🌟 🎄 🎅 The UnOfficial Official 2025 PM Secret Santa Thread 🎅 🎄 🌟

[sablebrush52]

[putting on Grinch hat]

While some of us are able to give biggly, not everyone can, or should be expected to. Conversely, not everyone wins in a landslide, some will receive whatever modest gift that their match can afford. I know that it’s the thought that counts, and we have some of the most kind and appreciative people here, but the disparity is a real issue. I suspect it keeps some people from joining the fun, not being able to meet expectations. I don’t have an answer, aside from maybe raising it to a four tin limit (then six, then twelve, then…), but as we’ve seen, Secret Santa has become something of a lottery.

I’ve certainly been as guilty of an enthusiastic example of unbridled escalation as anyone else.

[santa hat back on]

I was being facetious about the poundage, and fully support Dan's comments. The suggested two tin gift is an excellent reference point. If someone wants to give more, that's entirely at their discretion. No gift given honestly in this Secret Santa swap is an unworthy gift.

My goal this year was to give rather than receive, and to the end that I could accomplish that, knowing that Dan belonged to a couple of pipe clubs, sought a way to share the joy more widely.

 

[AcesAndEights]

[putting on Grinch hat]

While some of us are able to give biggly, not everyone can, or should be expected to. Conversely, not everyone wins in a landslide, some will receive whatever modest gift that their match can afford. I know that it’s the thought that counts, and we have some of the most kind and appreciative people here, but the disparity is a real issue. I suspect it keeps some people from joining the fun, not being able to meet expectations. I don’t have an answer, aside from maybe raising it to a four tin limit (then six, then twelve, then…), but as we’ve seen, Secret Santa has become something of a lottery.

I’ve certainly been as guilty of an enthusiastic example of unbridled escalation as anyone else.

[santa hat back on]

I’ll admit, i participated the last two years, and both times, i got more than I sent. Didn’t seem right. And since I’ve got a wife and three little ones, I choose to spend on them first. So while I love the idea of PMSS, I couldn’t, in good conscience, participate this year knowing that I had zero intentions of trying to go all out, which seems to be the trend. Still a fun thread to watch though!

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

I don't want to open my box...the anticipation is so palpable. I have been staring at it all day. .... But I so want to open it!!!

 

[woodsroad]

I was being facetious about the poundage, and fully support Dan's comments. The suggested two tin gift is an excellent reference point. If someone wants to give more, that's entirely at their discretion. No gift given honestly in this Secret Santa swap is an unworthy gift.

My goal this year was to give rather than receive, and to the end that I could accomplish that, knowing that Dan belonged to a couple of pipe clubs, sought a way to share the joy more widely.

As soon as I kick this damned cold, I’ll be back to the pipe and pipe clubs. Film at 11.

 

[Andre_T]

After deliberation.... I'm in.

 

[lupy1234]

Don’t be too quick to assign blame.

Not assigning blame but we all know what happens this time of year...both received my gifts. As I got them out early.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

I think it is wonderful if folks have the means and ability to go above and beyond that two "tin" limit and they want to shower blessings of tobacco on another forum member; but there should be no pressure or shaming if they cannot, nor should folks feel precluded from joining if their means and wallet only allow them two tins. Keep the price of admission low. We are all in different situations in life that allow us to give as we are able to give. The joy is in the act of giving, not in the amount, nor in the receiving (or secretly hoping to receive an immediate cellar of tobacco). The other joy is of course in seeing the interactions, gifs, memes, and unboxing.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Not assigning blame but we all know what happens this time of year...both received my gifts. As I got them out early.

As of 1:13 pm EST today, your package departed the Lancaster, PA Distribution Facility—not sure how long it will take to get to you from there—I’m hoping tomorrow, but the tracking still says the 26th. Sorry! I mailed it on the 20th after the last part of your gift arrived on the 19th.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Is it too late to get in on this party?

 

[sablebrush52]

I’ll admit, i participated the last two years, and both times, i got more than I sent. Didn’t seem right. And since I’ve got a wife and three little ones, I choose to spend on them first. So while I love the idea of PMSS, I couldn’t, in good conscience, participate this year knowing that I had zero intentions of trying to go all out, which seems to be the trend. Still a fun thread to watch though!

This is exactly what we don't want people to feel. When the PMSS becomes a contest, it needs to end. Any gift, of any size, honestly given, is enough. And if conditions are such that coming up with a gift is not possible, there's no shame in it.

 

[AcesAndEights]

I’ll admit, i participated the last two years, and both times, i got more than I sent. Didn’t seem right. And since I’ve got a wife and three little ones, I choose to spend on them first. So while I love the idea of PMSS, I couldn’t, in good conscience, participate this year knowing that I had zero intentions of trying to go all out, which seems to be the trend. Still a fun thread to watch though!

One other side note. I sent more than the two-tin minimum both years, and STILL received more than I sent both times! Y’all are crazy! In the best way possible, of course.

 

[woodsroad]

Not assigning blame but we all know what happens this time of year...both received my gifts. As I got them out early.

You should refuse the package if it arrives late.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

100 pages guys! You should all be so proud, or ashamed, or perturbed. Just feel something.

So for next year should we just do away with the whole 2 tins thing?

No, the suggested two tins should stay. No one should be expected to send more than that or expect to receive more than that. Participants shouldn’t feel like it’s a pissing contest. If any of us choose to send more than that, it’s our prerogative, but not a requirement. I try to tailor my gifts to the recipient to make the PMSS experience more personal; for me, it’s fun to do a little forum research, track down things I suspect might have meaning for my match, and get creative—it’s something I enjoy doing—that’s on me.

 

[lupy1234]

You should refuse the package if it arrives late.

I will send it to you

 

[lupy1234]

As of 1:13 pm EST today, your package departed the Lancaster, PA Distribution Facility—not sure how long it will take to get to you from there—I’m hoping tomorrow, but the tracking still says the 26th. Sorry! I mailed it on the 20th after the last part of your gift arrived on the 19th.

It's all good. Can't wait.

 

[lupy1234]

I’ll admit, i participated the last two years, and both times, i got more than I sent. Didn’t seem right. And since I’ve got a wife and three little ones, I choose to spend on them first. So while I love the idea of PMSS, I couldn’t, in good conscience, participate this year knowing that I had zero intentions of trying to go all out, which seems to be the trend. Still a fun thread to watch though!

Have fun with it. I was able to make concrete ash trays at work and gave them as gifts. They weren't the best but the ones that received them, appreciated it. No one here truly judges what they receive as it is the spirit.

 

[Chalaw87]

I don't want to open my box...the anticipation is so palpable. I have been staring at it all day. .... But I so want to open it!!!

Tell me about it. My top of top lister Santa had the present to my house on 11/30. Then dared me not to open it.

 

[woodsroad]

I will send it to you

No! Then I’d have to send it so someone else!

 

[mikethompson]

Just kidding guys - the last thing I want is for someone to feel intimidated to join, like they won't be able to live up to someone else's expectation.

So - maybe next year we just bar Jesse?

 

[wyfbane]

I was able to give more this year as my financial situation cleared up somewhat. I cannot guarantee that next year I can give as much. Honestly, if my second package had gotten lost, my poor guy would have gotten some socks and a bag of buoy in box 3. I spent more at the post office with 2 boxes and an intercept than I did on last year's match.

I can see the dilemma here, but do not have a solution. Heck, maybe the possibility of winning the Jesse lotto is what keeps some participants going? The unspoken option is to have a max tin gift limit. Maybe that and a mentor thread for those who want to give a lot to younger members? I don't know.