The secret birthday year is just ending (when we began, it just happened to be the end of January) and I'm wondering how to manage the next year.

Thanks so much, Sue, for all you do to bring this about - I'm sure we have no idea just how much time, effort and frustration goes into making the Secret Santa a success each year! Put me down for the July 1 swap - sounds like fun! Thanks, again!

Looking forward to the July 1st secret sister surprise! Terrific idea Sue!

yes to a theme what about telling us the theme so we can get it made then a month before the date let us know who our SS is going to be
That way no long term waiting as it is all ready to post'

Why not have a SPECIAL GROUP BIRTHDAY.
choose a date and then we all join in and exchange a gift on that one special day.
that way it is not running all year and perhaps more would like to join in that fun day.I know I have always loved my special secret sister gift and waited eagerly for the postman and the one gift of a owl purse goes everywhere with me as it holds my small camera. and a long tote i received holds my collection of ties that will be used to make a quilt once i have enough .
Please put my name on the list if this event takes place Sue

2 comments

by eggyannie 22 Jan 2014

just read lower down that his has already been suggested and acted on
DUH

by dennis999 07 Feb 2014

Do try to keep up Annie..................He he

I did not join secret due to the fact that I have tried several with other groups and this does happen. I have ended up on the short end more than one. I tried too to preside over a group in which I was the only one knowing who had who, at the end I tried to take care of all the people that were telling me that their secret just never did anything. It is hard, people try to do the right thing but then life gets in the way. Maybe not a year long thing but smaller groups for a special day in say 2-3 months. Maybe a swap of just a themed item. I did a bird house on and I got some beautiful bird houses from all over the world. All were sent to one person with a few $$ to help with postage. Not sure how she did that with different country's monies, just thinking, (maybe it could be SASE, hmmm) everyone got a grouping of houses divided between. I know that it is a lot of work for you Sue. I want to thank you for trying.

3 comments

by mommajo 21 Jan 2014

Guess I should have read all the comments before posting. Yes short term does work better. :)

by spendlove 22 Jan 2014

We have done a few smaller swaps as well as the big Christmas one. The success rate is very high. This time I have tracked all but one gift and that one may well have arrived. (I haven't been able to contact the recipient.) Very rarely has anyone let the group down, but some countries postal systems have! This year one lady had to drop out (for very good reasons), but it was early enough for me to reorganise.

by spendlove 22 Jan 2014

The birthday exchange was the only real problem as it extended over the whole year. I'm afraid the site changes and problems last summer contributed as well.

Thanks Sue ,that will be great for me who has a birthday in December ,now I will get the chance to celebrate in the middle of the year, along with all my cutie friends

1 comment

by spendlove 22 Jan 2014

Nice!

I also agree it would be nice to know who your secret sister is you do not have to tell other people who she is .if you could check with her you may be able to make something she really wants.
also make a good friend.
Lenamae

I will go along with what ever you say we will do .I have enjoyed it so much but I have to agree on a short term bases as a lot of people just for get. I have a order list and I treat it as a order and there fore I will not for get. I liked the towel swap not so fond if the pillow cover I have such a small place I have no room for throw pillows. .but as I say I am happy with what you want I know how much of a problem it is. .
Hugs Lena Mae

I've had a lot of PMs and emails about this (as well as the posts here). I have decided that instead of celebrating our own birthdays, we will celebrate the 7th anniversary of the first post to the Cute Community which will be on 1st July. Veronika is very happy with this suggestion as well!
Watch this space for more news.

6 comments

by dragonflyer 21 Jan 2014

Nice idea!

by nonna57 21 Jan 2014

What an excellent choice. :))

by cfidl 21 Jan 2014

I think that is a great idea!

by killiecrankie 21 Jan 2014

I think this would be a good idea everyone would have the same date

by eggyannie 22 Jan 2014

thanks Sue

by lenamae 22 Jan 2014

I agree it would be nice like a big party
Llenamae

I am on board for short term exchanges. With my birthday so late in the year (September) I am always afraid I will forget to send a gift. But whatever you decide I will support. :)

I am on board for short term exchanges. With my birthday so late in the year (September) I am always afraid I will forget to send a gift. But whatever you decide I will support. :)

Just a sugestion, instead of Birthdays, have perhaps Easter, Mid summer madness, Halloween, or Autumn exchanges. G

1 comment

by spendlove 15 Jan 2014

In previous years we have done Easter Bunny, Christmas in July, tea towel and cushion cover swaps. Halloween comes a bit close to Christmas.

