It's the Most Quonsarful Time of The Year!

December 1, 2011 2:11 PM

THNK U, QUONSAR!!!!

First on the "Thank you, Secret Quonsar!" bandwagon.

Loving the stuffed Snuffleupagus - which my son will certainly also enjoy chewing on. The crossword puzzle book is also PERFECT since we're doing some trans-Atlantic travel complete with 5hr layover later on this month. The baby might also enjoy chewing on it, too.

THNX!!! YAY!!! I LUV QUONSMUS!!!

(Also: Making me feel slow by comparison since I have chosen the gift, but not yet sent it *TO* my quonsee. Working on it!)

posted by sonika to MetaFilter-Related at 2:11 PM (269 comments total)

EXPECTO PATRONUM
posted by Elmore at 2:35 PM on December 1, 2011

Wait, we're supposed to start already? I thought we had to wait until at least halfway through the Quonvent Calendar.
posted by griphus at 2:39 PM on December 1, 2011 [4 favorites]

*Quakes*
posted by Elmore at 2:43 PM on December 1, 2011

Is this what Quonsa is all about? I always wondered.
posted by found missing at 2:44 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]

The radio stations around NYC have already started in with the 24 hours of quontinuous Quonsmas music. Things have gotten so quonmercialized.
posted by mintcake! at 2:54 PM on December 1, 2011 [4 favorites]

I think of Quonsmas music as sounding like Tom Waits with a collection of toy instruments.
posted by spitbull at 3:02 PM on December 1, 2011 [5 favorites]

... the light can come quome forth and the cosmos quosmos can continue quontinue their heavenly rotations...
posted by lekvar at 3:09 PM on December 1, 2011

Does each new Secret Quonsar gift received merit its own MetaTalk post?

Does each new Secret Quonsar gift received MetaTalk post merit its own comment questioning its merit?

Does each new Secret Quonsar gift received MetaTalk post merit-questioning comment merit its own comment questioning its merit?

…

It's quonsars all the way down.
posted by grouse at 3:15 PM on December 1, 2011

There's even been a second coming of the Quonsar; beat that, Jesus!
posted by Abiezer at 3:15 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]

Quonsliday season should start on November 23, at exactly 8:50 Pacific Time, anniversary of his bodily ascent to the room upstairs.

At this time one should face in the general direction of the fish in one's pants and recite the number of consecutive days in which we have not had a lost time industrial accident.

Quonsar's second coming was on November 25 at 14:19 pacific time, at which time one must APPROACH AND GROPE THE ASS OF QUONSAR.

If you have any doubt in your hearth, languagehat himself has testified:

*approaches, gropes the ass of quonsar*

I was blind, and now... I'm still blind, but there's something in my hand!
posted by languagehat at 10:32 on November 25, 2007
posted by Ayn Rand and God at 3:32 PM on December 1, 2011 [7 favorites]

Also it was mentioned in the previous Secret Quonsar thread that there is now an email notification list, for people who want to make sure they don't miss the signup next year.
posted by burnmp3s at 3:56 PM on December 1, 2011

The one time I secretly Quonsared, I saw the light... But I cannot name names, you know who you are. Person who sent me comic about Kodak Brownie... I've said too much. Take me. Take me away *whispers* thank you long lost secret Quonsar... *whispers turn to screams*

What's this? Postage cost not complete?
posted by Elmore at 4:37 PM on December 1, 2011

Quonsarkovich Quonsarkovich Quonsarkovich Quonsarkovich Quonsarkovich
posted by katillathehun at 4:51 PM on December 1, 2011

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of Quonsar came upon them, and the glory of the Quonsar shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of Quonsar a Savior, which is Quonsar. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find Quonsar wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising Quonsar, and saying, "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn," and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 5:21 PM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]

☃ I AM STILL WRAPPING!! ☃
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:03 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]

I *mailed* my package today! The post office clerk didn't even ask about the "Don't open til secret quonsar day" legend scrawled on it!

So either quonsar day has become widely known, or the clerk thought I was a lunatic and she's better off not asking questions.
posted by jasper411 at 6:34 PM on December 1, 2011

Yay! I got my Quonsmas gift last night from wiskunde and it was fabulous. I shocked and amazed at happy hour tonight with all of my new-found knowledge of glass. (Seriously, glass is FPP levels of fascinating.) She sent a beautiful handcrafted glass paperweight and a book about the history of technological innovation related to glass. She also made me feel like a slouch with her wonderful handmade Quonsmas card.

And the benevolence of of MeFi Quonsmas is far better than the fascist regime Santa from Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is running.
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 6:36 PM on December 1, 2011

I feel so slacktacular! I'm not finishing mine until this weekend.
posted by Zophi at 6:43 PM on December 1, 2011 [2 favorites]

I feel so slacktacular! I'm not finishing mine until this weekend.

Me neither, Zophi! It's even worse for me, since I've been helping julen respond to all of the extremely responsible mefites who've been quonsing since the day the swap went out.

I have really enjoyed all of the behind-the-scenes anonymizing action. I've never seen a group of people so darned happy and excited and giving. You are all awesome!
posted by phunniemee at 6:46 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]

Merry Quonsarmas, Happy Jonmccah and a Great New Whelk, everybody!!!
posted by oneswellfoop at 6:47 PM on December 1, 2011 [4 favorites]

For the record, my not-so-secret quonsar gift was sent off on Nov. 29, from Tokyo to the US, but I have no idea when it will arrive.
posted by misozaki at 7:39 PM on December 1, 2011

My secret quonsar person made my day with a perfectly timed and chosen DVD. I am inspired.
posted by eleanna at 8:25 PM on December 1, 2011 [1 favorite]

Great New Whelk...Quonsar is People!
posted by arcticseal at 8:42 PM on December 1, 2011

☃ I AM STILL RAPPING!! ☃

(I've already sent my gift to my Quonsee. I just wanted you all to know that I'm singing along to Jay-Z right now.)
posted by decathecting at 10:43 PM on December 1, 2011 [4 favorites]

I had this note on my door today. Actually the window next to the door, but that's not important. Normally that distinction would matter, but this time it doesn't since the note was mostly brown and yellow.

I knew I had a package waiting for me. Or my wife did. Either way I walked back out to the car, grabbed my awesome-er than meat on a stick hatwhich has nothing to do with meat and definitely isn't on a stick out of the car and went up to the apartment office.

I walked in full of hope. Was this present for me? It's a little early to be a Christmas present. But someone could have ordered or shipped really early in an attempt to actually be on time. Maybe it was some wool my wife got, or something her mom ordered for her. I didn't know, so I just got the package.

It had my name on it. It had someone else's name on it. It had an internet address with an arrow which sort of looked like a smile on it.

That didn't really tell me anything. I've gotten random packages from people before. Mostly demos from bands back when I had a radio show. Not sure why the smiley store would be where I got it from, but maybe that's what the kids these days are doing. And knowing them the box that was too large to hold a single CD could actually just have had a single CD. I've gotten weirder things in the mail. Like sheep fur from Ireland for example.

So I start to rip the thing open on the way back to my place. Or rather, I try to. The whole time thinking "I'll bet it's a knife. The box is too big, I can't get the tape off on this one part and I'd love to have a knife to open it. If I was home I'd have a knife." You know how it is with stupid packaging.

Or maybe we can blame the fact that I was trying to walk and open a box and hold onto 2 or 3 days worth of mail all at the same time. Take your pick.

So I finally get home and rip into the box. And what do I see?

The most awsome-ist thing ever. Giant bubble wrap!

After those get popped and the cats stop hiding from me I look deeper into the box. Surely the smiley store wouldn't use that much box to send me giant bubble wrap. And if they did, wouldn't they need to wrap it in some sort of protective material to make sure it didn't get ruined on the way there? Or maybe the giant stuff was the protection. FOR MORE BUBBLE WRAP!

Wrap it was, but sadly no bubbles. Green paper and a note. So now I knew that I'd gotten my Quonsarmas gift. I held it in my hand and tried to decide if I would open it or wait until Christmas like a good boy. Right about the time I decided that being in the right month was close enough I remembered that Quonsarmas is not Christmas and I could open it now without feeling guilty at all. So I did it, fully expecting some sort of nerd-fest fireworks display proclaiming my greatness. Or maybe some wrapping paper.

Alas, I was wrong. What I found was equally as awesome though. The thing I'd asked for but never dared to dream would actually happen. The thing I'd asked my wife if I could ask for because I wasn't sure she'd appreciate the level of dorkness I'd reach if I saw it. She let me ask, but I had a suspicion that she was hoping it wouldn't happen.

Sucks for her.

Inside my box where 5 large pieces of folded glossy paper. With pictures and words on them.

I know what you're thinking. "Dude, I've seen paper with pictures and words before. What's so cool about that?"

Well, did your paper have the information on it needed to destroy galaxies? What about information to help destroy the thing that destroys galaxies?

I'm going to have to find a metal guy. I'm going to have to find a rocket guy. Most importantly I'm going to have to find a little green guy with cool ears and a slightly weird speech pattern because not only did I find Death Star II blueprints in my box inside my bigger box, I found plans for robots and fancy swords and a bird from the year 1000.

The cats didn't know that people were building birds back then either.
posted by theichibun at 10:48 PM on December 1, 2011 [10 favorites]

Don't let the cats get hold of those plans or we'll be for it.
posted by arcticseal at 12:23 AM on December 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

The cats HAVE those plans already. They are just waiting for the right moment.
posted by Cocodrillo at 1:19 AM on December 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Crap, I've been away 4 days and haven't heard from the cat-sitter for a few hours.
posted by arcticseal at 1:36 AM on December 2, 2011

☃ I AM STILL WRAPPING!! ☃

and setting the alarum clock for morning rush to postal offices forthwith
posted by infini at 4:44 AM on December 2, 2011

My victim Quonsee should be getting their package in the mail in the next day or so. Including Amazon WishLists are the way to go. Next year, I'm doing that to be nice to whoever draws me.
posted by deezil at 5:24 AM on December 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Personally, I can't wait until 2801 when we build a Robot Quonsar who lives on Neptune.
posted by Eideteker at 5:51 AM on December 2, 2011

My dog ate my homework. Or, actually, my Secret Quonsar's gift. Actually, just the best parts of it. So, it will be reconstructed and mailed this afternoon after I've had a chance to replace the necessary stuff.

