Surprise! Thanks, Secret Quonsar!

November 27, 2013 6:59 PM

A mysterious box arrived in the mail today...

So, I seem to be the proud owner of a set of teeny tiny little cacti, with no hint as to the sender other than "Surprise!".
I did an informal poll of people I know who might be inclined to randomly send me cacti, and no one 'fessed up.
Secret Quonsar, is that you? If so, thank you so very much! *glee* Little tiny cacti!

posted by ApathyGirl to MetaFilter Gatherings at 6:59 PM (703 comments total)

What?! You opened the box before Quansmas? For SHAME!
posted by Ghidorah at 7:18 PM on November 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I marked this as a meetup thread so it would stay open for six months instead of just the one. Hope that's okay.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:30 PM on November 27, 2013 [15 favorites]

Thanks for letting us know, the Quonsmas tracking list is updated based on everyone's feedback in MeTa or email.

Quick reminder: Quonsmas mailing deadline is December 7th.
posted by arcticseal at 8:52 PM on November 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

Update: I sent my first gift to meet the deadline and the rest will follow. Got a confirmation email from my Quonsee.
posted by jadepearl at 5:07 AM on November 28, 2013

I have a really interesting challenge with my Quonsee this year, and have to figure out the perfect thing to send him, given the parameters.
posted by xingcat at 7:23 AM on November 28, 2013

SQ gift(s) depart tomorrow. SQeeee! I like the laconic note idea, may steal it.
posted by bearwife at 8:50 AM on November 28, 2013

I realized what I was going to make my quonsee will never ever work, so now I have to rethink!
posted by bibliogrrl at 9:31 AM on November 28, 2013

ApathyGirl - confirmed with your SQ, you have been cacti quonsed!
posted by arcticseal at 12:25 PM on November 28, 2013 [1 favorite]

Argh, I'm waiting for what I ordered to arrive *here* before it can then go on its long journey cross the seas!
posted by smoke at 1:22 PM on November 28, 2013

Quick reminder: Quonsmas mailing deadline is December 7th.

Oh thank Quod, I can stop hyperventilating now.

p.s we had a freak thunderstorm here this week and I got to wear my Canada Hat for two days out of season, yuss!
posted by Catch at 7:32 PM on November 28, 2013 [3 favorites]

There really is a Secret Quonsar and she came to my house while I was at work today! SQ brought me the most beautiful journal with an utterly gorgeous cover of blue, silver, gold, and turquoise wise and mystical cats, with fuchsia butterflies, all starry and beguiling, and a box of butterfly paper clips which I will use when I'm doing accounting tomorrow, and so will add some cheer to what I usually find a dreary task. Oh, SQ cozenedindigo, they are the most lovely gifts, and a real delight. Thank you so very much.
posted by angiep at 8:27 PM on November 29, 2013 [2 favorites]

Yay! Glad you liked them angiep!
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:25 AM on November 30, 2013 [1 favorite]

Mailed mine today - ahead of schedule but it's going overseas. (hoping to atone for flubbing the CD swap a few years ago)
posted by headnsouth at 3:51 PM on November 30, 2013

Are we supposed to email anyone when we either send or receive a gift? Do we use this thread to do that?
posted by Dr. Zira at 5:34 PM on November 30, 2013

Dr. Zira: "Are we supposed to email anyone when we either send or receive a gift? Do we use this thread to do that?"

We like all information we can get. We generally keep an eye on MeTa and Twitter and Flickr, etc and update our tracking spreadsheet when we see someone got a gift. If you've thanked your secret quonsar privately, please feel free to let us know you got your gift.

In the beginning of January/end of December, we'll send mail out to everyone we don't have a status for, asking for that status. Then we'll start mailing senders whose gift hasn't arrived to figure out what is going on, and determining who needs to be assigned to our glorious ranks of second chancers.

We also tend to note if someone posts that a gift has been sent so that we have that info handy just in case (we've already had 1 participant who got a mystery box that wasn't from their quonsar). If you want to tell us, we'll gladly listen and make a note. I always like seeing people talking about the process of selection or that they've just sent a gift because it a) reminds other people to get on the stick, and b) it means that the invisible machinery is turning.

Knowing if gifts having arrived is our top priority. Knowing if a package has been sent is nice.

If it has been more than a week since you think your gift should have arrived and you haven't heard, we'll be happy to check in with your recipient to see if the gift has arrived. Send us an email.
posted by julen at 5:48 PM on November 30, 2013 [2 favorites]

I mailed mine yesterday!
posted by janepanic at 8:03 PM on November 30, 2013

I was stumped by my quonsee's interests so went with local and edible/consumable. Will brave the holiday post office lines on Monday!
posted by spamandkimchi at 12:12 AM on December 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've been asked for local things in the past and struggled with finding things that are local to the Bronx; now that I've moved to Yonkers, I'm grateful that this year the request for local items was not absolute.
So far the only strictly local item for Yonkers that I know is using the word "wedge" to mean sub/hoagie/grinder.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:33 AM on December 1, 2013

I hope that when I described myself to my Secret Quonsar, that I didn't stump them! Dear Secret Quonsar, if you are reading this, please know that this is my first SQ and I will be delighted by your gift no matter what!
posted by to recite so charmingly at 5:48 AM on December 1, 2013

Last year, I gave very little guidance and got an awesome hodgepodge of things, which was lots of fun. This year, I gave a bit more guidance, but I hope my Secret Quonsar knows that I love any kind of gift. I like getting mail that isn't catalogs or bills!
posted by JMOZ at 7:33 AM on December 1, 2013

I saw this and was instantly OH GOD AM I LATE. Thanks for popping in with the deadline so I can not have a heart attack. Box building continues on!
posted by corb at 7:45 AM on December 1, 2013 [2 favorites]

I mailed mine yesterday, anonymously! Because that's the way I roll.
posted by raisingsand at 1:22 PM on December 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am wearing amazing warm festive socks from an anonymous Quonsar today!!! (Also glancing apprehensively -- though appreciatively -- at a bottle of Rwandan chili oil.)

