pogiporkchop

It wasn't planned that way. The draw was completely random - one name from each of two containers drawn at the same time. Next year remind me to make sure you two aren't paired together again!

No. I chose not to take part this year because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to afford it after having spent over $500 on DD's gear for taekwondo. It was a smart choice as I still ended up having to purchase a new dress uniform after the fact. I like to put a lot of thought into my packages also, so taking a break was a good thing. I didn't give out my address for cards for the same reason, because I wouldn't be able to return the favor if I was sent something. It's all good, though. I still had fun hosting.

Here's a surprising one: DS says he was most excited about both but I think the $50 Roblox gift card was a bigger hit than the iPad mini!

Bet you all thought I forgot about posting the lists! Someone finally got off the computer so here they are: Ornament Exchange Tracypa26 gave to sbaldasare Princez916 gave to tracypa26 Hockeyfanamo – jesusluvu Bopeep – jendeere Nafcmf – robertmorr1999 Jesusluvu – lilquiet Racerfan – Mandy4Matt Lis415529 – swampbaby Willandmel – lis415529 Jendeere – racerfan Sbaldasare – Pepper_Mint_Tea Robertmorr1999 – princez916 Swampbaby – Bopeep Mandy4Matt – frugalnotcheap Bfaddict716 – hillbillyswife Pepper_Mint_Tea – Bfaddict716 Frugalnotcheap – hockeyfanamo Lilquiet – willandmel Hillbillyswife - nafcmf Secret Santa Bopeep gave to msyves Reinholt1smom - Pepper_Mint_Tea Hillbillyswife – Reinholt1smom Gatorburg – nafcmf Lis415529 – princez916 Msyves – npg Jendeere – Bopeep Robertmorr1999 – wittenlover Momlori – raven20_79 Spice9195 – tracypa26 Sbaldasare – queenkishaa Racerfan – hockeyfanamo Reinholt1 – robertmorr1999 Illinoismom – sbaldasare Ytmomof4 - lilquiet Lilquiet – jesusluvu Stevierocks – jendeere Kash - frugalnotcheap Princez916 – NovemberDiva Tyreejames – lis415529 Frugalnotcheap – whynot0224 Queenkishaa – hillbillyswife Misstaken did not give to racerfan but Pepper_Mint_Tea, Reinholt1 and Chief Elf did Nafcmf – mistaken Npg – tyreejames Raven20_79 – Spice9195 Willandmel – gatorburg Wittenlover – willandmel Hockeyfanamo – stevierocks NovemberDiva – Reinholt1 Pepper_Mint_Tea – momlori Whynot0224 – ytmomof4 Jesusluvu – Illinoismom Tracypa26 - Kash As you can see ShiShi, ShiShi and ShiShi are sad to report that elves were needed. The call was made not once, but TWICE as I had cancelled the first elf call after getting a promise to mail (yes, there was a valid excuse for being late) and it wasn't delivered upon. Thank you to momlori, Bopeep and wittenlover for stepping up the first time around; it is good to know so many are willing to step up and go the extra mile. The Firm would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and will see you again next fall (yes, I will be hosting again - look for the thread to start mid-September) with an expanded workforce! In the meantime suggestions for improvements are always welcome.

Merry Christmas everyone! If I can ever get DS off the computer I need to post the lists I'll do it...

I can't wait to post the lists tomorrow. Has everyone received?

It's waiting at your post office

MIA package, we're getting on it... I know it was sent. What happened to it after it arrived is a mystery. Hopefully it is found before Christmas.

I see no progress on the package but your person has been sent a mail so we will see.

I'll look into it tomorrow when I have more time after work.

Ah, but the bug is a bonus... Just kidding, I wouldn't be happy to find one either. I'm quite sure, however, that your sender didn't realize it was in there.

Ok, looks like the last couple of packages will be going out tomorrow so everyone should have their packages next week. How about those cards? Has everyone mailed?

What a great idea!

DD got her taekwondo gear last night after class... she yelled "finally!" and proceeded to hug the snot out of that bag while obsessing over the smell like one does with a new car. What she doesn't know is that I also got her item for this cycle - and not just the regular training one but the fancy one for competition. DS will be getting that iPad mini. No explanation needed there.

Nowhere near done and no idea what I'm doing...

All elves, please PM me or look for a message from me.

Awww, sorry.... the Firm did a random draw. Really I am. It is heartwarming to see so many willing to go above and beyond. That makes the ShiShis happy and they are once again in a festive mood. On a bright note, looks like all but 2 OE and 3 SS are shipped but all should be out by the end of the week.

Good to see packages are getting to their destinations! And yes, it is with great regret that the Firm had to send summons for elf duty. It's minimal but still very disappointing... I had to lock up the bamboo nog. And take away pencils. And scissors. Not a happy bunch of accountants right now.

I'm going to get a tree (finally) and the ShiShis are going to decorate. It'll be a very ShiShi Christmas...

I think I'll be filling my own stocking too... with what I don't know. Maybe things I need for work.

I have already planned for that. That, the date the thread will be started and what to do about the shipping deadline. There are now only two I have not heard from as of yet; everyone else is accounted for. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we get through what I think is the most challenging time of the entire exchange. The lists will be posted on Christmas Day.

Nice! I'm seeing some nice packages so far!

Thankfully I'm getting some replies. A few more will be late in going but will be going. Unfortunately in the past there have been issues with people receiving but not giving. That is why we have some requirements. It is also why participants are required to send tracking numbers to the host and why recipients are asked to post or PM that packages were received... A few years ago, if I remember correctly, I had two play SS to me because my SS forgot to send the tracking number and before that package could arrive I got an elf package. And yes, I did pass the kindness forward. I agree it's not nice to use our exchange to try to score free stuff. I also know that things happen beyond our control or at times time will run away from us. However, everything rights itself in the end: those who just forgot get in touch, those who get but don't give are revealed when the lists are posted and those who give above and beyond are recognized at the same time. In the end, everyone gets a package.

One has been in touch so one less elf. Time can go by quickly but still... Anyway, I am going to consider some changes for next year. I'm already setting up for it in fact... Oh, did I mention I'll continue to host this?

Four people will shipping delayed but with good reasons. Unfortunately, six people have not been in touch with me and so I must assume have not shopped. These six have received a PM and have until the end of today to reply. If I do not hear by the time I'm ready to go to sleep I'll be calling on my elves. Seven will be needed unless I have some willing to shop for more than one. I'll even step up if needed. This is not what I was expecting.