Here is the very bad dog, as she was found at the end of the trail of destruction. I would love to just wrap her in brown paper tied up with string and ship her overseas with the gift inside her, but I'm pretty sure that's not allowed. For the record, Basset Hounds can smell things through many layers of packaging, and though they have stumpy little legs, the length of their bodies lets them reach counter tops to surf for illicit treats, and their dogged determination to get into things is remarkable. Also for the record, Secret Quonsar gifts are way more delicious than rice cakes.
posted by peagood at 6:44 AM on December 2, 2011 [3 favorites]

That very bad dog is not the least bit repentant, is she?

I posted this in the other thread but no one's reading that one anymore:

Eeeeee! I got a box yesterday from an address in a town where I don't know anyone. Inside it are several cheerfully wrapped Things. I have them perched on the windowsill so I can just look at them for a couple of days.

DAMN THIS IS GREAT

update: I have carefully examined the still-cheerfully-wrapped Things. Two of them seem to be a set of some kind. One is almost definitely a book. The fourth is still a complete mystery. THIS IS STILL REALLY GREAT
posted by shiny blue object at 7:10 AM on December 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSTDE THE FOURTH THING.
posted by mintcake! at 7:17 AM on December 2, 2011 [5 favorites]

"Hello? You have 5 minutes before this tape will automatically self destruct. This is your mission if you choose to accept it"

~cue music
posted by infini at 7:42 AM on December 2, 2011

I received my wonderful Secret Quonsar gift last night: a beautiful pair of crocheted Möbius band fingerless gloves aka Möbius mitts! They're math-related, beautiful, practical, warm, and oh so comfy. Plus they're made of green/sustainable materials! In other words, perfect! THANK YOU!

I didn't see a username to give my thanks, so if you're willing, Secret Quonsar, please let me know who you are so I can say thank you.
posted by wiskunde at 8:44 AM on December 2, 2011

I bought the best present, but then the dog ate it.
Sorry, Quonsee, you'll have to do with the second best present.
posted by randomination at 8:49 AM on December 2, 2011

How are you people so damned punctual? I haven't even bought my gift yet. Gah. So much pressure.
posted by maryr at 9:08 AM on December 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

I haven't had my magic elf make mine yet. I think I'll need to buy her some cookies or something. Otherwise I'll have to just grab Cortex a pair of socks or something.
posted by theichibun at 9:17 AM on December 2, 2011

Just mailed my package!!! Expect it Monday, person who better like buttons. BUTTONS!
posted by ColdChef at 9:18 AM on December 2, 2011

Sent my SQ's giftie last week . . . oh, SQ, puhleeze post here so I know if you got it? I cannot wait to hear if it looks as cool in reality as it appeared on my computer screen.
posted by bearwife at 11:03 AM on December 2, 2011 [1 favorite]

Dear Quonsee/recipient who will remain unnamed for now: I did a little squee (yes, an official Quonsee Squee) when I got your name because I always like your comments. You are awesome. I am mailing your gift on mundee.
posted by mochapickle at 11:12 AM on December 2, 2011

I mailed my gift on 11/27, from the US to the UK, and the shipping estimate is Dec. 20. DUDE. I wasn't sending it by barge. But still, it'll get there on time. Glad I shipped early.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 12:16 PM on December 2, 2011

arcticseal: "Don't let the cats get hold of those plans or we'll be for it"

Too late. Although they seem to be more interested in Droid plans.

I think they think they're making a really weird looking phone.
posted by theichibun at 12:28 PM on December 2, 2011

I sent my gift(s) yesterday. I had to wait for the last one to get here. Don't be fooled by the smiley box... They didn't all come from amazon. :P
posted by patheral at 1:22 PM on December 2, 2011

theinchibun's thank you note has got to be better than the gift (I say this with safety).
posted by kinetic at 1:28 PM on December 2, 2011

I'm not sure about better. I mean, I wrote Death Star blueprints first in my top section for a reason. Tonight is going to be a total nerd fest.
posted by theichibun at 1:57 PM on December 2, 2011

Woohoo! A public thank-you to the person who sent my gift and remained anonymous. I LOVE MY GIFTS SECRET STRANGER!
posted by ColdChef at 2:00 PM on December 2, 2011

The item I want to get my giftee won't get there until nearly February. I've got $3 left over from the budget.. so I'm thinking of printing out the invoice and writing a little note about the lateness..

but I feel I should do something with that $3. Nothing that they asked for is that affordable.. so can anyone think of a really cheap but useful item I could mail with the invoice?
posted by royalsong at 2:29 PM on December 2, 2011

Mine is in the mail.

royalsong:Maybe just a really nice card and some fun stickers?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:35 PM on December 2, 2011

My gift just arrived on my doorstep today, but will be going out soon. Excited!
posted by miratime at 2:38 PM on December 2, 2011

I shipped my gift today and it was the first time in my 46 years that I've shipped anything internationally. That seems weird to me. But... YAY!
posted by in the methow at 2:59 PM on December 2, 2011

Just sent my gift out today. My giftee better like lobsters.
posted by Stephanie Duy at 3:39 PM on December 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

I peeked inside the padded envelope. "It's a pretty notebook!" Pulled out the notebook. "OHMYGOD IT HAS A BUNNY ON IT!" Best quonsar ever. Thank you still secret quonsar! Bunny says thank you too.
posted by book 'em dano at 5:09 PM on December 2, 2011

My Quonsee has their package delivered. Now to see if they can figure out it's from me.
posted by deezil at 5:34 AM on December 3, 2011

Uh, this is probably against the rules, but I would love to trade a 'secret' (or maybe not-so) quonsar gift with someone.

Heck, even if i didn't get anything back, i'd do it, this is so cool!

So, memail me if you're feeling left out like moi and would like to exchange gifts...I'd even be glad to organize a 'late quonsar' if there was interest. We could call it something different to avoid trademark/copyright concerns ;o). Feel free to let me know if this is not okay, everyone!

Happy Quonsar!
posted by xiaolongbao at 7:48 AM on December 3, 2011

I mailed mine yesterday, so I am SUPER STOKED. I hope they like it.
posted by bibliogrrl at 9:00 AM on December 3, 2011

I just got back from a FABULOUS trip to Belize where I bought my Quansar gift!! Mailing this week, I hope she likes it!!!
posted by pearlybob at 9:17 AM on December 3, 2011

Question? Do we use our mefi name, our real name or stay anon.... I haven't really thought about that....I'm fine with any of the above, just want to be sure that I follow the tradition...
posted by pearlybob at 9:18 AM on December 3, 2011

Bwa ha ha! Mine is stacked up and ready to be mailed out. Gonna ship it Monday, o secret Quonsee...
posted by Sublimity at 10:37 AM on December 3, 2011

Question? Do we use our mefi name, our real name or stay anon.... I haven't really thought about that....I'm fine with any of the above, just want to be sure that I follow the tradition...

Entirely up to you. I always do mine with full name and return address, but some are completely anonymous. One time I got something with no name, but the person memailed me after to enlighten me... kind of fun!
posted by zennie at 11:14 AM on December 3, 2011

xiaolongbao asked: Uh, this is probably against the rules, but I would love to trade a 'secret' (or maybe not-so) quonsar gift with someone. ... So, memail me if you're feeling left out like moi and would like to exchange gifts...I'd even be glad to organize a 'late quonsar' if there was interest. We could call it something different to avoid trademark/copyright concerns ;o). Feel free to let me know if this is not okay, everyone!

So not against the rules. I think it is a lovely and great idea, and encourage folks who missed the signups to go for it, either on an individual swap level, or in a group.
posted by julen at 12:13 PM on December 3, 2011

The Quonsar gift I received was so very meta.

Thank you again MrMoonPie!
posted by keli at 12:52 PM on December 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

Got mine this morning! The necklace was gorgeous and totally up my alley style wise and I'm so excited by all the other local Oklahoma stuff...if only they told me who they were...

And I swear I'm sending mine this week...
posted by guster4lovers at 1:01 PM on December 3, 2011

Mine went out this morning... will be counting the days until received...
posted by darsh at 1:17 PM on December 3, 2011

My gifts are all wrapped and currently being used as a pillow by my cats, I sure hope my giftee isn't allergic!!!
posted by addelburgh at 7:00 PM on December 4, 2011

Quonsee in K-ON. Your package will soon be in the mail, I swear!
posted by nightwood at 8:46 PM on December 4, 2011

Mine went out this morning. I apologize to my Quonsee for any delays.
posted by arcticseal at 11:30 PM on December 4, 2011

Thank you, secret quonsar. Between this question in AskMe, and the Dala horse* that lives under my tree now, it feels like real Christmas now. It was exactly what I wanted, and perfect.

*I know Dala horses aren't Christmas-specific, but at my parents' house, that's when we got them out. And like colfax, I didn't have names for the traditions or figures or ornaments or chimes. They were just part of Christmas.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 4:41 AM on December 5, 2011

My Quonsar was crazy fast! I got matryoshka measuring cups (how cool is that!?) and a tiny tiny puzzle with its own magnifying glass (adorable and fetching) and a cross stitch kit (new hobby!)

Thank you so much!!! How fun to get a mystery package!

I'm allllmost ready to send mine out. Happy Quonsmas everyone!
posted by exceptinsects at 7:06 AM on December 5, 2011

My Quonsar package went out this morning, recipient should expect it in about four days...
posted by LN at 8:00 AM on December 5, 2011

While it loses some of its charm, my package is being shipped directly from the Etsy store to the Quonsee.