I have decided that these are my Magical Socks of Holiday Cheer. I will wear them when the real-life stresses of the season are making me all grarrrr, as a reminder of the lovely people of the Internet who send cozy thoughtful presents to random strangers.

Thank you, Secret Quonsar, and thank you Metafilter!
posted by teditrix at 1:59 PM on December 1, 2013 [5 favorites]

sciencegeek: as long as your giftee isn't also in New York, anything made in NYC is probably fair game. As a non-New Yorker I barely know Queens from the Bronx anyway, let alone Yonkers.
posted by maryr at 3:34 PM on December 1, 2013

Yeah I'm thinking "local" is relative. To someone from another country, local could mean the general region. I sent something from my state but not my city. If any US senders are stuck, the answers to my question about state-based care packages might provide inspiration.
posted by headnsouth at 4:00 PM on December 1, 2013

I think I was feeling feisty about the Bronx. Everything here is so Manhattan-centric. And if it isn't Manhattan-centric, it is Brooklyn-centric.

I had contemplated sending a box with a foam Statue of Liberty crown, a fake handbag and ten I <3 NY shirts. But the fake handbags are more expensive than you'd think.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:41 PM on December 1, 2013 [2 favorites]

I received my quonsor gift today and I love it! My instructions were that I like things that are soft and things that are spooky.... and my lovely Secret Quonsor sent me a stuffed animal of a zombie guinea pig! What a perfect blend of my likes! It is adorable and so soft and is happily sitting on my bed right now as I type this. Thank you, SQ! I don't know your MeFi handle, so I hope you see this :)
posted by silverstatue at 7:56 PM on December 1, 2013 [3 favorites]

I tried to be sly once. I labelled the sender portion of the packing slip 'Guy Dorah,' but my quonsee posted in the thread saying the package was anonymous.

Guy Dorah, private kaiju
posted by Ghidorah at 8:11 PM on December 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sent mine yesterday. I couldn't figure out how to hide the sender's name on amazon, so the recipient will have to see if he/she can figure out who I am from my real name . . . .
posted by JanetLand at 6:27 AM on December 2, 2013

I just placed my Amazon order so the presents should ship soon. Now, I have to turn my attention to my wife and kids.
posted by Area Man at 6:47 AM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

I shipped my thing today- was going to make a special trip to buy a certain item, and then I realized that their website will let you ship directly! Yay!

Unfortunately there was no place on the website that let you leave a note, so I guess I'll just have to hope my person posts in this thread when they get it. Or I'll email them in a week or so and ask.
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:25 AM on December 2, 2013

I hate you, Anonymous Secret Quonsar. Not only did you get me this dastardly puzzle that I spent hours banging my head against last night to no avail, but when I popped out to run an errand for 15 minutes, my wife texted me to say "Hey I solved that puzzle of yours." Arrrrgh! I curse you, Secret Quonsar, and all your Tetrissy puzzley works!

Seriously, thanks for such a fun and fascinating challenge!
posted by Rock Steady at 8:56 AM on December 2, 2013 [3 favorites]

I mailed my SQ gift on Friday, 11/29. It took two rounds of standing in line at the post office, because I didn't know there was a customs form requirement the first time. And customs has no love for secrets in mailing, sadly. Name and address are required. At least there remains the mystery of what will happen when the package arrives at its overseas SQ destination.

I kinda liked that it was all so difficult (except the non-anonymity part) because it added to the feeling of Accomplishment in Sending a Gift.
posted by bearwife at 9:01 AM on December 2, 2013 [3 favorites]

bearwife: I kinda liked that it was all so difficult (except the non-anonymity part) because it added to the feeling of Accomplishment in Sending a Gift.

MeFi Achievement Unlocked: Fishpants across the Waters
Send an International Secret Quonsar Gift
posted by Rock Steady at 9:13 AM on December 2, 2013 [8 favorites]

I'm sending my quonsee her gift tomorrow! YAY!
posted by Sophie1 at 9:55 AM on December 2, 2013

I'm going to send my gift today, across the miles to a place with nicer weather. Very thrilling! I typed up a customs form last night but was unsure, until I read your comment, bearwife, if I "really" needed it or if I could write one up with larger letters at the post office. I mean, the type is so teeny! What if the mail carrier is far sighted? Customs forms should come in LARGE PRINT only, by gum. Here's hoping it arrives safely in my quonsee's awaiting mitts.
posted by but no cigar at 9:59 AM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have ordered my quonsee's gift, and am just waiting for it to arrive before I wrap and send!
posted by LN at 10:27 AM on December 2, 2013

I mailed my Quonsee's present on Saturday! I hope they don't hate it. Anyone thinking of asking for "tell me what you love and why you love it!" should consider they might get stuck with someone who has taste like mine.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:36 AM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm going to brave the post office today. I went rogue on my gift, I hope it goes over well.
posted by sweetmarie at 10:46 AM on December 2, 2013

In 2-4 days (according to my Post Office) another Quonsee should receive something. It's a secret.
posted by oenzemain at 11:09 AM on December 2, 2013

Quonsee, you live oh-so-close to me! I've mailed your gift; you could be receiving it as soon as tomorrow!
posted by initapplette at 11:15 AM on December 2, 2013

I mailed my SQ gift today. Post office says s/he will have it by Wednesday. I wasn't terribly creative, I went with local chocolate (and a pretty card I received from my SQ last year). But, oh, such chocolate!
posted by msali at 11:50 AM on December 2, 2013

Ooh cool idea to forward a SQ card from one year's recipient to the next!
posted by headnsouth at 12:28 PM on December 2, 2013

Just mailed out two Quonsmas packages, one for my Quonsee and one on the behalf of another MeFite -- so exciting!

(I also listened to the Jokes.txt episode of the "TLDR" podcast on the way to the post office, so I'm feeling maximally MetaFiltery this afternoon)
posted by Narrative Priorities at 12:34 PM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

Narrative Priorities: one on the behalf of another MeFite

Even Secret Quonsar can be outsourced? I think I'm going to see if I can arrange to have next year's gift delivered by drone.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:52 PM on December 2, 2013 [3 favorites]

I have a gift and a box and a label. This evening I will combine them all!
posted by Nimmie Amee at 12:55 PM on December 2, 2013

I think I'm going to see if I can arrange to have next year's gift delivered by drone.

