Secret Santa gift exchange! discussion
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2022 Gift Exchange
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Random Chitchat
M'rella wrote: "I had to scrub all the cookies from my Chrome today... and now I am back to the stupid NEW BOOK PAGE version.Can I add old-version Chrome cookies to my Christmas wish list, do you think? Anyone h..."
Oh, dear. I haven't had this hiccup...yet. Did they mess up like Elfster did with their "improvement?"
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
You are doing an amazing job, FOR FREE, I might add, and you help us spread so much joy this time of year. Please ignore the people who send mean messages. Organizing this for so many people is a difficult task, and you always manage to be so cheerful and positive. If you need some help moderating this group, I'd be happy to help out.
Heather, definitely don't hesitate to ask for help!
Grumpy givers make me sad. Sorry you’re dealing with negativity, Heather. I’m glad to see people supporting you and just wanted to toss in an offer to help with Amazon if you ever need someone to swing through their customer service line. (Several of my friends work for them as chat techs.) I’m pretty well-versed with Smashwords too if anything comes up with them. I’ve been trying to spread the love around myself! I wish there was a way to “search” wishlists for ones I could gift quick
M'rella wrote: "I had to scrub all the cookies from my Chrome today... and now I am back to the stupid NEW BOOK PAGE version.Can I add old-version Chrome cookies to my Christmas wish list, do you think? Anyone h..."
For me at least it has nothing to do with cookies, it just randomly switches between the new and the old page on multiple devices. I've sent them feedback (they ask for it whenever they switch back to old) ever time to please rework the new page because it's so bad but so far no dice.
But maybe if we keep wishing for it it'll work :P
I *still* haven't encountered the new book page in the wild. I'm not looking forward to the day it changes. ><Just echoing the sentiments of everyone else, Heather! Every holiday needs a Grinch, I guess. You're doing a hell of a job as far as I'm concerned.
If I run across an weird account, I will report.Also, participants with books over $15 dollars a piece make me ... um .... not happy. I had an unfortunate encounter once or twice :/
Kit wrote: "I *still* haven't encountered the new book page in the wild. I'm not looking forward to the day it changes. ><"I am so jealous!! I was in the very first wave of the rollout, and I've tried all the tricks to get it to revert with no success. I've had it for months now, and it does not get any better with age :(
Pam wrote: "Kit wrote: "I *still* haven't encountered the new book page in the wild. I'm not looking forward to the day it changes. >I am so jealous!! I was in the very first wave of the rollout, and I've tr..."
I guess I didn't realize how...lucky I was that I haven't had the change forced on me yet. Ha! I tend to use the app on my phone most of the time...except during this party...so maybe it's coming for me now? Eek!
I don't use the app and while asked occasionally if I want to try the new page I decline.
Gentle reminder to please check your messages on Elfster! And to include necessary information for gifting on Elfster of here in the Introduction please :)
Mod
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
Why are people so rude? This is such a fun event and you do a great job running yet. I've had issues in the past too, it's always going to happen, but no need to be rude. 💗
Mod
Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions ..."
xoxoxo
The WORST possible thing to happen to someone during this exchange has happened to me: my kindle gave up the ghost :(I was reading on the treadmill (Yes, I convince myself to exercise with romance books.), and it totally froze and now it won't boot. Sad day! Thankfully it was still under warranty so amazon is sending me a replacement, but it won't be here for close to two weeks. I'm going to have so much catching up to do!
@Kit omg nooooo! I’m glad it’s under warranty, but…☹️ Can you use the kindle app on your phone or another device until you get the replacement?
Sarah, technically yes, but reading on blue backlit devices gives me major eye strain. I'll probably read on my phone a little bit, but I just can't look at it for too long. Guess I'll have to remember what it's like to crack open one of those rectangular things with a bunch of paper inside that I think people call "fysikal bewks." (Also have my audiobooks to keep me company! :3)
Kit wrote: "Sarah, technically yes, but reading on blue backlit Ugh, that's such a bummer! I'm glad they're replacing it with no issues. One thing that helped me be able to read easier on my phone with the kindle app was to change the background color to green - I don't know why but it took away the strain/headaches I had with trying to read with the white background. Maybe that would be worth a try for you?