I know my post office. Be thankful, friend. Be thankful.
posted by griphus at 8:19 AM on December 5, 2011

decathecting, thank you very much for the Saveur subscription and the awesome meta-personalized card :) I love that magazine and can't wait til my first issue arrives!
You rocked it so hard I had no choice but to spouse you.
posted by heyho at 10:38 AM on December 5, 2011 [1 favorite]

Sent!
Man postage is more expensive than I thought for bulky stuff. Plus the dumb customs form sticker ruins any kind of surprise. (I didn't want to be evasive and risk a customs hold-up.)
posted by chococat at 2:05 PM on December 5, 2011 [1 favorite]

Quonsee in K-ON.

Your Quonsee is in K-ON!?! I hope it's Yui, she'd probably be happy with anything, with just the box!
posted by maryr at 2:12 PM on December 5, 2011 [1 favorite]

There's a moment when you sit there, looking at the box emblazoned with the logo "carrot-top.com when you think to yourself, "Oh ... my." Then you notice the asterisk after one of the logos where you are reassured to read under the logo "*not the prop comic." Whew!

Inside the box were indeed,as promised, buttons! Buttons in all sorts of wonderful forms and shapes. It is an awesome haul, and I'm thrilled and happy and delighted. It really is the happiest time of the year!
posted by julen at 3:07 PM on December 5, 2011 [2 favorites]

Many thanks to whitewall for my new game Waterworks. Looks like fun!
posted by Nolechick11 at 4:12 PM on December 5, 2011

Dear quonsee: your package is going out in the morning!
posted by cabingirl at 4:24 PM on December 5, 2011 [1 favorite]

While it loses some of its charm, my package is being shipped directly from the Etsy store to the Quonsee.

I'm glad I'm not the only one :X. On the bright side, I think it was a pretty good gift?
posted by kagredon at 4:38 PM on December 5, 2011

I used to have buttons... *sniff*

Can I out myself to the person who received my gift? They seemed to like it...
posted by patheral at 5:12 PM on December 5, 2011

For the secret quonsars, who, like griphus and kagredon, sent direct from Etsy: I am a recipient of an anonymous package from an Etsy shop, and as I said above, it was still chock-full of Quonsmas magic. :)

Although I did run a search for a user who does not exist because it is the name of someone's Etsy shop and not a MeFite. I'm not always the swiftest on the uptake.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 5:29 PM on December 5, 2011

My quonsee (?) can also expect something direct from etsy - it has not yet been delivered! I am watching the tracking number!
posted by k8lin at 6:50 PM on December 5, 2011

My gift to my Canadian Quonsee was shipped today from a US source. So Quonsee, if you get a small package from the US, even though you're in the Canada-only draw, I hope you like it!
posted by angiep at 9:06 PM on December 5, 2011

I had a lovely post office lady at the GPO help me find the best option for international mail at this time of the year. Woo hoo for public servants :)
posted by infini at 9:17 PM on December 5, 2011

Dear quonsee: your package is going out in the morning!
posted by cabingirl

Ditto!
posted by schleppo at 6:07 AM on December 6, 2011

patheral: "I used to have buttons... *sniff*

Can I out myself to the person who received my gift? They seemed to like it..."

Sure! You can reveal yourself to your secret quonsar at any point in the process if you want to. You can also shroud yourself in a cloak of mystery never revealing your identity, if you want. It's totally up to you.
posted by julen at 6:20 AM on December 6, 2011

*picks out tasteful black velvet shroud with hot pink satin lining*
*cloaks mysteriously*
posted by infini at 6:29 AM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]

Mine shipped yesterday.

And to my quonsor, I won't be near the mailing address I gave until Monday, so if you're waiting on word that I received a package, it won't come until at least the 12th.
posted by yellowcandy at 9:11 AM on December 6, 2011

darn, infini grabbed the cloak *I* wanted!

I guess I'll just have to take the midnight-blue cloak o' mysteriousness instead, the one with the moon-silver lining.
posted by easily confused at 10:46 AM on December 6, 2011

Shipped mine out yesterday.

Choosing and sending a gift to a complete stranger is way more stressful than it ought to be.
posted by bondcliff at 11:44 AM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]

You can reveal yourself to your secret quonsar at any point in the process if you want to

Blasphemy! The secret of the Secret Quonsar must be kept secret at all costs. I for one will be taking the secret to the grave, although after that all bets are off.
posted by burnmp3s at 12:17 PM on December 6, 2011

This dirty hippie loves soap! From Portland. Which means it could be from any of a few dozen people out there. Thanks SQ!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:16 PM on December 6, 2011

SQ envelope has been mailed! I think I'm more excited to find out the reaction from my Quonsee than I am to see what I get from my Quonser.
posted by JoanArkham at 1:46 PM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]

Okay! I was a day late because my AWESOME INDIE BOOKSTORE was out of the awesome book I wanted. But they got it in this morning and so I mailed out my SQ gift. Yay! I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy because I think I chose well for the gift.

JoanArkham: exactly! i'm also psyched to see if my gift goes over well.
posted by rmd1023 at 1:46 PM on December 6, 2011

I'll keep it a secret as well, I guess, I'm just glad I chose right! I was so worried my quonsee wouldn't like the stuff I picked out.
posted by patheral at 4:57 PM on December 6, 2011

Thanks to Nolechick11, I shall never again have to wonder how the heck to scoop the yummy part of a kiwi fruit or a sweet potato out of its skin. Nor shall I have to settle for flat slices of carrot or zucchini when ruffles would be prettier. Nor will I suffer any shortage of chocolate—not for the next few days, at least!

Thank you for the beautifully wrapped quonsar assortment, Nolechick11!
posted by Orinda at 8:13 PM on December 6, 2011

Mine went out first thing this morning! Fingers crossed that its well received. Also I feel badly for my SQ as I think other people gave much more specific gift ideas :). Can't wait for it to arrive!
posted by saradarlin at 8:58 PM on December 6, 2011

Wow! Just realised a parcel that arrived yesterday is not one my mum posted to me to pass on to my sister, but in fact my SQ parcel!

I am now massively distracted from my PhD research by figuring out what to cook first from Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen. So. Much. Nice. Food.

Thanks a lot, Secret Quonsar! Yum.
posted by knapah at 7:46 AM on December 7, 2011

JoanArkham: SQ envelope has been mailed! I think I'm more excited to find out the reaction from my Quonsee than I am to see what I get from my Quonser.

TOAST SOCKS!! They. Are. Awesome! And that Pink Flamingos graphic novel? It's like Jem meets Nancy Drew meets The Facts of Life (during the Over Our Heads gift shop days). Can't wait to read it. :)

Thank you so much!
posted by jenny76 at 6:56 PM on December 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

I have just received a note from my local post office saying that I have a parcel waiting for me. Which means it was too big for my mailbox (which, as I am an apartment dweller, is admittedly tiny), which makes me think it is my quonsmas present.

I am very excited.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:11 PM on December 7, 2011

Which means it could be from any of a few dozen people out there.

I have just found the card in the pile of soaps, so correction: thanks alynnk!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:18 PM on December 7, 2011

Thank you, (not-so) Secret Quonsar! I got just what I wanted -- more pretty fabric to hoard and play with! And some nice little scissors that will be perfect for travel projects! I love it!
posted by katemonster at 8:02 PM on December 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

I just got a quonsar package of a sweet comics anthology and a zine! There was a business card from Million Year Picnic but no name from the sender. But thank you, my quonsar, whoever you are! It totally made my day.
posted by Tesseractive at 9:35 PM on December 7, 2011

After returning from a long trip, I discovered small Easter Island statuettes waiting for me. Very groovy, and I have a spot in my home that was crying out for something just like this--thank you, secret Quonsar!
posted by K.P. at 4:39 AM on December 8, 2011

Jenny: I'm so happy you like your SQ stuffs! Thanks for providing such a good cheat sheet.
posted by JoanArkham at 5:37 AM on December 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

It was my quonsmas present! And it was exactly what I wanted! I'd been kicking myself for not saying I wanted quilting related things, but my secret quonsar turned out to be nat, who is also doing MetaQuilter, and she read my mind! I now have four fat quarters from the Moda Flurry line (all in MetaFilter blue and green) and a really nifty chalk liner which I can't wait to try out. Thank you, nat!
posted by ocherdraco at 11:01 AM on December 8, 2011

My secret quonsar wove me the most beautiful scarf - thanks Usonian! Still assembling bits for my quonsee - it goes out tomorrow!
posted by leslies at 1:06 PM on December 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

Thank you so much kittenmarlowe! She made me the most awesomest christmas Cthulu! Here it is, freaking out my christmas cats. She also got me a cd: Idlewild - Make Another World, tons of neat old-school candy and even some pens! It brightened up my otherwise very dull reading day.
posted by lizjohn at 7:32 PM on December 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Oh, and to my secret quonsee...I promise I'll send it out as soon as finals are over!
posted by lizjohn at 7:33 PM on December 8, 2011

The mystery Thing is a beautiful window ornament, all starry and wavy and I LOVE IT. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
posted by shiny blue object at 6:28 AM on December 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay! I'm glad you liked it, leslies!

I arrived home after some errands to find a package on the doorstep, addressed to 'The Right Honorable [usonian] von [lastname]', and containing a Brian Rubenacker print that's been in my Etsy favorites for a long time - thank you, o anonymous Secret Quonsar!
posted by usonian at 12:05 PM on December 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'm super excited! I got a postcard from my SQ today about my impending gift, which is upcycled (I learned a new word today), from etsy, and has something to do with travel and sailing. :D I love sailing; how did you know? This seriously brightened my day; thanks for the postcard, SQ.
posted by k8lin at 1:16 PM on December 9, 2011

Thank you phunniemee for the adorable earrings. I'm wearing the mice right now and I imagine I'll be the hit of the Pre-K classroom at pickup. The glow-in-the-dark planet dangles I'll save for an evening out with my Cosmos-loving husband. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy now...Happy Quonsar season everyone!
posted by victoriab at 1:31 PM on December 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay! :D
posted by phunniemee at 1:40 PM on December 9, 2011

Yay! My Secret Quonsar gift arrived today! A lovely card, tasty kettle corn, and soft comfy yarn, and cards! I am all set for GREAT FUN, thanks to my secret quonsar!