JB* says that's a few years out. Enjoy those hourly wages while you can!

*He owns my local paper, so I can call him that.
posted by headnsouth at 1:06 PM on December 2, 2013

Stealing packing materials from work today in hopes of mailing tomorrow.
posted by maryr at 2:47 PM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

The nice thing about having to mail a lot of books from my house is that I have stacks of flat rate boxes and sticky labels ready at all times.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 2:49 PM on December 2, 2013

I have a shipping box, mailing labels, and bubble wrap, so everything goes in the mail tomorrow!
posted by thomas j wise at 4:20 PM on December 2, 2013

One of these years I'm just going to mail someone a giant box of bubblewrap for Quonsmas.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:17 PM on December 2, 2013 [3 favorites]

Coming home from shopping for my Secret Quonsar, and thinking vaguely about finding a box and shipping to Chicago, I was very surprised to find a package in my mailbox. From my Secret Quonsar! From Chicago! Very early!

As a reward for doing my own shopping on time, I opened it right away, and got some lovely handmade pasta that I am looking forward to trying as soon as I buy some marinara sauce, and some truly wonderful gourmet toffee, both made in Chicago. And a bookmark that will remind me to trust in my dreams. Thank you, ilicet!
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 5:31 PM on December 2, 2013 [4 favorites]

I got my super secret quansar gift today and it was awesome!!! Now I just need to finish making mine and send them out.
posted by Nackt at 5:50 PM on December 2, 2013

Elves get penalized if we're a bad example, so my package got mailed out today.
posted by arcticseal at 5:54 PM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

My Quonsee's gift has been ordered! It should ship in the next couple days.
posted by SisterHavana at 6:24 PM on December 2, 2013

My gift was sent and on it is on its way. Should be there tomorrow.
posted by Jaelma24 at 7:08 PM on December 2, 2013

I received my very nifty gift of vintage magazines of all sorts with some very cool advertising (How did you know I was starting to do some retro stuff around here!), and it's just a pile of awesome that I haven't even got to delve into fully because I haven't had time to (and that makes me a horrible friend). I need to go shopping for my SQ. With this week, I may be a day late, but I am going to try.

Would my SQ please stand up so I can recognize that you are awesome and worthy of high praise? I didn't see a note from you :( (I have your real name, but not your handle on here!)
posted by deezil at 7:25 PM on December 2, 2013

I sent mine this afternoon! I hope my quonsee enjoys what I've sent. :)
posted by wiskunde at 7:50 PM on December 2, 2013

Have just gotten back from the post office where I mailed mine. I forgot to tell my quonsee to make sure to read the labels of the Japanese thingies. They are funny!
posted by Athanassiel at 10:16 PM on December 2, 2013

As I was writing my gift suggestions, it occurred to me to throw in that I love all things ginger. So glad I did, because my Quonsar sent me a tin of the most delicious gingersnaps that I have ever eaten. Seriously. I've even had homemade ones that weren't this good.

I have had my husband hide the tin for a week because I found I was trying my best to eat the whole thing last night. Thank you, Secret Quonsar! This gift was a perfect choice!
posted by erloteiel at 7:46 AM on December 3, 2013 [4 favorites]

Woohoo. Mine is sent and in its way. Now I can't wait to hear what they thought.

And the waiting for my package. Merry Quonsar Everyone!
posted by ShawnString at 8:05 AM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm picking up the last bit of the gift to my Quonsee today and will be mailing tomorrow. Now to write the card that goes with. And for the record, I'm going to be disclosing who I am, because it'll be on the return address label anyway.
posted by TrishaLynn at 8:56 AM on December 3, 2013

Just tracked my SQ's package - it's gone from the East Coast to Chicago on its way to the UK. Hmmm.
posted by headnsouth at 9:27 AM on December 3, 2013

I mailed my gift today! And discovered that I had failed to insert the card before I taped up the box! So I was both a responsible Quonsmaser and a total absent-minded professor. Quonsee, if you find yummy things accompanied by a cow, that was me.
posted by thomas j wise at 9:37 AM on December 3, 2013

erloteiel: "... my Quonsar sent me a tin of the most delicious gingersnaps that I have ever eaten. Seriously. I've even had homemade ones that weren't this good. "

Those are indeed fabulous. We no longer make Norwegian or Danish-style ginger cookies and just buy a tin of those. They go well with a layer of cream in between two cookies or with rice pudding or ice cream or while crushing your relatives in assorted board games.
posted by julen at 9:51 AM on December 3, 2013 [4 favorites]

"They go well with a layer of cream in between two cookies or with rice pudding or ice cream"

A co-worker and I were just discussing similar serving suggestions! Ice cream sandwiches and crumbled over or used as spoons for vanilla bean ice cream.
posted by erloteiel at 10:08 AM on December 3, 2013

I have this vision of julen wedging a maiden aunt into a box of Monopoly while munching on a cookie. The dark side of Quonsmas.
posted by arcticseal at 10:08 AM on December 3, 2013 [5 favorites]

Gingersnaps! Oh, love those. Could not resist ordering from the link. I feared to order them to our home as we would devour them, so am getting them sent to work instead, hoping for plenty of hungry competition.

I am not sure if it is good or bad that SQ participation has widened my knowledge of things like irresistible cookies.
posted by bearwife at 10:15 AM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hah! In my family, I am the closest thing to a maiden aunt. A sneaky, crafty, lurk in the bushes before I emerge to smite my relatives with any number of tiles, cards, croquet mallets, or witty writing maiden cousin/aunt.