Try not to cut yourself on any of those rectangular things if you go that route. ;)
I hate to hear your Kindle croked, Kit! Maybe try adjusting the brightness factor on the screen of your phone? If I keep mine at a lower level when reading, it doesn't bother me.I'm tickled pink I got an Elf gift! I have sent a few and hope to send some more.
Is it wrong I want a gift from Cocksmack just so I can put that name on my list of gifts given this Christmas? LMAO
I literally love all the clever elf names. They're hysterical!
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
I just read this -- WHY PEOPLE ARE BEING RUDE?!?! This event has been successfully managed by YOU ALONE for ten years!! Rude people made me grumpy. HUGS, HEATHER! There are always people who come back and make this event merry and fun, and we're behind you 100%.
Mod
Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions ..."
Awww, thank you Ami xoxo
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Thanks so much everyone, and sorry to be a downer! I'm thrilled that everyone is enjoying and having fun :)"Don't mind the rude people Heather, you'r doing an incredible job, especially considering the amount of people we are (more than 150!!!!) It seems, statistically speaking, there is always a few grumpies/rude ones in any group, let's just ignore them, I'm having so much fun gifting, receiving and reading all the awesome names! ;) not you our beautiful @ami ! you're our nice grumpy XD
Kit wrote: "Sarah, technically yes, but reading on blue backlit devices gives me major eye strain. I'll probably read on my phone a little bit, but I just can't look at it for too long. Guess I'll have to re..."
Lizzie wrote: "Kit wrote: "Sarah, technically yes, but reading on blue backlit
Ugh, that's such a bummer! I'm glad they're replacing it with no issues. One thing that helped me be able to read easier on my phon..."
I also use the app and the black background, it doesn't tire my eyes and also saves on battery since it isn't a beacon of light all the time ^^
If you are planning to buy Tic-Tac-Mistletoe or Christmas Wish List by N.R. Walker hold off there is a $.99 sale coming soon according to email from Author.
@ everyone with suggestions for me and reading on my phone: you guys are the best <3 I'll give that stuff a try, especially changing the color of the light! I promise I will muddle through one way or another, but I await the day my true love (the kindle) returns to me... lol
Of course you muddle through. Not reading is not an option.
Hemmel wrote: "Of course you muddle through. Not reading is not an option."Never was an option, never will be an option, I might be buried with my kindle.
Kit! Oh my, how awful...but I'm glad your kindle was under warranty. I'm on my third (not by choice but I seem to wear out the charging port after a few years...I'm anxiously awaiting for them to charge wirelessly someday!!) and I can't seem to get rid of the first two. They are tucked away in my sock drawer. Ha! Hope your new one comes soon! *fingers crossed*Just dropping in for a quick, hello and Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. And to wish everyone a lovely day of doing whatever makes your heart happy!
Me? I'll take my stance in the kitchen and cook the day away. Luckily, my kitchen is very open and part of the main living area so, I never miss out on family chatter OR the parade on tv. :)
As I go through my 'thankful for' list...you are all on it. I'm so thankful to Doc H for putting this together every year...it brings so much joy. And I'm thankful for all of you!! *hugs*
Hemmel & Roger: You're both so right! I don't always manage to read every day, but it is my oldest and dearest hobby. <3Sheri, This one is (was) my second. My 4th generation was still going strong after a decade, but I upgraded to the new paperwhite last year & gave the old one to a friend. I can be patient, I think!
Happy Thanksgiving!! My family is going pretty low-key this year; just roasting up a turkey breast and a tiny spiral ham. We'll all hang out together and stuff our faces watching a movie this evening. Anyone have suggestions for what to watch? Favorite autumn/holiday films?