Thanks!
posted by rmd1023 at 2:40 PM on December 9, 2011

I have never had maple candy until today. I LOVE IT! I had so many neat things in my box. I need to go buy bacon to go with my new pancake mix. This is so much fun. Thank you SQ!
posted by cairnoflore at 2:49 PM on December 9, 2011

cairnoflore, glad you like it! :-D
posted by Lou Stuells at 3:52 PM on December 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Dear Super Secret Quonsar Santa,

Thank you so much for fulfilling my wildest Quonsartime dreams! The (handmade?) cards are lovely, the organic peppermint tea is dreamy, the rainbow scarf/belt/multi-tool is gorgeous and perfectly nestled around my neck at this very second (good thing b/c now it's cold here suddenly), and the floral/ladie's undies hot pads are awesome and going to be used to make some dinner ASAP! It's wonderful to open a package so awesome. My delight is only surpassed by the delight of Trixie-kitty who is nestled snug-as-a-bug in the briefly empty, perfectly cat-sized box. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
posted by Kronur at 3:59 PM on December 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I received my gift yesterday but I don't know the person's MeFi name, so thank you, Zachary N!

I got a book giving instructions for making catapults and other weapons out of common office supplies and a screaming monkey slingshot thing. Both went over well with both me and The Boy. Can't wait to get started building a paper clip trebuchet. The cat isn't too big a fan of the screaming monkey though, I'm afraid.

The weird thing is the monkey is eerily similar to what I sent to my SQ victim, only without the sling shot and screaming action.
posted by bondcliff at 5:09 PM on December 9, 2011

As of two hours ago my quonsee's package is en route to it's home in another country, yay!
posted by addelburgh at 6:47 PM on December 9, 2011

Just got my Portal-related gift in the mail today. I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:02 PM on December 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Mine arrived today! And it turned out that I not only coincidentally got someone I knew, but also I was the 1 person in the swap where person A got B and vice versa. SO. WEIRD.

But yay! My quonsargift was awesome. I got a "paint your own bowl" kit, some twizzlers (I have never seen these before but have read about them in American books and was very excited to learn what they actually are), and some cookie cutters which will immediately be put to great use. Funnily, I had almost bought my quonsaree cookie cutters too, and then it would have been a cookie cutter exchange, but I found something different at the last minute.
posted by lollusc at 7:21 PM on December 9, 2011

I really wish I'd added some sort of food-type gift to my package, I was thinking kinder egg but I knew it'd probably smoosh and God Forbid customs opens my package and I wake up to the FBI pounding on my door, ready to handcuff me for trying to smuggle forbidden goods across the border and and and...

Sorry for no exciting snacks, Quonsee!
posted by addelburgh at 7:41 PM on December 9, 2011

Thank you Secret Quonsar! I love my new Miskatonic University t-shirt.
posted by Zed at 11:03 PM on December 9, 2011

Many, many belated thanks to my Secret Quonsar! I got the "saving up for a unicorn" bank on my wishlist along with some other fabulous goodies such as a coin pouch and wrist cuff. :D

Kronur: "the rainbow scarf/belt/multi-tool is gorgeous and perfectly nestled around my neck at this very second (good thing b/c now it's cold here suddenly),"

PIC! PIC! /loves rainbows
posted by IndigoRain at 11:08 PM on December 9, 2011

arrrgh, i am soooo sorry - i am late! i have the gift, i just have been um... in a terribly transient state this week (couchsurfing and then displaced by fire!) but i shall get the dang thing wrapped and shipped asap!
posted by lapolla at 3:12 AM on December 10, 2011

Mine went out in the mail today. I kept it anonymous but I'll be watching to see if my recipient checks in here! Hope you like it.
posted by Cuke at 9:29 AM on December 10, 2011

Good grief! "displaced by fire" is an excuse second only to "unexpectedly dead." glad you're safe, hope everyone else is. Setting the excuse bar rather high for the rest of us though!

I haven't gotten my own parcel yet, but I AM eyeing each and every one of you with great suspicion (more even than usual.) I do sort of get double fun though, because as Mrs Usonian I get to enjoy his awesome silly ridiculous Boston terrier art print. Yay!
posted by Lou Stuells at 5:52 PM on December 10, 2011

Remaining Things: BUBBLES! and BOOK OF NOM!
posted by shiny blue object at 9:41 AM on December 11, 2011

Received my gift a few days ago. The little books are lovely; perfect size for stashing in a pocket or purse. The Christmas CD is great! Very festive.

Thank you!!!
posted by jeoc at 11:00 AM on December 11, 2011

Thank you bystander for the excellent thoughtful gifts from AUSTRALIA! woot! foreign mags are the best.
posted by vespabelle at 11:20 AM on December 12, 2011

Thanks to my SQ's fabulous packaging, despite sitting at the Post Office for a week, it's all intact - fantastic pottery! Huzzah! It reminds me of a piece of experimental pottery I once loved and lost, although without the weird smell mine had. I am saving the chocolate for after exam time but it sounds delightfully New World flavor profile.

I suppose this is where I confess that I only sent mine this weekend. The last two weeks of class were brutal, and the time just slipped away.
posted by cobaltnine at 12:50 PM on December 12, 2011

oh what the heck, I'll come clean: shiny blue object, as you can see I went with your 'random' suggestion --- one warning: ya might use those fancy colored bubbles *outside*!

happy quonsmas!
posted by easily confused at 4:05 PM on December 12, 2011

I got a package in from an address I didn't know, and I thought it was Quonsmas, but alas it was my button set from Nintendo. It's one of those happy/sad feelings.
posted by deezil at 4:30 PM on December 12, 2011

Whoo hoo! Perfect! I mentioned I liked fiddle toys. My SQ got me a one I used to have, but then it broke because I used it so much. Now I have a new one! Nice choice! Hooray!
posted by quinoa at 10:38 PM on December 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

My secret Quonsar came through for me with an wall-mounted emergency yodel button. It has been used already and has saved a day even Slim Whitman would have given up on.

My Quonsar gifts will be dropped priority mail tomorrow, so never fear, upstate NY.
posted by maxwelton at 4:26 AM on December 13, 2011

/Does Ctrl-F for Quonsee's name
/Pouts

Also, PSA to whoever drew me: I'm going to be out of town next week to celebrate Christmas with the fam, so if you sent something to me, don't freak out if I don't check in, just means I haven't had a chance to get the post.
posted by Phire at 6:33 AM on December 13, 2011

My gift was full of wonderful goodies!! A purse, a lovely Elephant that is now on our mantle, bath gel, a lovely notepad of paper and several other things that just made our day!!! Our Quonsar gift came at the perfect time, we were all drowning in the blahs and Darsh pulled us out. Such a lovely gift and fun experience!! Thanks to all who make this happen!! And thank you Darsh!!!
posted by pearlybob at 7:01 AM on December 13, 2011

I'm late but my gift is now winging its way to California. In case there are any MeFis planning on celebrating Quonsmas in California this year.
posted by maurice at 7:10 AM on December 13, 2011

THANK YOU SECRET QUONSAR! My gift arrived yesterday and it is TOO COOL! I will post some pics if that's kosher. Love love love and holiday cheer to those who made it happen!
posted by xiaolongbao at 9:07 AM on December 13, 2011

I am completely and utterly charmed by every aspect of my Secret Quonsar package, especially my new fuzzy fleece over/underpants.
posted by booknerd at 10:25 AM on December 13, 2011

I have been informed by Sources that my Quonsee has received my package.

...now, to activate the mind-control device I installed inside.
posted by griphus at 10:30 AM on December 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

My gift arrived from Singapore - thank you somewhat anonymous Mefite! (I can kind of make out your name on the customs package, but since you didn't actually sign, I will refrain from sending you candy.) I look forward to using the pens on my Christmas cards.

Off to mail part 1 of my gift now. /me is guilty guilty late and guilty.
posted by maryr at 11:41 AM on December 13, 2011

If you've gotten your gift, please take a moment to let your sender known it arrived! You can crow about it here, send an email or memail (if you know their identity), or you can ask us (google account secretquonsarswap!) to let your sender know it arrived.

...and if you like it, it might be nice to let them know that too.

There are dozens (dozens!) of us waiting to hear that the gift arrived.
posted by julen at 11:49 AM on December 13, 2011 [5 favorites]

Yes, I think my Quonsee should have received her gift by now. Maybe she's just too verklempt by my awesometastic gift to do anything :)
posted by schleppo at 11:56 AM on December 13, 2011

Thank you not-so-secret Quonsar bryght rose! I'm happy now but I'll be even happier tonight when I enjoy a seasonal cocktail chilled with some smiley ice. How fun that you used to live in my city. I love the nuns too!
posted by Cuke at 12:14 PM on December 13, 2011

Got my gift! My first quonsar has elevated my ability to consume fermented vegetable drinks. Huzzah!

(And UPS just informed me that my quonsee has achieved a level of gift delivery! wooo)
posted by weasel at 2:12 PM on December 13, 2011

Loving reading this thread and enjoying the Quonsmas spirit! So many great and creative gifts! Even just learning that there exists such a thing as a wall-mounted emergency yodel button brightens my day.

