pogiporkchop

1. Been shopping about 23 years I think 2. Spending less this year since I had to move 3. No plans for online shopping 4. I usually go by myself but if DD wanted to come I'd let her 5. Have BF training for their employees so everyone knows where everything is and whats going on, not just a few

Card list just went out...!

I used to live so close then I had to go and move to the middle of a desert! Love it there.

Glad to do it

Yawn... no last minute mails since i updated so sign up is officially closed. ShiShi, ShiShi and ShiShi will now get to work!

Lists have been updated. There will be one last check later...

Lists have been updated. Last call for sign ups...

I'll be updating later today. My paper list is up to date even if this one isn't so don't worry... Only a little over 24 hours left to sign up!

Just a few days to go... I'm stilll waiting for that last minute rush, lol. I also think that nobody taking part in the card exchange will have to worry about breaking the bank just to pay for postage.

Ten days left to sign up everyone (who is reading this and has not signed up)... Don't miss out!! Spread the word!

Yes, PM me your info and answer the questions. The more info your exchange person has to work with the better. Also (and this does not promise or guarantee anything), the GDers who do take part in the exchanges are in general generous and put a good deal of thought and care into their packages.

Lists have been updated for those who have sent their info during the past few days...

Love the shirt design!

Yes, a good sized group for this point in sign up time. We are almost to the halfway point, though, and as we all know there is always a last minute rush and right at the deadline sign ups... While it's early and before snow starts flying let's hope that there will not be nasty package-delaying weather... Wishful thinking perhaps but you never know.

Latest updates made. Thank you to those who have offered extra help so far!

I gave it careful consideration and originally used prior exchanges as a guide. I think as you run an exchange more you get a feel of what's right for that particular one. Doing a great job with the summer one, btw.

Of course it's OK! There's nothing that says you have to take part every year.

Yay... finally in the holiday forum!

I saw Christmas trees and ornaments as early as July at Hobby Lobby.

For those who might be wondering I don't know once again if I'll be taking part myself this year. I'll just have to wait and see...

Not if you do some more posting before Halloween. If you are added to the list you'll have to send a card to everyone on the list... postage can add up quickly so I would suggest waiting til near the end of October before making a decision. I'll give fair consideration to you, I promise, if you make a request to be added to the card list. And welcome to the forums! You'll find plenty to comment on here so the posts will add up quickly, lol.

First update has been made! I got two views within 30 seconds of opening this year's thread... has to be a record.