Kit have you been thinking of getting reading glasses with a blue light filter? Doesn't have to have a prescription, just the filter. It will change your life when it comes to screens.
Gustaf, I knew they existed but it hadn't really occurred to me for some reason? I just ordered myself a pair! Thank you!
Hope everyone in the USA has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kit wrote: "Hemmel & Roger: You're both so right! I don't always manage to read every day, but it is my oldest and dearest hobby. <3Sheri, This one is (was) my second. My 4th generation was still going stron..."
For my family, we had the vhs of It's A Wonderful Life and watched it as the first viewing during the holiday season.
My family celebrated with traditional Southern favorites and a small turkey. We watched the three episodes currently available on Disney+ of The Santa Clauses with Tim Allen. (It's adorable!) I came home to watch horror with my mother afterwards so she didn't wither and die from too much holiday festivity. I wish I had more money to give gifts. There are so many sales and so many wishes this year! I hope everyone who celebrated enjoyed their Thanksgiving!
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
OMG seriously Heather?! that's bang out of order, you are an absolute star to run this Exchange every year, especially when it's the most easy to participate in one I've ever been in!
Some people are just twatwaffles.
Cadiva: “twatwaffle” is one of my favorite words. Lol I agree the Negative Nans need to stay in their lane. This is the easiest exchange I’ve ever done too!
Just sent out a few more surprises. I wish I could do more this year. There’s never enough money even with the sales!
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
We all love you, Heather! Don't worry about the ones not coming back. There are more of us here to have fun with you every year. Let this be another great year of Holiday cheer!
Lila wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Hey everyone- hope you all are having a great weekend! Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions ...
We all love you, Heather! Don't worry about the ones not coming back. There are more of us here to have fun with you every year. Let this be another great year of Holiday cheer! "
Ditto!! Thank you Heather for this slice of joy and fun every year!
have to say that I would really appreciate an anonymous "do not worry" msg from my SS.
I can imagine. You know what happens when your SS does not show up, yes? Heather sends an adoption request and participants pick you as their second match. Last year, Heather mailed me she had so many offers, I did not get a second match.
Teeny wrote: "have to say that I would really appreciate an anonymous "do not worry" msg from my SS."I'm sorry they haven't appeared yet. :(
Neither has mine but it's not quite 2 weeks into the exchange (although it seems longer since things always kick off early) and there's still plenty of time!
And Hemmel is right...I had a no-show SS last year too but was still visited by kindhearted elves.
Here's hoping your SS has simply been busy and shows up soon!
*fingers crossed*
I had a Secret Santa a couple years ago who was having trouble sending me a Kindle book in the US but figured it out before the end of the exchange. Plus, I'm hoping for some cyber Monday deals tomorrow. I wouldn't worry yet.
Some time they use the same elf name so it is not always easy to tell if you received a visit from your secret santa but usually everyone gets gift from elves even if ss doesn't show up. More frustating to me is when my usually generous SS don't claim me.
Yes, but not receiving any book, means your Secret Santa still has to show up.
I don't think I have heard from my S.S. either although I did get a few gifts with elf names.
Teeny wrote: "have to say that I would really appreciate an anonymous "do not worry" msg from my SS."Me too Teeny
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I will stand-in for a missing Santa if necessary.
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Secret Santa gift exchange!
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Just letting you all know that I'm doing my best and it's hard with cross-country restrictions and gifting. I have gotten a couple not so ni..."
Doc, ugh why do grumpy people try and share their grump? I know you are killin' them with kindness on the outside but it's gotta suck on the inside. *hugs* I'd tell them they are welcome to leave now if they are that unhappy. I can help share some extra book love with their match. Just shoot me a message.
AND...don't worry about us. Amazon is irritating but that certainly isn't your fault. I've actually chatted with some super nice amazon customer service reps sorting out some knots. Ha. Making friends all over the world :D