Sent my gift on Monday the 5th, but my recipient hasn't piped up. Hoping it's not because my choices were so sucktastic as to render him/her speechless. The package had to get to Canada, so there may be a delay in transit....
posted by Sublimity at 3:55 AM on December 14, 2011

Thank you quonsar! I have my very first board board for the upcoming arrival, as well as a adorable ugly doll! The tea will common in very handy too; going to bring it for Christmas festivities to share with my also pregnant sister! Wish I had your name handy. ps. beautiful box decoration as well, puts mine to shame.
posted by ejaned8 at 6:09 AM on December 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

I must confess that that was my secret shame, the world's worst packaging
posted by infini at 6:40 AM on December 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'm sorry for my delayed response. It's finals week and logging in would have ruined me. I can't thank good day merlock enough for my gift. Studying for my chemistry final was stressing me out to point that I was considering throwing in the towel on this whole science thing and going to live in a cave. Then I received an amazing photographic calendar of the elements and was reminded that science is awesome! The tiny plant is adorable, too. Thank you so much!
posted by MaritaCov at 8:42 AM on December 14, 2011 [2 favorites]

I got my lovely silk fan, adorable penguin eraser and beautiful card today. Thanks quinoa!
posted by patheral at 8:49 AM on December 14, 2011

Thank you quonsar! Funny thing was I'd ordered something from an Etsy dealer in Canada so the custom's form didn't give it away at all.
posted by Runes at 12:04 PM on December 14, 2011

I am so, so, so beyond delighted with my new Paris guidebook and Lizard Man Lego Minifigure. The minifigure was an awesome bonus and will go well in my Lego Pet Shop. Thank you so much quonsar!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 2:16 PM on December 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yarn! And needles! And tea! And a mug that is now my favoritest of mugs! Thank you, Quonsar! Thank you, secretagentwebb!
posted by Polyhymnia at 1:12 PM on December 15, 2011

Thank you secret quonsar! I'm the happy recipient of magnets with pictures from Rush album covers, and an awesome bookmark that looks like the old-fashioned due date cards in library books. I will use them all with much enjoyment!
posted by Daily Alice at 2:01 PM on December 15, 2011

Yay! I got two books that look terrific and some jam that will not last past Christmas morning. Thanks, maxwelton!
posted by maurice at 4:09 PM on December 15, 2011

Ohhh, mine arrived this week and I was delighted to discover a beautiful set of baking extracts (vanilla, almond etc...) just in time for all my tasty holiday baking!! Thank you so much my secret Quonsar *cough* zix *cough* :D

Happy Holidays All!!!!!!
posted by saradarlin at 5:43 PM on December 15, 2011

I went to check my mail after a day of hiding inside away from the snow, and there was a box! With convertible fingertip-less gloves/mittens! And marshmallow chocolates, and seriously one of the nicest cards anyone's ever sent me. Thanks Quonsar Steph, happy to be your (sort-of? in-state?) neighbor!
posted by kagredon at 6:21 PM on December 15, 2011

Oh gosh! Beautiful felted crochet slippers! Someone needs to come forward and tell me who sent them so that I may properly thank him or her! Or perhaps my secret quonsar is the owner of the etsy shop from which they were sent? In which case, thanks Bonny!!

Oh and kagredon - I'm glad you enjoyed the gift :)
posted by kthxbi at 9:39 PM on December 15, 2011

Thank you Secret Quonsar, whoever you are!! I got the Lush Buttercup gift, complete with Golden Ticket! Yay!
posted by SisterHavana at 11:35 AM on December 16, 2011

I love it. I gave no advice; just some handwaving about the merciful/vengeful duality of quonsar, and that I would accept whatever was bestowed upon me.

I've read through my Hark! A Vagrant twice now. It's perfect. The gods of quonsmas have smiled upon me, indeed. Thanks, SQ! <3<3
posted by neda at 11:47 AM on December 16, 2011

Thank you so much, Secret Quonsar (aka saradarlin)! SQ sent me, an unrecovered and unrepentant office supply junkie, a wonderful new high-tech Sharpie Pen, exceedingly thoughtful refill for said Pen, and a lovely pink-ribbon ballpoint (SQ knows why that's super-special), all wrapped with a satin ribbon. It was a lovely lift to my day, and just what I wanted but would not have bought for myself. SQ (aka saradarlin!) is the best!!
posted by angiep at 1:09 PM on December 16, 2011

My gifts came today! They are awesome! And came right in time because I've had a miserable day!

Cute sock things and a t-shirt! A Merry Quonsmas was had by one and all.
posted by griphus at 1:48 PM on December 16, 2011

I heart SQ. I received great stuff again this year. Thanks to all the organizers.
posted by DigDoug at 2:25 PM on December 16, 2011

Thank you, Secret Quonsar! - Got The Man Who Ate Everything (Mrs. Nightwood says: "They must know you...") and some great chocolates (including a Beef and Cheese chocolate!) Thank you so much for making my day!
posted by nightwood at 4:10 PM on December 16, 2011

And now just found the card - thank you vespabelle! Merry Quonsmas!
posted by nightwood at 5:14 PM on December 16, 2011

John Hammond, aside from the erotic wombat stuff, got me a collection of prarie porn, including the book (via reading the Alberta Report) made me polysexual. amazing gift.

who is john hammond?
ase
posted by PinkMoose at 6:06 PM on December 16, 2011

oh and mine is going out this week, sorry i am late

ase
posted by PinkMoose at 6:06 PM on December 16, 2011

I got an awesome heavy-metal guitar book in the mail today -- thanks SQ!
posted by vorfeed at 7:05 PM on December 16, 2011

Thanks, Secret Quonsar!
posted by mlle valentine at 7:22 PM on December 16, 2011

Mine is going in the mail today!
posted by miratime at 8:36 AM on December 17, 2011

I got Quonsared! Bacon popcorn! Floppy disc notebook! Ginger candy! Small stuffed googly eye thing! Pottery!

The only thing is now I'm wracked with fear and guilt that what I sent might possibly not be as cool as this. The only answer is to figure out the most awesome thing in the world for next year.
posted by cmoj at 12:13 PM on December 17, 2011

A belated thank you to my Quonsar! I got the package like a week and a half ago. Been a bit busy this month, but just wanted to say thanks for the great stuff! I will totally use the aero themed gifts on a daily basis. Very cool.

Loving the annual SQ as usual.
posted by lampshade at 3:38 PM on December 17, 2011

(to the tune of Oh Tannenbaum)
"Oh Quonsmasee, oh Quonsmasee
You make feel so lovelee"

Got my gift today - is that karma for mailing out my gifts yesterday?
Now I feel all bad because I didn't include a card...
Anywho
Thanks! la pollo - I love Daiso, and your choices were perfect.
The card was great - I love this time of year.
posted by dbmcd at 3:39 PM on December 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Thank you so much julie_of_the_jungle! Chocolate milk and dark, a beachy and sparkly ornament, and the best part was the personalized map--I LOVED that. I had never thought about traveling to that neck of the woods, and now I am, with your map in my back pocket. XOXO
posted by rumposinc at 6:40 AM on December 18, 2011 [1 favorite]

Wow, thanks to my anonymous Secret Quonsar, all the way from the Netherlands! I am so delighted by the chocolate (including the great big S, yum!) and the book! The kids are having a blast trying to puzzle out translations from the Dutch, and I'm having a blast watching them. Sinterklaas, indeed! Thanks so much. :)
posted by Sublimity at 9:08 AM on December 18, 2011

DUDE, I LOVE my gift. I never ever would have bought it for myself but it is beyond exactly what I need. My whole family's opinion of MetaFilter has gone up substantially (admittedly up till now their opinion was almost entirely based on my owning a t-shirt that says "I [+] MetaFilter]", so...) Alas, I only know my Quonsar's real name, not their username!
posted by SMPA at 1:29 PM on December 18, 2011

waits patiently
posted by infini at 1:58 PM on December 18, 2011

Got mine a couple of weeks ago and just now thought to find this thread and say a hearty THANK YOU for the awesome coffee / mug. Delicious. And I can now brew / drink nearly a quart at a time without leaving my desk. Well played, indeed!
posted by ZakDaddy at 8:52 AM on December 19, 2011

Yay! Thanks to my Secret Quonsar for the cute matryoshka measuring cups, and the handy little pen set and pretty notebooks! My cat is also pretty interested in the box, it looks like maybe another cat chewed on the flaps? Maybe your cat was trying to send my cat a Quonsmas message, too.
posted by illenion at 12:11 PM on December 19, 2011

Oh man, what an awesome gift!! It's a really cool electronics project little guy, I am so touched by the effort and the awesome note that went with it (and this was absolutely right up my alley!!). Already showed him to multiple people.

Plus I just saw that my gift was well received, so thankful for that because when I received my gift I was worried that what I'd sent hadn't been good enough. Hurray!
posted by mrs. taters at 12:54 PM on December 19, 2011

Thank you SO much to my secret Quonsar for the awesome CD - Maryse Letarte! New music - IN FRENCH! From Quebec! Yay! And the BEST part was the drawing on the card! I love my first Quonsmas!
posted by in the methow at 5:05 PM on December 19, 2011

Oh bother. I did both links wrong... but I still love my gift!
posted by in the methow at 5:08 PM on December 19, 2011

Yay Quonsar yay! Thank you not-so-secret quonsar Metroid Baby for the awesome stuff. An assortment of fun sweets, a little zippered pouch, some colorful marble magnets in a cool box of many compartments, and a fistful of mini-skeins of yarn...not just any yarn, either! Wollmeise! (I hear the knitters swooning from here) It's the best quonsar ever!