Of course I also once posted grievances on my front door. It was hilarious watching my neighbors sidle up to my door to read such classics as "My parents never bought me a miniature horse." and "I wasn't allowed to wear white shirts as a kid."
posted by julen at 10:17 AM on December 3, 2013 [7 favorites]

Sent mine on Saturday and also inconveniently misplaced the shipping receipt, so I don't have the tracking number anymore. So it'll be a Quonsmas surprise on both ends!
posted by Liesl at 10:59 AM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am reaching the stage of peak quonsar excitement where I closely examine every package in my apartment's mail area (even the refrigerator sized ones that are being delivered to the apartment under renovation) just in case it might have quonsmas goodness.

Quonsmas, quonsmas, quonsy quonsy quonsmas!
posted by ocherdraco at 10:59 AM on December 3, 2013 [4 favorites]

Just back from the post office where I waiting an agonizingly long time in line next to my lovely neighbor who wanted to know why I was posting a package to Australia, as she well knows that I have no family or friends there. the explanation of sending a package to a 'friend from the internet' was met with concern and bemusement.
Still - it's off!
posted by darsh at 11:15 AM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

I sent mine out a week ago, and now I'm all anxious. Has it arrived yet? (I lost the tracking number). Do they like it? Do they hate it? Did I send enough? Too much? Too little? Arrgghh!

Deep breath.

I know a week isn't long enough, but...

I hate waiting.
posted by patheral at 11:47 AM on December 3, 2013 [3 favorites]

Oh yay, thank you MeFiMall for helping me ship my gift to my SQ. I hope they love it.
posted by deezil at 12:17 PM on December 3, 2013

weird…I mailed mine out today, and wife mentioned I got a package in the mail today, from MY secret Quonsar.

Its a Quonsar Miracle.
posted by ShawnString at 12:56 PM on December 3, 2013

Mailed mine today; the USPS says delivery on the 6th. Advance apologies, dear SQ, for the wrapping job, my cats ate the tape and shredded most of the tissue paper I own. They also destroyed the new wallpaper I spent all last weekend putting in the bathroom, but that's a story for a different time.

I'm so nervous! I hope you like your Quonsmas surprises.

Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by faineant at 4:48 PM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

I was *thisclose* to not finishing my quonsmas shopping and shipping today, because the past couple weeks have sucked in a lot of ways. But I finally dragged my depressed ass out of the house, on my bike even, because I knew it would be good for me and didn't know if I'd have time later.

During my trip out I:
-Found the one quonsmas item I specifically set out to find.
-Replaced another item from the quonsmas package with a higher quality, more locally specific one.
-Slipped into the post office just under the wire, sent my package out with the world's cheeriest USPS clerk, and got a great deal on the shipping envelope.
-Biked back through an awesome block-coordinated tacky Christmas light display.
-Ran into a friend I'd been holding off on making plans with, because our last hangout was a bit awkward. We're fine and meeting up again in a few days.

Week is looking up! Quonsmas miracles, yo! Now I just get to sit back and wait for my package.
posted by ActionPopulated at 5:00 PM on December 3, 2013 [12 favorites]

I took yesterday and today off and good thing, because picking and wrapping and everything else with presents always takes me five times as long as I think a normal person would spend...I got so involved in putting the Quon-package together today that I let the woodstove go smouldering, smoking up the whole house so badly I was tearing and probably suffocating the neighborhood as well. I had to open all the windows and turn on all the exhaust fans to make it habitable again, thereby negating the point of the wood fire. So there's a clue for my quonsee....if you can smell the char, it might be from me! Not to worry, I got the fire stoked back up and eventually got to close the windows again and I don't think there will be any permanent damage to the package. I had so much fun putting it all together; I hope my quonsee enjoys it as much....
posted by Tandem Affinity at 5:22 PM on December 3, 2013 [2 favorites]

I may have mailed a thing that is not technically supposed to go in the mail (In addition to a separate, not-at-all-questionable package!) And I am really, really curious if it'll make it all the way to my Quonsee intact.

~*~INTRIGUE~*~
posted by Narrative Priorities at 6:58 PM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

I had such grand ambitions for Quonsmas shopping, but I am stuck in quarantine with two small chickenpoxy children.
Gift ordered online, explanatory postcard to follow!
posted by Catch at 7:39 PM on December 3, 2013

Dear Anonymous Quonsar,

I opened your gift not 15 minutes ago, and I've already anointed myself with all the smells. I love it, and thank you so much for such an interesting and unique present!! I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you properly.

~*~*~Happy Quonsmas!~*~*~
posted by peripathetic at 8:38 PM on December 3, 2013 [1 favorite]

At last, the final stitch has been hook'd and fastened off, the box has been seal'd, and off to the post office it goes in the morning!
posted by ApathyGirl at 10:09 PM on December 3, 2013

Mailed mine this evening. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by timetoevolve at 10:29 PM on December 3, 2013

Well I sent mine off today, on a voyage to far Canada. I was a bit perturbed by the raised eyebrow the post officer gave me - I hope customs don't decimate the package.
posted by smoke at 12:17 AM on December 4, 2013

Sent out mine today!
posted by brilliantine at 8:12 AM on December 4, 2013

Jaelma24: "My gift was sent and on it is on its way. Should be there tomorrow."

Really excited about utilizing your ice balls. Thank you so much, I screamed!
posted by oceanjesse at 8:33 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]

Really excited about utilizing your ice balls. Thank you so much, I screamed!

2 x MetaFilter taglines in one comment, it really is Quonsmas!
posted by arcticseal at 10:12 AM on December 4, 2013 [6 favorites]

I too illegally mailed things today. (Er, maybe. I lied about it being a liquid)
posted by maryr at 10:30 AM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

Also, sorry future Quonsees, no one else is getting liquids because fuck, that was expensive to ship.
posted by maryr at 10:32 AM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]

Mailed mine off at lunch - to New York from New Jersey by way of a post office in Philadelphia!

