been to much insinuation on this suppose to be "happy swap" this year. I have joined every year I've been on the board because to me that is the spirit of the season. For me it's like going in any store that has a tree posted with "I need", "I could use", etc. and you buy a gift for someone that you hope will make them happy. I do it ever year for numerous people I don't even know. I figure in a way it's my way of giving back and I love doing it. So do I like to hear that my SS loved her package, most certainly and I certainly did this year, but saying that it's not the most important thing. If you are in this for the presents, you are in it for the wrong reasons. I hope it changes next year and this being said it's over until next year and I don't want a "bitter taste" in my mouth so I am deleting this thread until it is time again.

So sorry there wasn't a card, of course, I found it laying on my sewing table upon my return from the Post Office. You are very welcome. Whenever I see all the opened gifts, it gives me ideas for next year's SS. I have not ventured into the Crazy Quilt phase and I wasn't really sure what to include in the way of embellishments, so I hope I have included items that will embellish.

Knitette thank you for such eloquent words...words that have been in my heart for weeks.

I have backed away from SS this year because of behavior issues.

Used to be the best thing to wait for all year.

We have always had great clean fun here in the past years; not so much this year.

Broke my heart. I stopped playing the games this year; wasn;t fun.

I mean after all Terri created "Naughty Corner" for me as I like to raid stash at night and get in

trouble and had good fun bringing others in with me.

I loved posting pics and Christmas Carols for everyone.

When you live alone and have no one to share the holidays with this was my go to place.

That changed this year; and it was not a good change.

So again Knitette; thank you for your words


Today, 04:01 PM #4699
tlrnhi
http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...ser-online.png
Moderator http://www.quiltingboard.com/customa...vatar735_2.gif <dl class="userinfo_extra"><dt>Join Date</dt><dd>Jan 2007</dd><dt>Location</dt><dd>In the middle of a mess...</dd><dt>Posts</dt><dd>19,754</dd><dt>Feedback Score</dt><dd>16 (100%)</dd></dl>

Knitette....Thank you soooo much for your words. You have said it MUCH better than I could have.
You have hit the nail on the head!

I hope those that are complaining will take heed to what Knitette has said. If you aren't happy with what you rec'd, just bow out of the thread graciously. When you post publicly these negative things, it makes you look as if you aren't a nice person. It's your choice to join. You read the rules and you agreed to them. I stated in the rules that some will get packages better than others and it was nothing to complain about, but here you are complaining. I do suggest that next year, you not join Secret Santa. Honest, it won't break my heart and it won't break the heart of the others that join the fun. The fun is in the giving......it's Christmas time people!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Knitette http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...post-right.png
Forgive me if I tread on anyone's toes - you can blame on me being a 'foreigner' if you like, but I've been reading all the posts for the last few days and see there is quite a bit of hurt feelings. Never underestimate the power of the written word.

I haven't been terribly active on this thread. Although I started off in fine fettle, the endless pages of stream of consciousness posts are not for me - I find them too exhausting to keep up with, so decided not to, and only dipped in and out from time to time. My choice.

I know that lack of thread participation by 'swappers' annoyed some people and there was bad feeling which Terri thankfully jumped on. Some 'joking' posts were clearly thinly veiled digs in order to 'encourage' people to join in more. I suspect others felt like me - they simply couldn't/didn't want to keep up. Some days there were hundreds of posts akin to a chat room. This may have intimidated some who may have otherwise joined in. Others just don't post, but prefer to stay in the background. Anyway it's their choice.

Another area of hurt feelings was that not everyone joined in the opening at the same time. Some people need to realise that this is a fun swap and this opening may not be the most important event in their lives............ The rules state "There will be a chat session, so everyone can come and we can open our gifts together." It doesn't say you HAVE to open your gift at that time, although that is a huge part of the fun for many. Bear in mind that this gift bought by someone else, might be the only gift they get this Christmas. It is their choice how they decide to savour it. Others will have simply have forgotten about the parcel that arrived weeks ago. (Mine did last year - the world didn't end.)

Similarly, life gets in the way of people posting on time. I know six or so weeks is a long time. If only all our lives are so perfect that all we have to do is organise one parcel and pop it in the post............. Some people may have to wait for pay day and it may be a large chunk of their budget. I will repeat the previous sentiment when my own parcel wasn't posted on time, 'We do not know what goes on behind closed doors'.