I best not remind her that now I know where she lives...and presumably keeps all of her fancy yarnz...
posted by cabingirl at 5:31 PM on December 19, 2011

hey dbmcd! i am amazed how fast your gift got to you - overnight! hooray for the USPS. i am glad the items are to your liking, and thought perhaps you might have a Daiso nearby; if so, and you like the decotapes for labels, then you can find more :-) i must apologize that my wrapping was so lackluster. making do with what ccould be pulled together while bouncing between 3 part-time jobs and a new couch every few days. i guess you might call it "pinball style", hah!

as mentioned earlier in the thread, it's been an interesting and itinerate couple of weeks: the fire i mentioned was in the apartment building of a friend i am staying with - and no, nobody was injured, luckily! but about 200 people were displaced for a week, and some of them lost everything but their lives. it really puts things into perspective - i may be going thru a rough patch, but i feel incredibly lucky that my friend did not get hurt, did not lose her home, and that i've had a warm safe place to stay once they let tenants return to the building. gotta give a shout out to the Red Cross, who were absolutely amazing during the first days of the displacement. seeing the efforts and selflessness of the volunteers renewed my own motivation to volunteer and contribute whenever i can.

and another shout out - many thanks to my own Quonsar! fretfully, the part of the gift with his name on it is across town, in a suitcase. also, i am not so sure i should name him, as the box arrived addressed as being simply "from the internet" (perhaps Cortex and i have the same Quonsar, heh heh). that said -

getting a book that someone wrote in their youth and a handmade mixtape CD is SO FREAKING AWSM. will delve into them over the holiday. and the travel toothbrush? you are correct, sir - it is the best one EVAR. it also arrived with the utmost perect timing, as i opened the gift while en route to buy... a new toothbrush!

thank you, you know who you are :-)
posted by lapolla at 6:06 PM on December 19, 2011

I have the BEST SECRET QUONSAR EVER!

Not only did I receive not one but TWO tins of my favoritest kind of tea ever (Earl Grey), but my SQ even thoughtfully provided a gift for my kitties, in the form of these organic catnip "sardines".

And, man, do my cats LOVE them! I had to wrestle one away from my Maine Coon last night in an intervention, because he was at the drooling over the toy stage, and he kept on purring and rubbing his face against the carpet where the catnip had been. He cannot "just say no" to these!

And I am really looking forward to drinking my tea, but as if that weren't enough, apparently there is something ELSE coming that is more "personal", from overseas.

I think I have an internet crush now, and I don't even know who it's for.

Thanks, SQ!
posted by misha at 7:40 PM on December 19, 2011

Oops, sorry--THESE organic catnip sardines.
posted by misha at 7:40 PM on December 19, 2011

My Quonsmas dreams have come true. I just received my most excellent copy of Screamland. Monsters, sarcasm, drinking, excellent drawing. My Secret Quonsar knew exactly what would make my day. Thanks, SQ!
posted by schleppo at 6:10 AM on December 20, 2011

I'm glad you like it, cabingirl! I was all like "Wow, I got a knitter this time! Whose favorite colors are....?? OH GUESS WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU." Hopefully you can Voltron together those minis to make something good!

Phire was my Secret Quonsar, and I got an awesome gift: earrings, watercolor pencils, a .3mm mechanical pencil, a pack of bristol artist's trading cards (I love these things and resolve to draw on them), and the best hand-drawn card that has ever been. It will never leave my fridge, and my children's children will ask me what Quonsmas is. Thank you!
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:28 AM on December 20, 2011 [4 favorites]

I'm glad the SQ gift was a hit, bondcliff!

I'm still waiting for Quonsmas to come, but I am holding on to hope and eagerly checking the mailbox every day. Even Sunday! Even though I know that's useless!
posted by owtytrof at 7:17 AM on December 20, 2011

I won Quonsmas :) I got a packet of wonderfulness yesterday courtesy Eleanna, who managed to be all kinds of awesome in spite of end-of-semester craziness! I have SO MANY packets of marvelous heirloom veggie seeds from a seller on Etsy. Beans and broccoli and fancy speckled lettuce and watermelon and corn and fancy-colored radish and carrot and and and!!! Right now I am shuffling and poring over the packets like they're tarot cards. In a month I'll be plotting out my veggie beds on graph paper, scheduling what gets sown when. In three months I'll be outside in the sunshine, getting high off the smell of fresh cold mud, setting the borders with stakes and string, building raised beds, layering manure and hay, and working off winter fat! I'll dig the old windows out from behind the shed and set up cold-frames for the seedlings. I'll string twine on fence posts for the beans to climb. And then in June, July and August, everything will grow so fast I won't hardly be able to keep up with it all. And I can nestle under blankets and dream of that wonderful time all the rest of the winter. I'm not sure which part of the gift is the best part. Thank you :)
posted by Lou Stuells at 9:52 AM on December 20, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay! I just woke up from a mid-morning-ugh-I'm-totally-starting-to-get-sick nap to find the FedEx guy at my door. He brought me a box of Ohio-centric food swag, straight from SMPA! This is why I'm eating candy for lunch (which I'm certain will help aid my sickness). And how did you know that apple butter is my favorite breakfast spread?! HOW DID YOU KNOW. Mmmmm. I also have two delicious-looking sauces to enable my consumption of meat. Yaaaay!

Thanks, SMPA! It is now time for me to go and eat all of the things. :)
posted by phunniemee at 10:19 AM on December 20, 2011 [1 favorite]

Ok, my quonsmas gift is waiting patiently for me to open it. I'm waiting to open it, but I am very excited and wanted to let my quonsar know that it has arrived :)
posted by k8lin at 10:23 AM on December 20, 2011

Great big thanks to my awesome no-longer-secret quonsar heyho, who really made my day when I needed it. Apparently a package in the mail is what does it for me! Along with adorable and funny presents! Thank you so much again and happy Quonsmas!
posted by theredpen at 5:07 PM on December 20, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay!!! Just got home with my amazing present, green tea and organic coffee (which smells so good). I'm just about to have some of the tea right now, I can't wait! Tried searching my quonsars name but I can't find him, if you're reading - thank you so much, best present ever!
posted by addelburgh at 6:16 PM on December 20, 2011

Extreme apologies to specialagentwebb, whose name I got wrong in my earlier thank you. Thank you again!
posted by Polyhymnia at 7:27 AM on December 21, 2011

Oh man, guess who just got a Cthulhu shot glass. Thanks, Secret Quonsar!
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 10:24 AM on December 21, 2011

Are you my secret quonsar? I think so, because I don't know anyone in Texas.

If you are my quonsar, then THANK YOU. THe knitting project bag is awesome. I especially love the skeleton reading the book called "Quick and Easy Knitting Projects". This is especially timely because I just finished knitting a pair of mittens that I started in November 2010. The hand cream smells divine. It is a wonderful gift all around. Thanks again :)

If you're not my quonsar, then I guess I owe someone else a thank you.
posted by bryghtrose at 10:28 AM on December 21, 2011

I have not been quonsed yet. Which is appropriate I suppose, because I have not sent my package, though I've been slowly assembling it since Dec 5th. :p Life is like that sometimes.
posted by zennie at 2:32 PM on December 21, 2011

OMG, I just received a cornucopia of awesomeness from Glinn!!! Not content with an excellent book, she gave me a TERRIFIC GICLEE PRINT WHICH I JUST LOVE LOVE LOVE, and her amazing mefi swap CD, AND a whole bunch of chocolates! I am _blown_ away; any one of those things would have made a wonderful quonsar gift, thank you thank you thank you!
posted by smoke at 2:58 PM on December 21, 2011 [1 favorite]

Merry Quonsmas everyone! I just received an excellent set of computer tools from an awesome anonymous Quonsar. One can never have enough torx screwdrivers, I say. Or spudgers. Thank you!
posted by lholladay at 4:14 PM on December 21, 2011

My gift arrived in the mail two weeks ago and, for reasons that escape me, I set it under the tree and tried to remain patient until Christmas. But the flesh is weak, the lure of Quonsmas is strong, etc., etc., and omg!!! Thank you, cior, for the record you picked out for me (Beirut's The Rip Tide) -- I love my gift and can't wait to listen to it :) Merry Quonsmas!
posted by vespertine at 8:37 PM on December 21, 2011

Each quonsmas I send the same wish list - please send some ephemeral stuff from your town, some junk mail, a sticker from your local tire place, a reusable bag from a local shop, a postcard, a copy of the local free paper, whatever, and I have had some nifty stuff (last year from Paris!).
This year, my quonsar was from Whyalla, 1000miles left of me, but no Paris. I unpacked the card, the Woolworths brochure (I can confirm prices are very close both here and there) then the local rag. Nice, but not as exciting as something in French.
Then I got to the bumper sticker, sew-on patch, fridge magnet, snow globe, tourist guide and souvenir spoon for this mighty town, and I knew I was on a winner. But best of all was the stubby holder from Whyalla steel works (lately in the news over carbon tax assistance).
My kids asked, where is all this stuff from. And I had to explain that I had this secret friend on the Internet who sent me a gift - and who lived up the road from the uncle Paul and Aunty Anne near Cleave.
So that was fun, but I can only imagine the conversation on the other end with my quonsmas giver in the Whyalla tourist centre.
"That's a lot of souvenirs Kev."
"Yep, Enid, some stranger over in NSW is keen to get some local stuff."
"Easterners, hey."

So thank-you, secret Quonsar, and be assured the Whyalla spoon is in the tea canister, ready to confound visitors who will ask if I have ever visited (no, I will say, hasn't everyone got a Whyalla spoon?) and the steel works stubby holder will be in service come Christmas day.
posted by bystander at 3:41 AM on December 22, 2011 [3 favorites]

and, for reasons that escape me, I set it under the tree and tried to remain patient until Christmas.
I'm pretty sure Quonsmas traditionally falls on the day the parcel arrives. Pobably some lunar calendar thing.
posted by bystander at 3:43 AM on December 22, 2011 [6 favorites]

And I just figured out I could unmask my Whyalla Quonsar - I would just set my location to there and see which other users are near by, there can't be that many. But again, my quonsar is ahead of the game - there are no nearby users! Well played, Quonsar.
posted by bystander at 3:52 AM on December 22, 2011

Thank you, Quonsar! My heart was gladdened by this terrific Ry Cooder LP. A better selection could not have been made!