Thank you julen and Quons-elves for organizing this happiness!
posted by kimberussell at 11:00 AM on December 4, 2013 [3 favorites]

I got my Quonsmas package last night! So awesome! The beetle bottle opener is really cool, and the bug muffin/cupcake pan! Woo Hoo! Thanks, Mizu!
posted by annsunny at 11:25 AM on December 4, 2013

You are welcome! :D I was a bit sad because I was elsewhere in Texas and I couldn't resort to my usual haunts to get weirdo gifts for you and wrap them elaborately; I had to resort to amazon. Luckily, companies like REALBUG provide. It totally ooked me out shopping for you, by the way, because I am bug-phobic. This is why you got a lovely approachable beetle bottle opener, instead of something like a scorpion. JOYOUS QUONSMAS~~~
posted by Mizu at 11:50 AM on December 4, 2013

My gift for my Quonsee is sitting right here! Waiting to be sent! Except that the person who can deliver the perfect crowning touch is presently in Vietnam and won't be back for a few more days! I keep looking at a map of Vietnam and staring at it hard as if that might hurry him along.
posted by scody at 12:05 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

I sure do hope the recepient enjoys the quonnical gift they are about to receive. (on Friday, I suspect. USPS doesn't guarantee 2 days, but it seems like they're pretty good about it)
posted by DigDoug at 12:48 PM on December 4, 2013

I wonder what it says about me that I am more worried about my Quonsee's present than the one I'm getting my husband.
posted by corb at 2:37 PM on December 4, 2013 [10 favorites]

I'm like, stupidly worried that UPS will screw up somehow and not leave the box I sent! The place I ordered from was UPS-only. I requested no signature required but... oh the nervousness
posted by showbiz_liz at 2:39 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sent!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 3:09 PM on December 4, 2013

Sent mine today. With shipping I spent about $10 over budget. Whoops! Oh well.
posted by daninnj at 3:58 PM on December 4, 2013

Got my Quonsmas package today, shawnstring: you must have magical shipping powers, 'cause I see from your comments above that you mailed it *yesterday* --- the Quonsmas elves are clearly on YOUR side!

I got a neat-looking book, a fiendish-looking puzzle of the Great Pyramid (seriously, the package says the blocks are 4x4x5mm?!? Yikes!), and cookies that made me laugh out loud: they're Berger cookies, and just last week I uncovered a whole wing of the family tree named, yes, Berger! Also there's a mass of packing peanuts, which are currently sharing the box with a very weird cat, who also says thanks, shawnstring!
posted by easily confused at 3:59 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

I received my awesome quonsmas gifts the other day. Haven't built the catapult yet but my cat really enjoyed playing whack-a-mouse, so much so that she barely paid any attention to the cardboard box that everything came in.
posted by burnmp3s at 4:29 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

Easily confused; I think it helped I live just up the road.
And it's more of a lego type set, but yea it's impossibly hard to put together but man oh man is it cool when it's all together. I have a Easter Island set. I'm glad you like it all.
posted by ShawnString at 5:32 PM on December 4, 2013

I also wanna thank almostamanda for my package (which I got yesterday). She send me a plate of amazing cookies based on the St Louis fave, Gooey Butter cake. I also got a lego mini fig (my own personal crack), a cool book on folding Star Wars paper gliders, a copy of the card game "We Didn't Playtest This" (which will come with me to the next meet up) AND the He Man/She Ra Christmas special on DVD.

I'm such a lucky boy!
posted by ShawnString at 5:41 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]

It's beginning to look a lot like Quonsmas! My parcel is all packed up and ready to head north with the postman tomorrow! SO fun! Hooray! Hooray forever!
posted by kittyb at 6:28 PM on December 4, 2013

Blanket suggestion to my quonsee/all others: open your quonsmas gift when you get it.
Because it might be food.



Okay, I'll cave. It's food. Non-perishable, delicious food okay just open it now please I can't take the suspense
posted by tooloudinhere at 6:38 PM on December 4, 2013 [4 favorites]

I'll be walking down to the post office tomorrow to mail my Quonsee her gift. I had so much fun putting that together! The rest of my Christmas shopping- for the people I actually know - is going to be much less interesting, I have to say....
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 7:20 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

I mailed mine off today. The box had been staring balefully since I assembled it on Sunday night. Boxes waiting to be mailed can definitely stare. I hope my quonsee digs his present.
posted by janell at 7:26 PM on December 4, 2013

I was wrong, in my last post. I was not yet at peak quonsar excitement. How do I know? I know because today I looked into a bucket in the mail area to make sure there wasn't a package hiding inside.

And I looked in the bucket before I opened my mailbox.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:42 PM on December 4, 2013 [2 favorites]

I also got my secret quonsar gift today! (Its arrival guilted me into sending an apologetic MeMail to my own quonsee for not being able to send until tomorrow) I got candy canes and a wonderful Reader's Digest book from the 80s about "Traditional American Skills" - mostly centered on homesteading and self-reliance stuff, which is right up my alley. I can't decide whether I want to make cheese, soap, or a dulcimer first! Thanks whitewall!
posted by antonymous at 9:22 PM on December 4, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have been aflutter about secret quonsar since I signed up but especially the last two weeks. Everything came together, yet I had to make a distress call for help because I did not have the right kind of cord. Once that problem was solved, I completed my tasks in good order and I have today wrapped, packed, labeled and turned over my initial entry for shipment tomorrow. I will confirm that it is on its way when I am quite certain it has been dispatched.
posted by Anitanola at 2:16 AM on December 5, 2013

Postwoman delivered my Secret Quonsar gift today! Many thanks, Anonymous Washington MeFite who sent a boatload of delicious teas! Am drinking some Honeybush as we speak – didn't know this herbal tea before. Rooibos is a favorite and it is indeed like a honey-tasting, not-bitter rooibos, yum. Tea tins are now stuffed and I shall be enjoying a cozy winter filled with happy tea-drinking.

