pogiporkchop

Glad to do it... Had to get the month off to a great start

And I suppose Brad would be judging and require samples to be sent to him... What I think would be interesting is to see who can come up with the best white elephant or recycled gift... let's say you have $10 and could only shop at a thrift store. What could you put together that would be suitable for gift giving? Other ideas: worst Santa photo, tree/wreath/house decorating, original BF t-shirt designs, ornament design...

And after working all day to get it done all info is now out! I'm going to find coffee somewhere... In the meantime, please check your info. Make sure you didn't get yourself and that you got one person for each exchange (SS/OE) you signed up for. If you would like me to double check your names let me know; the lists are handwritten and easily accessible in Big Red. Name drawings were conducted by the accounting firm of ShiShi, ShiShi and ShiShi. Obviously a picture will follow at some point (most likely as an avatar change).

OK, everyone who signed up for the card exchange should have their lists... Please double check your address to make sure it is correct.

That is a great suggestion! I will make note of it.

It's Trick or Treat day... couldn't they have at least waited one more day? This is neither trick nor treat. On the other hand, I agree with momlori... it really is full-on Black Friday season!

Sign ups are now closed! Chief Elf here is going to be very busy during the next several days...

Two more have joined the party! Just a few hours left...

Last day everyone... if you haven't signed up but want to take part you have until midnight ET. Those who have signed up please make sure you are listed for the correct exchange(s). If, for whatever reason, you want/need to withdraw now would be the time to do it. Card exchange info will be sent out first and separately. SS and OE info will be combined if you are participating in both. All info will be mailed out by the end of the upcoming weekend. (Note to self: fill out your own info! )

I'm starting to see a late burst, a good thing Those who have sent info to me I have received it; please be patient as I have now taken ill. I'm hoping to be able to stay awake and upright long enough to enter information tonight. A final check will be done soon.

Mandy, I got your info this time. BFAddict, I will enter yours sometime tomorrow (if I'm not out cold after work) and will reply once I have done so. We're almost there and of course now things have to pick up at work... (Rolling eyes)

Defining Black Friday: Then - the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) when retailers would finally turn a profit (black) for the year Now- the day after Thanksgiving (Friday) that begins as soon as it's Black outside and not at 12:00am

Actually, Mandy, I got your message but there was no information in it. Could you please try sending it again?

Just a few more days to sign up... So far we have 25 for Secret Santa, 13 for Ornament and only 10 for the card exchange. Where is everyone?

Looks like Target is joining the 8pm fray from what I just read and Best Buy will hold firm with a midnight opening... Anyone think there will be a retailer silly enough to open earlier than 8pm?

Choose a number - a reasonable one - and the gift has to either contain that many pieces or be given in that quantity. Example 1: the number is 12 and the person likes chocolate... you could get 12 small boxes of chocolates, one box with 12 expensive chocolates inside, 12 chocolate themed items in a basket, a dozen chocolate donuts... Example 2: the number is 5 and the person likes to cook... five kitchen tools, five restaurant or grocery gift cards, five full place settings of quality dishes, a new set of cookware containing five pots and pans, five gourmet spices, five cooking classes... This could be a lot of fun as creativity in incorporating the theme into your gift is encouraged.

I've worked retail so I can see both sides. There are employees who aren't happy about working holidays but don't have a choice. Others choose to work, glad for the extra hours. Yet others may volunteer for Thanksgiving/BF just to see how many people make complete fools of themselves during the insane chaos. Personally I've always volunteered to work Thanksgiving/BF because I would get extra pay and have enjoyed helping people who choose to venture out early get their holiday season off to a great start. As for my holidays, it's just me, DH and our two kids - no friends or family around us (too far away). We spend time together over a casual meal - I don't cook a whole turkey or big feast now, usually try to dine out or pre-purchase something - giving thanks for what we have and praying for those who might be in need. It's a simple day for us, and if there are places open we might be interested in going to then we will go. Likewise if everything was closed up we wouldn't have a problem with that but choose instead to stay at home or go out just for a drive or trip to a park. We are a melting pot of different cultures and with that comes different traditions. Not everyone will celebrate every holiday or do so in the "traditional" way. Would or do I go shopping on Thanksgiving? Yes, but not much (and I make sure to let those who are working they are appreciated) if at all. Would it bother me if everything were closed? Not a bit. My shopping theory is if it is meant for me then it will be on the shelf when I get there. If more people shared this theory the start of the holiday shopping season might be much more enjoyable and just maybe (though not likely) stores would be likely to push back their opening times.

A bonus and follow-up to my official entry: If you dare to cut Expect the wrath of us all Diehards never fall

Potential jumpers: See these tents? We were here first... Don't think of cutting!

I didn't answer the poll question but I'm going to wear the shirt I won the year before last... this time I know where it is. Unless I come up with an interesting design on my own. If anyone does design their own shirt I think many of us would like to see your creativity... perhaps pics could be posted in this thread or a new one started?

Add to my list the boss, salespeople who have assisted me in training, Scout exchange... oh phooey, I better just write the list down then post!

Somewhere in the archives there is a huge list of stuffer ideas... I remember looking at it multiple times but can't remember where it is. A ton of good ideas if you can find it... for now I'd say gift cards, tickets to a movie or show, jewelry, cold hard cash... Socks and undies can take up a lot of space if you need filler.

Just a reminder: the last day to sign up for the exchanges is Oct. 30 - that's only 10 days from today! I will already be pairing up people and preparing mails at this point if not before. I strongly encourage those who want to participate to submit your info before this date. Likewise, if for some reason you need to withdraw please do it now before I make the lists. Once you are paired up with someone you will be responsible for sending to your person; if you withdraw after names have been sent out your name will go on the naughty list. As always I will consider things on a case by case basis. (Those of you currently on the card exchange list may have it easy... not many names so far, only about half a book of stamps worth.)

Katy, you are now added to the card exchange. I already put your info on the address list but forgot to put your name on the list here. whynot0224 and arf 110106, you have been added to your requested exchanges. Deal Grabber, to answer your question I do not play on a card game site (at least not now - I may have in the past but don't remember). I think that takes care of the housekeeping for now