Hope everyone else is enjoying the surprise. This is really fun - thank you so much, julen and volunteers!
posted by Miko at 5:39 AM on December 22, 2011

*pouts*





goes to check the mail again...
*pouts some more*
posted by easily confused at 6:12 AM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

EEE.

I was just being very sad that maybe I was going to get passed over by Quonsar (Quons be with them) again, an I got a SUPER SWEET note from my SQ saying they were late and life is annoying and they did not forget me!

So. I am happy. I may sometimes have the patience of a 7 year old at 5am Xmas morning, but if I know to wait, I can happily wait.

Thanks for the update SQ! no problem! I hope you have a happy and relaxing holiday weekend. (yay)
posted by bibliogrrl at 6:23 AM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

I am confident that my SQ celebrates Orthodox Quonsmas, and I will receive something soon.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:13 AM on December 22, 2011

Sent! My package is sent! I am not a hopeless offender! Not an irredeemable deserter! Not a sunken recreant!

My fellow delinquent quonsors, you can do it!
posted by zennie at 8:13 AM on December 22, 2011

hopefully staring at the mailbox through teary eyes...
posted by chococat at 9:06 AM on December 22, 2011

Oh, yay! What a quonsarful surprise to come back to! I took an impromptu trip to Vegas to visit my brother, and what should I find upon my return, but a neatly wrapped package full of quonsmas delights! Not one, but two mysterious card games to investigate, both entirely free of playtesting! Thanks, Secret Quonsar aka maurice!
posted by Diagonalize at 9:18 AM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

Oh dear quonsee, the usps tracker says it will arrive today! Thank you for your patience. (I have not yet been quonsed but I have a good feeling about today!)
posted by mochapickle at 1:41 PM on December 22, 2011

Thank you secret quonsar! I'm so glad you followed my instructions. Now I have a movie that I never would have picked out myself and it looks fascinating. Can't wait to watch it!
posted by rouftop at 3:02 PM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

I totally forgot...Orthodox Quansmas comes early this year! I just received the most awesome package of stuff: hand-made prints, and hot chocolate on a stick (!), and a CD and postcards and a really great note. AND hot pink bubble wrap!

Thank you Swisstine!!!

Yeah, I considered not checking the name...for like .4 seconds. :)
posted by JoanArkham at 4:04 PM on December 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

Thank you so very much secret quonsar Calistasm! I LOVE my new science book and secretly hope that is what the inside of my brain will look like some day. Happy Quonsmas one and all!
posted by amelliferae at 5:46 PM on December 22, 2011

Just a heads up that if the person is Quonsing me and they are keeping up with this thread, that I'm out of town until after the first of the year, and I shall be Quonsed as soon as I get back. If you're shipping something by FedEx or UPS let me know (through julen if you want to keep it secret of course) and I'll have my dear friends in town run along to my doorstep and pick up my package.
posted by deezil at 8:07 PM on December 22, 2011

i am a horrible person and sent it out today.
posted by PinkMoose at 9:11 PM on December 22, 2011

my secret quonsar Madamina managed to arrange a super-cool secret agent style gift drop-off in my town, complete with coded messages between her agent and myself involving "taters", and a super-secret meeting place. The gift(s!) were awesome too! Craft rum, a new blaster that goes "pew pew" and a fridge magnet from Alcatraz! Thank you, Madamina! The USPS should be delivering my package to my quonsee today or tomorrow.
posted by cosmicbandito at 9:39 PM on December 22, 2011

If you are in Eastern Europe.. and participated in an international swap... I apologise, but I posted your gift from Australia only about 10 days ago, so I think it is unlikely to make it in time to be under the tree.
posted by AnnaRat at 1:31 AM on December 23, 2011

in the methow: EEE THANK YOU! I got your Pretty Things right here! :D

cosmicbandito: Secret agent style sounds AWESOME. I should do that sometime in the future.

and aww man, my Quonsee is going to get a pathetic package in comparison to all your fun stuff...merp!
posted by divabat at 3:10 AM on December 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

I am totally in awe of my quonsar gift. For a complete stranger, you totally pulled off the perfect gift-give.. it's gorgeous and I can't wait to frame it and hang it in my living room. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! (And, if you're also the artist, as I suspect, you are incredibly talented. Wow!)
posted by VioletU at 7:13 AM on December 23, 2011

My secret quonsar has chosen to remain secret. Which is sad, because they really went above and beyond and found something perfect. I was feeling a little down about the holidays in general (and that the person I've sent to hasn't confirmed their receipt) and then my mailperson threw a box on the porch. (It was also incredibly hard to get open, inciting the curiosity of both cats. One of which has claimed the box as her property.)

Thank you to my person - you've touched my heart. Thank you to everyone who has shared with each other this holiday, you're all great people. (Ok, enough schmoopy. Time for my annual holiday Law & Order marathon.)
posted by librarianamy at 9:43 AM on December 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm still in full quonsar radio silence on both sides. *Tap. Tap. Is this thing on?*
posted by yellowcandy at 11:33 AM on December 23, 2011

I show my quonsee's gift delivered on the 19th. I hope she likes it. (It doesn't look like she's been on here since then)
posted by SisterHavana at 12:40 PM on December 23, 2011

We are more than happy to follow up for folks! Drop us an email (secretquonsarswap) at gmail and we'll find out what is going on and how we can help make it run more smoothly.

I've started sampling the overall group anyway to try and get a handle on who is still awaiting gifts, but it's totally random so don't want for me to get around to you!

While I have the floor, we're in the process of switching helpers: Phunniemee has done wonderful work for the past month - anonymizing your questions and suggestions, helping to track down packages, and generally being friendly and helpful to all. She deserves a big round of applause.

Crunchland is taking over the helper role on Monday, as we move into the period where we will begin to see whose gifts are lost and whose gifts are in transit and whose gifts were never sent and if there's a jerk or two out there. Our first set of second chancers will get their assignments in early January, with more assignments rolling out over the month as we learn of folks who didn't get gifts.

We are not psychic, so if you haven't gotten a gift by Monday and haven't heard from us or your Quonsar yet, please drop us a line. We know some folks are running late, and we've worked things out with several quonsars and their quonsees so far for later deliveries. If you haven't sent your gift yet, please email us! We won't bite.

This is a lot easier for us than me mailing everyone individually (a small number of folks have gotten cold-emailed by us to check on status of gifts sent and arrived, but this is not the optimal way to see how the swap is going on a macro-level). It's not that I won't email random people to see what's up, it's just that I seem to have a genius for picking people who have both heard from their recipient, and who have gleefully received their gift
posted by julen at 1:05 PM on December 23, 2011

Oh! And please, if you get an email from us, please answer! I know this is a tricky time, what with the holidays and traveling and being away, but I have at least 10 emails out awaiting an answer.
posted by julen at 1:15 PM on December 23, 2011

Thank you SQ!! My gift arrived two days ago, and I declare today to be Secret Quonsar Day and so have opened it. I have gone over the wrapping, but can only find real first names and real life address, so unless I find a further clue, I will have to just give thanks here!

Fabulous co-op reusable shopping bag!! It is definitely of the design that can be easily carried distances on foot - I still have no idea why Australians make ones that will just cut the circulation off your arms. The fridge magnets (with northcoast landscape watercolours) are beautiful and make me want to come see it for myself. And I will add the Christmas decoration to the Quonsar tree!
posted by AnnaRat at 1:53 PM on December 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hurray for my SQ zem!

Sent me some winter home comforts-- beautiful dark maple syrup (smells so good!) and some intense herbal hand cream which I can't wait to try. I will also be putting my brand new candy thermometer to good use very soon... maybe maple toffees, eh? And omg, how did she know I collect scraps of fabric for crafting? ;) Typical mefite psychic charm.
posted by zennie at 3:09 PM on December 23, 2011

My giftee should get his today.. well his little gift and explanation that the real one isn't coming until February.

*pokes usps website* update the tracking status, darn you!
posted by royalsong at 3:27 PM on December 23, 2011

julen: thanks for arranging all this, and if you need an extra sender, give me a yell!
posted by easily confused at 4:08 PM on December 23, 2011

Thank you, thank you scblackman!! I love my sweet knit hat and super cool pop out ornaments! Quonsmas perfection!
posted by Swisstine at 4:21 PM on December 23, 2011

So. My Quonsar present came... an hour after I left work for the weekend. I will get it (and open it!!!) Monday and report back. YAY!
posted by bibliogrrl at 5:58 PM on December 23, 2011

my secret quonsar probably forgot about me... my mailbox remains sadly empty :'-(...
posted by seawallrunner at 7:32 PM on December 23, 2011

M present is obviously superb as it's not here yet and my SQ clearly just wants to build up the appropriate level of anticipation. Or China Post sucks.
posted by arcticseal at 10:59 PM on December 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay I just got word that my giftee got his gift! So now I can tell you what it was that wouldn't get there until February! A subscription to the Smithsonian magazine. He says that's right up his ally.

I thought a magizine subscription would be a cool secret quonsar type of gift, because it's one that keeps coming every month!
posted by royalsong at 11:26 AM on December 24, 2011

Thank you, jcrcarter! The book on Japanese manhole covers is very cute. I'll make it a mission to visit one in person. Happy holidays!
posted by cior at 8:04 PM on December 24, 2011

I overthought an overthought and overthought my present to my secret quonsar-ee and sent out an Express Mail package yesterday that should have arrived today. I hope you get it and like it.
posted by xingcat at 8:36 PM on December 24, 2011

I got my package yesterday, so I put it under the tree and opened it with my presents. My Quonsar was incredibly generous! A Douglas Coupland novel, a silicone pot holder, a tea infuser and tea, supplies for both traditional games and Magic, and some sort of an image of post-apocalyptic Toronto (frozen variety). The tea infuser works great, I'm looking forward to reading the Coupland novel and it warms my Calgarian heart to see the CN tower in rubble.