I am dismayed at USPS international shipping rates *frown* The shipping my gifter paid was crazy given the inconsequential weight. Maybe next year there could be a note for MeFites in the US who want to opt for international gifting, forewarning that the USPS doesn't seem to offer anything for less than $15 on non-letter shipping overseas nowadays. I see that when I order from commercial sites in the US too, since one or two years ago, even books shipped from Amazon US charge a minimum around that amount.
posted by fraula at 3:27 AM on December 5, 2013

USPS tracking is telling me my quonsee's gift should have arrived on the 29th, and I hope that it did!
posted by coppermoss at 6:08 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

My gift is going out today. I was terrified about packing it securely so I hope my quonsee likes bubble wrap.
posted by maurice at 9:47 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

Canada Post was just as bad, $15 for shipping to the US.
posted by arcticseal at 9:48 AM on December 5, 2013

Mischief managed! Just got back from my windy walk to the post office. This project inspired me to also send a wee giftee to my friend in Australia. Why send off one present when you can send two? The Quonsmas cheer is quite intoxicating!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 11:26 AM on December 5, 2013 [4 favorites]

i got my secret quonsar gifts yesterday - a sweet little tin for tea and the most adorable tea towels in the world, filled with bunnies and little girls walking in the forest with baskets. i loved both gifts equally and cannot wait to use them. this was my first year participating and i'm thrilled to bits. thanks aabbbiee! <3

and to my secret quonsar, your package is being mailed this evening!
posted by kerning at 11:28 AM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

Is it against the rules to receive a SQ package and leave it under the tree until the 25th?
posted by headnsouth at 11:53 AM on December 5, 2013

It's not against the rules to wait, headnsouth, it just shows you have WAY too much willpower!
posted by easily confused at 11:54 AM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

Well I don't have it yet so don't give me too much credit. I must say, this thread is putting me SO MUCH in the Christmas mood. All the gratitude and anticipation in this thread is the way it's supposed to be. It's refreshing to read and be part of, like Secret Quonsar is the anti-BlackFriday.
posted by headnsouth at 12:03 PM on December 5, 2013 [5 favorites]

headnsouth: "Is it against the rules to receive a SQ package and leave it under the tree until the 25th?"

Nope! But it would be nice if you got a message to your secret quonsar that you did get the package and are saving it for Christmas - we'll be glad to pass that on for you.

That way, they don't fret that it might not have arrived, and everyone's happy.
posted by julen at 12:06 PM on December 5, 2013 [3 favorites]

Oh, and they can advise you that waiting a few weeks might not be the best idea if they did break the rules and wrap up a a marmoset as a gift (or cookies).
posted by julen at 12:18 PM on December 5, 2013 [7 favorites]

Julen needs to be writing scripts for Hollywood.
posted by arcticseal at 12:56 PM on December 5, 2013 [4 favorites]

Oooh, cookies! Although I hadn't thought of it this year, next year's SQ might just get unicorn poop cookies in the mail. I must make a note!
posted by wiskunde at 1:34 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

Merchant says that my Quonsee's gift should be delivered on 12/10. However, it looks like only one of the things has shipped so far - not sure about the other one.
posted by SisterHavana at 2:28 PM on December 5, 2013

Canada Post was just as bad, $15 for shipping to the US.

Hahahahah, try Australia to Canada, package would have been under 300 grams. $29. My hate for Australia Post, it burns strong.
posted by smoke at 2:33 PM on December 5, 2013 [3 favorites]

Smoke, that's why I was a cheaparse and opted for Australia-only this time.
posted by Athanassiel at 2:58 PM on December 5, 2013

I just received a package and have sent off an email to the Head Secret Quonsars to confirm whether or not it's from my gift-giver. And considering that this person put the return address as the UPS Store from which they shipped it, I'm thinking that I might want to do that for my Quonsmas gift next year so that I can preserve anonymity. I just may put that on the Wiki page as a suggestion for Quonsmas anonymity as well. Do other non-governmental shippers allow such a thing?
posted by TrishaLynn at 3:04 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am such a nervous gift giver. Did I just send the equivalent of athletic socks? Also the post office was mayhem and I might have mailed a pen and packing tape along with the two items I sent to my Quonsee.
posted by spamandkimchi at 3:06 PM on December 5, 2013 [7 favorites]

And many, many thanks to julen and her helpers for organizing all this so very well.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 3:28 PM on December 5, 2013 [4 favorites]

I got a wonderful octopus-themed box of goodies today! I love them all, from the block-printed card to the glass octopus straw which is just crying out for some egg nog and cookies. Really excited and pleased! Thank you, secret quonsar!
posted by julen at 3:31 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

I bought several items to send to my Quonsee Across the Seas, and upon realizing the cost for such a shipment, I had to resist packing a couple of the heavier things. I'm admittedly a bit bummed that I had to do so, but am hoping that the receiver is still pleased. For what it's worth, I chose the best items of the group to send! The customs form had my name on it anyway, so I outed myself with wild abandon. Secret shmecret.....(is that how you spell shmecret? I never know if I should add a 'c', as is the fashion these days).
posted by but no cigar at 3:40 PM on December 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sent the gift today. Having long been worried I'm not cool enough for Metafilter, I now sit in fear that my Secret Quonsar gift will totally confirm this. But many thanks to julen and Phunniemee for their awesomeness!
posted by Wyeldfire at 4:12 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

Made it to the store with minutes to spare this evening, and have assembled my gift! It'll be hitting the mail tomorrow, whole hours before the shipping deadline. Gold star, self.
posted by MeghanC at 4:56 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

I'm just waiting to receive the last bit of my gift from so that I can mail the entire gift out in one cohesive package. hopefully it will get here tomorrow and I can pop it in saturday's mail to make deadline!
posted by firei at 5:48 PM on December 5, 2013

Sent mine today. I think the estimate was for delivery on the 11th
posted by Nolechick11 at 6:12 PM on December 5, 2013

This dirty hippie likes soap! Thanks to my SQ (who has a username I can't spell.... amelliferae!) for the amazing smelling soap, the delicious looking chocolate and the excellent Punk-Ass Book Jockey pins (from your friends). You are now the second MeFite that I know in Delaware! I can not wait to be the scourge of the gym locker room by busting out the better-smelling soap than everyone else. Thanks for helping my winter blahs be not so blah!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:34 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

I just got back home from a trip and shipped my gifts out this afternoon. The post office says it might take a week to deliver them, but I am hoping the package arrives sooner than that.
posted by yellowcandy at 7:35 PM on December 5, 2013