I am adding my vote to the short term scheme. The birthdays are nice, but somewhat frustrating and no one needs that stress from something that should be a great joy. Thanks for all you do, Sue. Hugs. Nan W

Hey Sue, I can and do understand your frustration over the various problems that come with the organisation of such a huge undertaking and I think no-one would object if you decided to pull the plug on it.
So I want to thank you for taking this on.
You need to know how much ALL the participants appreciate all your fantastic efforts over the last few years, saying "thank you" doesn't even come close to HOW MUCH you are appreciated.
I have thoroughly enjoyed making, sending and receiving lovely Birthday surprises but the decision, on whether or not you continue with the SS Birthdays, is entirely yours to make/
You always have had, and always will have my 100% support.
Hugs n love, Meganne

1 images:[1]

1 comment

by spendlove 15 Jan 2014

Thanks - I will certainly continue, but within parameters set to minimise drop outs!

I concur with everyone else. I've been involved with this many times, but this past Christmas I didn't. I've never been disappointed with my gifts either and welcome anything to make it easier on you Sue. I like the idea of themes as Kim (dragonflyer) has suggested. I don't mind sending things overseas either. Love Chris

I agree its sad for those who don't receive a gift and those that don't find out if their gift has been received ,I am one of the lucky ones who have never been disappointed ,and thank you very much for all your work with the SS birthdays .I'm sure there someone will come up with a solution

Monika

I am sorry that this has happened and it is my reason for not joining in. I see the same thing in the birthday list. We are sending greetings to people that we have not heard from in years. Hope you find a solution. Sarah.

I think that a smaller exchange might be easier to keep track of (?)...so appreciate all the work and effort you have extended for the Secret Sister and Secret Santa exchanges...Perhaps a smaller exchange that had a theme? Whatever is decided...I'm in.

2 comments

by spendlove 15 Jan 2014

We did tea towels and cushion covers a couple of years ago so we may do something like that again.

by dragonflyer 15 Jan 2014

Yes, any kind of theme would work...even a broader theme like just ... a FSL item...or a Cutwork item...or an Applique item...so many things to ponder...but I do want to express my appreciation for all of your efforts again...and whatever you decide will be dandy!

You've done a fantastic job of all you've taken on for us all, Sue, and dealt with the many frustrations so well! I say go with whatever is less work-intensive and less strung out as well, considering how long it takes us all to 'do Christmas'!! If people still want a birthday exchange, there are other ways that could be done -like a not-so-secret one between cuties who could contact each other via PMs. It makes it really difficult for you and for partner cuties when people appear to drop off the planet and we have no way of knowing what's happened to them. They may have lost interest, become sidetracked with a major project, become ill, or worse.

1 comment

by spendlove 15 Jan 2014

It is the illness and worse which worry me most.

A couple exchanges during the year would be fun. I think the birthday SS is too much for you to keep track of all the people, gifts, etc.

I like the idea of short term as it would be easier for you. You do a great job bring this all together Thank you Hugs Raelene

Sue as you have so kindly organised these great swaps I go with your choice. As ever thanks for your efforts in providing us with these fun events they are brilliant and so enjoyable

I think the short term exchanges are much much better. You can coordinate them much more easily than the year-long birthday exchange. And it gives us something to look forward to, as well, with a definite exchange date.

But whatever you decide, I know it will be for the best of the group. You are so very generous and giving with both your time and your talent. So, I will jump on the Sue Band Wagon and support whatever decision you make.

Just my thoughts.
Hugs
Lois W

1 comment

by spendlove 14 Jan 2014

Thank you, Lois

You know, Sue - it is a big project for you to keep up with this and you are correct - there are some disappointments so, if short term exchanges sounds agreeable to everyone - I think it is a fine idea!!! It will still put a lot of work on your part - but, please know it is truly appreciated!! Laura*

1 comment

by spendlove 14 Jan 2014

Thank you, Laura