The Carriage Driving List's
Secret Santa Gift Exchange!

General Information

This text changes from year to year, so read this page.

What is a Secret Santa and how does it work?

Secret Santa is a fun way to spread holiday cheer without going broke buying for many different people. Usually in large groups, names are placed in a hat and everyone picks one. That is their "Santa-ee" for the season.

Because the CD-L is comprised of geographically separate members, we have to do things a little differently. Once all interested CD-Lrs have signed up (signup opens on October 1st and cutoff is November 5th) each is paired with a Santa-ee. For those playing, the Santa-ee information is sent via e-mail November 6th or 7th. This give ample time for Santas to do their shopping to get their gift in the mail by December 5th. Santas should plan for their gifts(s) to arrive at their Santa-ee's home by December 24 at the very latest.

You can have as much fun with this game as you like. If you want, you may share clues about yourself with your Santaee. This is voluntary, but those who have participated in the past have enjoyed the challenge of dropping hints without giving the game away. The board to post clues is the Secret Santa Bulletin Board.

Remember, the idea is to have fun and spread holiday cheer. In agreeing to do the Secret Santa thing, you are expected to get your package assembled and mailed in time to arrive by Christmas day, and no later! If disaster strikes and you must drop out of the Secret Santa program, please let one of the organizers know IMMEDIATELY so steps can be taken to see everyone who wants to play gets covered. Email either GrinchElf or Donna so we can help.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: While you may not want to give your ID away, it is highly recommended you send your package(s) with some sort of tracking. And due to new national security issues, you must send it with a full return address. If you really want to be sneaky, ask another CDL'r to mail the package for you, or use a friend's address (with their permission of course!). GrinchElf does not run a delivery confirmation service. If you want to know if/when your package arrives at your Santaee's, add the cost of delivery confirmation to your shipping. It's an inexpensive way to know when your package gets where you're sending it.

If you choose to participate, we ask you to keep your promise. Send a gift with a value of no more than $25US (you can spend what you wish, but remember, not all of us have deep pockets). To make filling your wish list a little easier for your Santa, fill out your form with enough detail to give your Santa a good idea of your tastes and interests. While not required, you may send anonomous e-mails, cards, letters, any kind of clue you like to your Santa-ee.

If you have any additional questions, please contact GrinchElf or Donna.