I have been struggling with what to buy this year even though I was given more info than ever before and then I went to the mefimall and found the perfect gift. The shipping was free so I spent a tiny bit over. Hopefully it will ship tomorrow or the next day.
posted by cairnoflore at 8:15 PM on December 5, 2013

Thank you, coppermoss! The cat toys are perfect. Here is an obligatory photo. It is a catnip TRIBBLE! Scary!
posted by monopas at 8:35 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

Also, I'll be shipping on Saturday, because I'm all about pushing deadlines.
posted by monopas at 8:36 PM on December 5, 2013

By the way, how long should we wait before emailing to see if our quonsee got our present? I mean if we are the kind to misplace the tracking number and don't to appear impatient or anything? A week? Two weeks? I hate being a bother, but I'm the anxious type.
posted by patheral at 8:56 PM on December 5, 2013 [2 favorites]

patheral: "By the way, how long should we wait before emailing to see if our quonsee got our present? I mean if we are the kind to misplace the tracking number and don't to appear impatient or anything? A week? Two weeks? I hate being a bother, but I'm the anxious type."

I recommend waiting a week after the date you think it should have arrived. Then we'll gladly ping your recipient with a gentle "What's up, QUONSEE? *wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge*" or even a "Seen any packages lying around?" or possibly something more direct like "Did it get there? Did it get there? Did it? Did it?"
posted by julen at 9:22 PM on December 5, 2013 [5 favorites]

My UK-based SQ sent me chocolate and tea, lots of good tea. I won't be stuck drinking the lousy tea from the employee break room for the next while, which will be so nice.

Also, I got a little Christmas pudding. I've never understood what the English mean when they say pudding, so I'm excited to try it tonight.
posted by Area Man at 4:46 AM on December 6, 2013

I got my gift! I got my gift!

I mentioned in my Quonsar letter that I like puzzles and recursive art (I have this Escher drawing in my Facebook header.)

Lo and behold, today I got a cute little jigsaw desk toy based on an Escher tessellation. (Allegedly you can glue the pieces together to make a coaster, but I'm choosing to use them as something to play with while I'm on the phone.) Thanks Secret¹ Quonsar!

¹ Well, secret-ish. The package didn't come with a name, but I noticed I suddenly had a new favourite on a really old AskMe comment. So I have my suspicions.<sup>2

2</sup> And of course, while I was investigating my possible-Quonsar, I lost track of which tab I was in and ended up answering one of their AskMe questions from almost a year ago. We both fail at sneaky.
posted by the latin mouse at 4:55 AM on December 6, 2013 [3 favorites]

I just checked Canada Post. My quonsee should get her gift today. This is fun!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 5:29 AM on December 6, 2013

I sent my gift off yesterday. Now I'm in the "I hope my gift wasn't too lame" phase.
posted by nightwood at 5:37 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Gifted and gifteed on the same day!

Thank you!

I love LOVE LOVE LOVE the book about WEIRD BRITISH FOOD because I work with a boatload of Britannopeeps who are all BISTO and AFTER EIGHTS and BREAD SAUCE and QUALITY STREET every single day and now I know alllllllllll their secrets. :D

I sent mine out today and it should arrive in just a few days thanks to the wonders of technology!

Now off to finally find out what a DIGESTIVE is...
posted by mdonley at 6:26 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Found my Quonsmas gifts on the front doorstep as I went to work this morning! Some little things for the dollhouse I'm working on, yummy cookies (nom), and a book of recipes for baking chocolate goodies (nom x 2). Yay!!! (And it was almost in time for Quonsmukkah, too.)
posted by thomas j wise at 7:25 AM on December 6, 2013

Just got back from the post office: my Quonsee's package is on its way! Got a tracking number too, so I'll keep an eye out in case the gremlins in the USPS decide to play their little gremlin-games.
posted by easily confused at 7:50 AM on December 6, 2013

Just hollering into the aether that mine will be mailed a little late because the incoming stuff I am waiting for is a little late. Not very late. Just a little.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:04 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

My parcel has just set off on its 4,369 mile journey. Bon voyage, parcel! I hope you make it this time.
posted by HandfulOfDust at 8:18 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

If people want to send us the UPS/USPS/pigeon post tracking numbers, we can log them in the tracker in case there are concerns about wayward packages.
posted by arcticseal at 8:20 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

My quonsee should be getting their gifts today, according to the USPS tracking info. A nice little weekend surprise for them!
posted by Fig at 8:22 AM on December 6, 2013

Yay, monopas! Your kitties are adorable. May they live long and pawsper.
posted by coppermoss at 8:54 AM on December 6, 2013 [4 favorites]

The second item in my Quonsee's gift shipped too! That part should arrive on Wednesday. I am surprised they're being sent separately, but that just extends Quonsmus, I guess. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 9:16 AM on December 6, 2013

I confirmed that the mystery package is indeed from my Quonsee, so yay! Also, the package I sent is currently out for delivery, so double-yay!

I informed my gift-giver through the Head Quonsars that I won't be opening up the package until the 25th, and I heard that person applauded my restraint. Is anyone else waiting for a specific holiday date like me? We're still feeling the pinch of the move and the wedding party, so I'd like to have as many packages to open as I can.
posted by TrishaLynn at 9:24 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I also sent the UPS tracking numbers to the Quonsars-In-Chief, to pass along to my Quonsee.
posted by SisterHavana at 9:25 AM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Shipped!
posted by probably not that Karen Blair at 10:03 AM on December 6, 2013

My Quonsar gift departs the wilds of Canada today. Enjoy, Quonsee!
posted by LN at 10:15 AM on December 6, 2013

I have shipped my gift! Next year I will strive to buy something that fits in a flat rate box.
posted by sacrifix at 10:43 AM on December 6, 2013 [2 favorites]

Tracking tells me my quonsee's gift has been delivered, I hope they like it!
posted by msali at 11:37 AM on December 6, 2013

I just handed over my Quonsee's gift to Ken The Zombie Postal Clerk. (Love ya, Kenny!)

