I’m in too! Will get a PM over, thanks for setting this up @applelover!!!
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I think I’m ready to do my Secret Santa PM, @applelover.
Thanks for doing this. I’m looking forward to some holiday merriment and silly elfishness. 
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@applelover please let me know that you got my PM. I haven’t done one in so long I’m not sure I did it correctly. Thanks!
(It felt kinda like writing a letter to the North Pole!)
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I really want to do this every year but chicken out - you all love it so much and your secret santas seem to get their gifts right (for those that shared what they received in years’ past); I don’t want to be a disappointment. I’m a person who’s happy to get anything but I know not everyone is like that. I usually know the people I’m gift giving in real life and have a good feeling about their likes and dislikes, but worried if I get someone and can’t figure out what they like.
I think if I knew what kinds of things people really liked receiving, what things they didn’t like receiving, or received any advice on how to secretly figure out what someone would like, maybe it wouldn’t be so daunting. Anyone want to encourage a newbie elf and share some thoughts? What kinds of things are usually exchanged? thanks.
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Don’t be afraid! Come toward the Secret Santa light!
It’s actually not that challenging to be an elf and pick a gift, because the person whose name you get will provide a list of things they’d like, appreciate or enjoy and also (hopefully) items they really can’t use. If for some reason you get assigned a recipient and still can’t figure out a suitable gift, you can create an alter username and ask for more specifics. Or if you’re kind of clumsy at that (like me), you can PM someone and have them ask questions for you. That’s also part of the “secret” in Secret Santa.
In the past, I’ve always received thoughtful items that really brought me joy, from regional cookbooks to warm mittens, unique kitchen ware and Christmas decor. Remember it’s the spirit of the season we’re all aiming for, too, not necessarily receiving our heart’s desire.
I hope that helps and encourages you to participate!
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I got you! I PMed you back 
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I was really nervous the first time I did it too, but I find it really fun! @Paint_Party summed it up really well. You would get a pretty detailed list of what the person likes or dislikes, and then you can always use an alter to ask follow-up questions as well! You can search the past year threads where people have posted pictures of their most-loved gifts. For me personally, my favorite part is getting unexpected things from around the country (or world!), and also personalized or even home-made things that you can’t just find in a store.
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For those who have PMed me so far, would you want me to do an earlier round of matches this weekend, so we could get a jump on shopping/elfing? We have enough names to make it work so far. I could do a second round later for those who still want to join. I just know I can’t wait to get started!
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Add me to the group that is cheering you on to give it a try.
You can ask more questions if the original information leaves you wondering.
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You can do it!! I too was super nervous but finally jumped in last year an wish I’d done it sooner!
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Yes please!
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Sure, I’m ready to start elfing around. So go ahead and hook me up!
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OK check your inboxes elves, I just sent the first round of matches out! If you thought you signed up but didn’t get anything, please let me know. I’ll do another round the weekend before Thanksgiving for anyone else who still wants to join! Happy Elfing 
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Thank you, applelover!! Exciting! 
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PM sent!
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I’m matched and for my giftee, I am shopping for some interesting/fun things!
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Funny, I’ve been moving boxes around and finally clearing a storage unit I moved all my worldly possessions into a few years ago, and I found a box of margarita glasses my SS gifted me years ago! It reminded me to log on and see if I’d missed the deadline yet.
PM sent Applelover!
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Not too late! I’ll do another round of matches next weekend
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I’m an eager elf!
I found the gifts for my giftee and am just waiting for one to arrive. Yesterday I put the poinsettias in my outdoor window boxes. I am, however, waiting until Thanksgiving to put up the lights. Or at least I’m trying to wait.
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I haven’t received my person yet.
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