Thank you Secret Quonsar - reveal thyself!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 3:48 PM on December 25, 2011

AnnaRat, I'm so glad it got there in time and that you like them.
posted by cairnoflore at 6:53 PM on December 25, 2011

Dearest Secret Quonsar, thank you so much! Peach jam is one of my favorite jams! It was delicious with Christmas pancakes! And the little wool sheep is so soft & pleasant to smell! Right now she is on the Christmas tree; she was too cute to put in a drawer straightaway. The book handbag is fantastic; I love crazy bags and I love books, so it fits right in with my wardrobe :) I thought your username was on the return address of the package, but I can't find that name on the site, so thank you here for a lovely present to open on Christmas morning!
posted by Fui Non Sum at 7:37 PM on December 25, 2011

A big thank you to my awesome SQ! I couldn't quite make out your username (?) on the lovely card that was included in the package... so please excuse my not addressing you by name, but here's a big shout-out to you! I received your gift this morning, and I love the hand-crocheted "dishrags" (rags they are not! I think I'll use them as potholders or something less destructive around the kitchen) and the penguin magnets (are they handmade, too?). Hope you have a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year!
posted by misozaki at 7:42 PM on December 25, 2011

Xingcat!! I arrived home after a long xmas day train/bus/car journey to find your package in the mailbox. I put it under the tree with the other presents and opened it first after dinner! Amazing! Great job! A wee multitool which includes the oft-needed/never-handy tiny screw drivers and a beautiful little wooden nailbrush. Perfect choices! I'm going to make a little holder for the multitool today so I can keep it in my bag and be ready for anything. My friends were asking "how did the internet know what you wanted?". Thank you!
posted by zem at 6:31 AM on December 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

MY QUONSAR JUST MADE ME CRY.

hansbrough made me a *BEAUTIFUL* hand thrown yarn bowl. It is GORGEOUS.

Thankfully, my awesome co-worker didn't think I was completely nuts when I teared up from the really awesome note and everything. It is AMAZING and more than makes up for last year's no gift.

Thank you so much hansbrough. It is beautiful and will be put to much use in my house.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:01 AM on December 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hey all. If you haven't already checked the email box that you registered with, please do so at your earliest convenience, then reply to the recent follow-up email we sent last night. (If you didn't receive one, it means we already noted from other sources that your gift already arrived.) Over the coming days, we'll be trying to update the status and tracking down the missing packages.

If you're one of the tardy giftors, please make the time to send out your packages soon, and then drop us an email and tell us, so we can make a note of it. Everyone gets busy around the holidays, so there's no shame in it.

And if you are one of those who hasn't received their gift, take heart. I assure you, one way or another, you won't be forgotten.

Thanks so much.

(And thanks again to Arcticwoman for the awesome gifts she sent me!)
posted by crunchland at 8:22 AM on December 26, 2011

The Great Quonsar arrived, it arrived! I kept on believing as hard as I could, and The Great Quonsar stopped by, like it does for all the good little boys and girls!

The Great Quonsar (disguised as ZENNIE!!!!) also stuck a lovely note in with my 'grandmothers memory' package, which I'm enjoying even as I type this. The only "downside" is that Zennie has REALLY raised the bar, and this means I'm gonna have to do much, MUCH better myself for my own SQ next year...... Happy Quonsmas, y'all!
posted by easily confused at 2:30 PM on December 26, 2011

Hurray!
posted by zennie at 7:16 AM on December 27, 2011 [1 favorite]

Someone awesome got me the niftiest little wall adapter that adds two full-power USB ports to a wall socket. Thank you, SQ!
posted by cgomez at 9:23 PM on December 27, 2011

Thank you, Secret Quonsar, for not just the excitement and anticipation, which is a gift in and of itself - but for the pleasure of finding my cat guarding a small square white box (my favourite kind of box) on my front porch this morning with my VanillaCoffeeToffee surprise waiting inside. I have the next week and a half off, and will be enjoying more excitement and anticipation of a time when I can kick my family out of the house so that I can enjoy it in selfish, greedy, keep it all to myself peace. Your note was lovely!
posted by peagood at 12:04 PM on December 28, 2011

Thanks to my secret quonsar for the lovely vinegars. The package arrived last week but I wasn't able to get it and open it until today (so it's also kind of a birthday present!)
posted by jaimystery at 7:13 PM on December 28, 2011

Thank you JLM, if that is your real name (it's not). Your gift fit the (extremely non-specific bill) precisely.
posted by pmcp at 6:42 AM on December 29, 2011

Checking in, better late than never, though I did remember to brag about it on the internet when it came! My Quonsar (I think I know your real name, but not your MeFi name?) sent me a copy of The Hour, and I have big plans for it (said big plans also involve my couch and a blanket, maybe some cookies) on my day off next week! Thanks ever so much!
posted by alynnk at 6:53 AM on December 29, 2011

I thought I'd put it here, but I guess it was just in MeMail... great thanks to PhoBWanKenobi for her early and fabulous present of a wee tiny little globe on a stand (that's also a pencil sharpener) and the Presidents of the United States flash cards. I have a friend who is a savant about POTUS trivia, so I used those to test her knowledge.
posted by xingcat at 7:10 AM on December 29, 2011 [1 favorite]

You're most welcome to smoke, who posted a lovely note above after receiving my package (which I sent late, omg was so worried it wouldn't get to Australia!) (He also sent a terribly nice MeMail).

And I must publicly thank the wildly terrific SweetTeaAndABiscuit, who sent a super cool steampunky little album, and an even more super cool old-fashionedy 5-yr journal thingie which I shall start in January (and may even continue for some time!)
Thank you again!
posted by Glinn at 7:27 AM on December 29, 2011

Thank you, Secret Quonsar! My house is tiny so practical gifts are the most treasured. I especially love the blue bird; the only decorative collection in the house is an assortment of small blue animals (an elephant, a turtle and a blue plastic hen that waddles and lays jelly bean eggs). Your blue bird is right at home and a welcome addition. Thank you.
posted by workerant at 7:43 AM on December 29, 2011 [1 favorite]

Just wanted to give an extra to my Secret Quonsar because the books I received stood me in great stead while recovering from last-minute wisdom tooth surgery!
posted by mlle valentine at 8:18 AM on December 29, 2011

*extra thank you, that is
posted by mlle valentine at 8:18 AM on December 29, 2011

My gorgeous copper-covered leaf arrived yesterday from NY, and it's beyond cool and gorgeous, and I've got it on right now on a black silk string necklace. I'm totally knocked out!!
posted by kinetic at 8:38 AM on December 29, 2011

Thank you to my Secret Quonsar! I received my stylish "Knitting Takes Balls" t-shirt in the mail several days ago, but was not 100% sure that it had come from you until Julen et. al. confirmed. (They mentioned that you weren't able to get a note in the package.)

Please identify yourself, so I may send my thanks, along with a soft-focus Glamour Shot of myself modeling said item.

Or not.

On a separate note, I love reading the thank-you thread because it shows how varied (read: weird) we all are. People get excited about so many ridiculous things, and it tickles me to see other people figuring out what will make them happy. Myself included :)

Big, big thanks to the organizers, and to all of the quonsars/quonsees who make it happen!
posted by Madamina at 8:53 AM on December 29, 2011

I'm unsure who gave me my gift, but I'm saving my 5-year diary for the beginning of the year! It's lovely and will be frequently used.
posted by ausdemfenster at 9:42 AM on December 29, 2011

Due to unexpected stuff, I actually didn't open my SQ's lovely, lovely gifts to me until yesterday, but I have to say the Edward Gorey card and book were inspired choices, especially given that I gave you no hint help whatever! The star ornament is now hanging out of the reach of cats, but in a place I can see it every day. Thank you so very much for brightening my holiday season...if you'd like to 'fess up as to your identity, please do so I can say thanks properly.

I've not heard if my Quonsee received their gift (*my* fault for not asking Julen and elves yet, I've just not had time!), but I sure hope it was liked.

Thanks for organizing what is a terrific bright spot in the season!
posted by faineant at 9:45 AM on December 29, 2011

I didn't know there was a thank you thread!!!

Thank you, my Secret Quonsar! I can't remember your name off the top of my head (I am at work), but I received a tube of vegemite, a box of chocolate wafer cookies (that lasted about 10 minutes), a Bush Babies book (which I cataloged and put in my library), a CD of info about Sydney Australia, and a bunch of photos of Sydney.

It was great! thank you so much!

I am still not sure about the vegemite, but I promise I will give it a fair try. :)
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:58 AM on December 29, 2011

Thank you so much secret quonsar for my socks! I wore them yesterday. They were perfect, soft and warm and blue and purple, my fave colors. <3
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 2:58 PM on December 29, 2011

And I'm glad you dug the gifts, xingcat!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 2:59 PM on December 29, 2011

Thanks to my SQ for the CD; it's right up my musical alley.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 3:51 PM on December 29, 2011

My SQ gifts did indeed arrive while I was away at my parents' for the holidays and I'm very glad my unscrupulous building-mates did not steal away the awesome packages that awaited me when I trudged home at midnight tonight. The fantastic Deathalicious sent me a box of Vampire Repelling Garlic Mints, a Philly Food Cart paper craft model, and an eraser that looks like a delete key (!!).

Go on, admit you're jealous. Thank you, Deathalicious!
posted by Phire at 9:49 PM on December 29, 2011

A late thank you to my SQ for the cute measuring cups. Perfect for baking! Even better I received them very soon after the drawing (though that made me feel like a slacker!).
posted by janerica at 7:29 PM on December 30, 2011

thank you to my secret torontonian quonsar for the honey and wheat-free granola!! all arrived safely yesterday.
posted by seawallrunner at 8:02 PM on December 31, 2011