As for not liking what you got sent - words truly fail me. Isn't it about giving, not getting?

I'm nearly ready to jump off my soapbox now. However, one thing I would love to see introduced is that all participants have to send a personal message of thanks to their sender. I was brought up to always send a 'Thank you' letter for any gift I received and I really don't think it's too much for people to write a short private message of thanks. They don't have to participate on the thread, but can if they want to. I too love seeing all the parcels and I choose to post pictures. Sending a short 'Thank you' would circumvent a lot of bad feeling - you may find out why they were late/didn't join in the thread/didn't open 'on time'.

So, in the true spirit of Christmas - it is better to give than receive, thinking of others before ourselves. Surely that's the true intention of the Secret Santa? I know that this may offend some people and may feel as if I'm sermonising. You are free to disagree - it's your choice.
Peace to you all.

Dreamer I love you songs and I hope to hear you singing next year. You did not get me into the hole well not too often. Would you like a glass of Schnapps?

MaryJane's Secret Santa gift from BJSmith57.
 

Hi Everyone...............Mary Jane aka: mjsylvstr has asked me to post her Secret Santa treasures, that she received from her partner BJSmith57. She absolutely loves everything that she received & is so thankful for her special gift. Happy Holidays to all.

h*u*g*s........................

Thank You Teri for being a great host and taking on this labor of love.
I found this swap a couple of years ago and have enjoyed it. I do remember my first year here there were a couple of participants who posted that they wanted to wait to open later, some waiting until Christmas day as it would be the only present they would have that day.
If you want to know if your package arrived you can pm Teri, and ask her as we are instructed to send her a pm when we receive our package, and she is very good about replying. Last year my SS did not put Secret Santa or any other indication it was for this swap. But I pm'd Teri as I was in the monthly swap too, and gave her the address on the package and within a day she pm'd me back that it was indeed my SS package. Also if your sender forgot the card, or to put in the board name, you can pm Teri as to who was your sender and she will let you know.
So speaking of monthly swaps--Lori hosts a monthly secret pal swap and if you are wanting to fill in till next year why don't you check her swap out. You can join in any month you want to, each month is a sign up.

Any way I enjoyed the swap, wasn't able to get on board very often this year but did enjoy getting my package together, enjoyed waiting to open mine-was really excited to see it was from another country:eek: and put it away so I wouldn't be too tempted, and managed to remember before 4 est that I could open it that afternoon. Looking forward to next year too. :)

Now THAT looks like a book I'd like!!

thread.....of course! why didn`t i think of that!

Hi everyone, just want to add my two-cents.....i had a wonderful time in this swap....the positive outweighs the bit of negative....Teri thank you....I look forward to next years swap.....I didn`t have a chance to participate in the snowball fight but i haven`t forgotten....you`ll see...after the hustle and bustle of the holidays! I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I have loved this SS Swap from the first year I joined. It's really all about the anticipation and excitement of seeing all the love someone has shopped for and
packaged up to sent to you. When I have opened up my SS package each year I can feel the love flow out of it. It is a really special moment, that I savor each year.

I also love all the banter and fun those like Dreamer, Sulabug, Kinette, Nessie, gran of 6, Pat 625 and all the other have provided to brighten up my day.

Life goes by so rapidly so please look for love in each and every day. It out there if you look for it.

Merry Christmas and Love to everyone.

Pat 625 I love my purse and every day I get compliments on how cute it is. Thanks Again.

This was my 3rd year doing SS and it has been a learning curve. Each year, particularly the 1st I send out my package worried that it isn't enough or the right stuff or the items simply won't be liked. I'm like "Mikey"-I like everything. The 1st year I had no idea the thread was active during the entire time from signing up to opening. They don't call me blondeslave for nothing... The second year I posted a little trying to fit in with the group even though I'm more comfortable as a lurker. In all honesty I never felt truly accepted by the established group of swappers and ended up as a lurker again. I don't think those of you who know each other well and banter all the time understand how intimidating it is as a newbie to try and jump in. If you take the risk and post and no one plays with you it's kind of...awkward-at least it was for me. This year I was so crazy busy at work through most of November that I barely had time to look at the thread a few times and when I did look it was completely overwhelming how many pages I was behind. I did make an attempt to jump in with both feet with my "whine" story but again other than a couple of comments there was no real response to my follow up posts so I mostly went back to lurking. Hey, at least I got to the edge of the hole this year. I'm not complaining-I had a ball putting the box together for my SS and received a wonderful box in return. I'm just trying to provide some perspective as to why some people may not post from my own experience. I'll still be back next year as long as Terri is willing to put up with us.