Chief Elf and the accounting firm of ShiShi, ShiShi and ShiShi are back... which means it's time for the holiday festivities to begin! If you want to join in on the fun sign up is going to be a little different this year - sign ups will be accepted via PM only (to me, pogiporkchop) in order to keep everything more organized. Use "Secret Santa 2015" in the subject line. This is not an official GottaDeal.com event, so participate at your own risk. GottaDeal can't be held responsible if you do not receive anything. While I hope we won't be needing any please let me know if you are willing to be an elf in case someone does not receive their SS/OE package. Please include in your PM: 1. Your forum username, your name and address 2. The exchanges you would like to take part in (Secret Santa, Ornament and/or Card) 3. The answers to the questions below if you are going to be in Secret Santa/Ornament exchange 4. Anything else you'd like your Secret Santa to know about you 5. Gift wrap preference (yes or no) The Questions... Are you male or female? Are you married? Do you have kids? If so, gender and age Do you have pets? Are you allergic to anything? Would you accept homemade food (such as cookies)? Any absolute dislikes? Do you have any hobbies? Do you collect anything? Favorite Fast Food Establishment? Do you have a favorite candy? What is your favorite drink? What is your favorite color? Do you like lotions? If so what kinds? Do you like scented candles? What scent? Any favorite sports teams or Nascar drivers? What’s your favorite flower? What's your favorite music/artist? What's your favorite movie? What's your favorite holiday movie? What's your favorite author? What's your favorite thing to do during your ‘me time’? What is your favorite winter activity? Something that you wouldn’t buy yourself but have always wanted? Anything else? The Rules (please read before signing up): 1. Secret Santa is just like it sounds - a secret exchange of gifts! There's a MINIMUM of $10 before shipping. If you choose to spend more, please don't be disappointed if your partner doesn't. 2. Ornament Exchange is also just like it sounds - an exchange of ornaments! There's a MINIMUM of $5 before shipping. If you choose to spend more, please don't be disappointed if your partner doesn't. 3. Card Exchange is also as it sounds - an exchange of holiday greeting cards. Unlike the other two, however, you send (a card) to everyone who signs up and you get (a card) from everyone who signs up! If you have a favorite holiday recipe feel free to include it with the cards you send out. There is no minimum or delivery confirmation but please understand that you send a card to everyone on the list so if 50 people join the exchange you will be spending $24.50 for postage. (The current cost for a first class stamp as of the time of this posting is 49 cents). 4. Tracking (aka delivery confirmation) is a MUST. Please PM me the tracking number and how it is being shipped (USPS or UPS) so I can keep track of everything. If you send via USPS Priority it should be included at no charge, but it is always best to check for yourself. 5. Insurance from the USPS is also a MUST. Check with the post office nearest you for the cost. 6. Make sure your item(s) is/are properly packed and with plenty of padding. 7. No junk. Everything must be new/unused within reason. Used books, CDs, and DVDs are okay as long as they are in a like new condition that you would be okay with receiving. 8. The last day to sign up is Saturday, October 31st (you have until midnight ET). I should have names out by Wednesday, November 4th. Registration is now closed. 9. The last day to ship is Thursday, December 10th. If for some reason you cannot ship by this date you must let me know ASAP and then ship priority. 10. If you are participating in the Card Exchange please feel free to mail them any time but make sure to keep holiday mail delivery times in mind. 11. You must have been a member since May 1, with some posting activity, in order to participate. This helps to make sure that only dedicated GottaDealers are participating and we have less of a chance of people flaking out. Also, if you have flaked on any of the 2014 events or the 2015 summer event, you will not be allowed to participate. 12. Any decisions made by the exchange host are final. Each case or question will be given fair treatment and consideration; if you plead a case or ask a question and don't get a reply you like please don't complain. One last note: Please be patient if I can't get things done right away, but be assured I'm keeping track of everything. I have been dealing with a lot of changes since the end of last year's exchange and it has not been easy. I am now working full time and have had overtime every pay period since the move from PT to FT. Hosting this is a job I take seriously, but it is fun and I enjoy doing it! If you have any questions at all please ask me. Remember, this is all about having fun. Now ready, set.... GO! Secret Santa (33) ytmomof4 Racerfan Bopeep hockeyfanamo queenkishaa hillbillyswife momlori tyreejames gatorburg msyves nafcmf mgmckny Illinoismom Spice9195 stevierocks jesusluvu tracy0504 tinkrbel ilikefree princez916 Megara211 jendeere Reinholt1 Reinholt1sMom HanShotFirst LainieB Katyloveshockey willandmel Pepper_Mint_Tea raven20_79 cassgurlie04 lilquiet frugalnotcheap Ornament Exchange (16) Racerfan Bopeep hockeyfanamo hillbillyswife nafcmf Mandy4Matt mgmckny jesusluvu tracy0504 princez916 Megara211 Katyloveshockey willandmel lilquiet BFAddict716 frugalnotcheap Card Exchange (11) hockeyfanamo queenkishaa msyves stevierocks twilightcalm princez916 LainieB Katyloveshockey hillbillyswife BFAddict716 frugalnotcheap

I can't wait to see the contests that are lined up for this year. If suggestions are being taken, I think a fun one would be BF t-shirt design... not for the site's official shirt but most unique/outstanding individual shirts. Of course I think we're all eager for the official shirt too...

Maybe the Firm and I should start the signup for the holiday exchanges now...