I posted my picture from TammyB on December Secret Pal # 101 Page 11. Thanks again, Tammy.

I think the problem was one of expectations.
Some of us considered it a swap, in which the participants would all be seen/heard and would have a chance to get to know each other. Some of us considered it a swap, in which to just exchange a gift, with little or no interaction. Different expectations usually result in hurt feelings. Maybe in the future, the participation rules can be stated more clearly, to avoid misunderstandings. :)

For what it's worth, this was my very first QB Secret Santa swap. It took several posts, before I felt accepted . . . but that's probably because so much was going on, around me. Also, I've noticed when I reply to a post, I have to back-track to where I left off reading, or I'll miss all of the posts in-between the one I answered and my own reply post. Even though I try not to miss any, I'll often see one quoted, which I don't remember reading. :confused: When the posts are coming quickly, it's especially hard to both reply and not miss some. :(

Hey everyone. I'm sorry I'm running late here. Life kind of blew up over the weekend and then work kind of blew up on Monday. I'm FINALLY getting around to opening my gift. I love it, it is from kequilts, she did a lovely job picking things out for me. The snowman is sitting on my desk, just looking at it cheers me up.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451464[/ATTACH]

My partner Mariposa (Rhonda) isn't able to post pictures.
So I am posting the pictures I did remember to take, but
I forgot to takes pictures of about 1/4 to 1/3 of the goodies
I sent her.

2 of the MAIN things I sent to her that I did not get a pic
of was a small pair of titanium scissors, and all the hot fix
crystals (about 21-22 different colors MOST in 3 sizes).
Which my hubs had fun laughing at me sitting on the bed
with a lap tray and all my crystals out with me counting
them by hand and labeling each little zip bag with color, size
and qty (about 144 in each bag).

The last photo shows how full the box was BEFORE I add the
wrapped goodies that I didn't take a picture of. Believe me I
had to repack that box 5 times in order to get everything into
and able to close/tape the top.

Rhonda I am glad you enjoyed your SS goodies.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]451473[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451474[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451475[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451476[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451477[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]451478[/ATTACH]

Hello At first I didn't understand what was going on so I went back and reread almost all the post and now I think I understand a little more. Knittee has said it well and in such fine words but each one of us went into this swap with open hopping for something we really wanted when in all realty were probally not going to get or at least that is the way we should have felt. I gave a list that was very general because my taste can get expensive and I didn't want that to hamper what I did get and I got some really wonderful things I loved all of them the bar of soap I got was great and makes my sewing room smell so good, the homemade scarf is good for my coat great colors, The blinking nose I got was so cute I wore it out to dinner but dh made me take it off before we went into the restruant, and the list goes on and on but none the less most of it wasn't on my list(thank goodness) but I was so excited I got what I got that not being on the list wasn't even a factor once I started opening the gifts. This is the season for giving and for receiving no matter what you get be happy enjoy and say thank you to who gave it to you and enjoy this season.

Oh Blondeslave, I loved your story! It was so much fun flying hunting for the whine! Please join in again with the banter, you have a beautiful imagination to share! LOL!
Merry Christmas!

Hi, I have been really ill and in bed for days and I totally forgot to open my SS gift. I need to apologize to StephT for not letting her know about the gift she sent. I would like to give her a great big think you for the lovely gift, I love it and love purple. She did a great job, thank you so much StephT![ATTACH=CONFIG]451490[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]451491[/ATTACH]

I enjoy putting the package together for my SS. In my opinion that is the best part. Just saying. I try to let the sender know by Private message that I like what they have picked out for me. Yes, everyone has different taste. If you do not like something, be gracious. You may be able to re gift it to someone else on the board. Live by the golden rule and we will all be happy. Just had to voice my opinion.