I can't wait to hear when she receives it! I made it with something I bought last week, and something I have owned for twenty+ years. *gnaws fingernails until next week*
posted by wenestvedt at 12:17 PM on December 6, 2013

Mailed my gift off today. Mailing packages is always so exciting.
posted by quaking fajita at 12:31 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

julen: ...if they did break the rules and wrap up a a marmoset as a gift (or cookies).

A marmoset, you say?
posted by wenestvedt at 12:35 PM on December 6, 2013 [4 favorites]

It was a long cold rainy day today at work and I got home more than a bit bedraggled to find a package by the door. An excellent package. With grapefruit marmalade and pear butter and two journals with photos of canna leaves (my photos of canna leaves!).

Thank you Sophie1, this is an awesome Quonsmas and I'm just happily smiling here typing this.
posted by sciencegeek at 1:17 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have sent my package! I was all ready to send it a couple of days ago and then realized it needed something else added so I had to go get the other thing and open the package and put the thing in the package and repack the package and then take it to the post office.
posted by rmd1023 at 1:27 PM on December 6, 2013

Canada Post tells me your package is there at your door, Quonsee!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 3:04 PM on December 6, 2013

ThatCanadianGirl, I just got home to discover it waiting for me! Thanks so much for the embroidery floss, pretty floral print scissors, super-cool bicycle paperclips, and fancy tea and shortbread! Also, the box it was packaged in (shaped like santa's belt) is seriously impressive. Thank you so much, this box of awesome things brightened my day so much. I am going to make some of this tea to warm myself up.
posted by quaking fajita at 3:18 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

What I think of whenever anyone says 'marmoset'.
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:23 PM on December 6, 2013

Holy crap, antonymous - did you get Back to Basics? I loved that book when I was a kid. What a cool present!
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:30 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Put mine in the mail this morning! USPS says recipient should have it on Monday.
posted by Daily Alice at 3:57 PM on December 6, 2013

thomas j wise: "Found my Quonsmas gifts on the front doorstep as I went to work this morning! Some little things for the dollhouse I'm working on, yummy cookies (nom), and a book of recipes for baking chocolate goodies (nom x 2). Yay!!! (And it was almost in time for Quonsmukkah, too.)"

Awesome. I crossed my fingers on the Prailine wafer cookie roll things, so I am super glad they were tasty. Lemme know if the recipes in the book turn out good!
posted by ShawnStruck at 4:09 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I mailed mine today! And then promptly remembered something I forgot to put in. So what I'm saying is that my Quonsee might get a very tiny follow-up package.
posted by topoisomerase at 4:37 PM on December 6, 2013

Yay to Puss Killian!!! I love my papier mache Hallowe'en ornaments! They are vintage-y and Hallowe'eny and all of the things I love!!!
posted by Sophie1 at 4:52 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

quaking fajita, what is a bicycle paperclip?
posted by headnsouth at 4:57 PM on December 6, 2013

I mailed mine this afternoon! It should arrive by 12/16 (going international). Super excited and hope my quonsee likes it!
posted by dotgirl at 5:31 PM on December 6, 2013

Sent, with a day to spare!
Scheduled delivery by Mon, Dec 9 (per USPS).
I, too, went a little rogue. I, too, sent something illegal.
I hope she likes it!
posted by bebrave! at 5:32 PM on December 6, 2013

Mailed mine today and am reading this thread, wondering if any of you are my Quonsar!

ShawnString: can you link to your Easter Island puzzle??
posted by IndigoRain at 5:38 PM on December 6, 2013

So glad that my Secret Quonsar picked up on that I really really wanted yarn! I also had the gift that kept on giving. "Ooh, I got coffee! Wait, 'alpaca blend'? Ooh, I got YARN! Wait, ooh, I got yarn AND coffee!" Smooches to my SQ, Room 641-A! I will enjoy the biscotti and the luxe wool soak that I'd never treat myself to buy.
posted by Liesl at 5:45 PM on December 6, 2013

headnsouth, they are paperclips shaped like bicycles! Look how cool they are!
posted by quaking fajita at 6:33 PM on December 6, 2013 [3 favorites]

I found my Secret Quonsee on social media.

He is very brainy, a dog lover, and hot!
posted by jgirl at 6:33 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

IndigoRain....of course I can. :)
They really aren't puzzles, they are more tiny Legos.
posted by ShawnString at 6:58 PM on December 6, 2013 [3 favorites]

I sure do hope the recepient enjoys the quonnical gift they are about to receive. (on Friday, I suspect. USPS doesn't guarantee 2 days, but it seems like they're pretty good about it)
posted by DigDoug at 12:48 PM on December 4 [+] [!]

YESSSSS THANK YOU! I came home from work today and there was a lovely little square package on my porch with an unfamiliar return address. It hadn't even occurred to me that my gift would arrive this early so it was a wonderful surprise. I've already eaten the yummy nibbly snack things (sunflower/pumpkin/etc. seeds) and some of the Reese's trees, and the black-and-white playing card deck is lovely and beautiful! I'm also looking forward to figuring out how to play the Koi Koi game with the Japanese card deck. And the Field Notes pack! I love the colors. Thank you so much! This totally made my day.
posted by meggan at 7:11 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I received mine yesterday and love it! There was delicious chocolate at the perfect time I needed chocolate, a little domino man piece and a beautiful shawl pin! Thank you so much, faineant!
posted by MaritaCov at 9:11 PM on December 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I thanked my secret quonsar privately, but I want to say it here too. Loved getting all the goodies! Just what I wanted but didn't have.
posted by obol at 10:26 PM on December 6, 2013

Teehee, the latin mouse, we do indeed both fail at sneaky. I saw your comment but thought perhaps we were the lucky two Quonsars who were matched with each other. (Perhaps we are and you're triple-sneaking me right now, WHO KNOWS). Glad you like the fish/birds! I actually didn't find you on Facebook, but I'm a fellow Escher fan, so when you mentioned recursive art I thought of him. Merry Quonsmas!
posted by embrangled at 5:11 AM on December 7, 2013 [1 favorite]

because Quonsee rhymes with squee, right?

The Quonsmas Police alerted me yesterday, that my gift had arrived, well, yesterday! today I finally made it to the post office (not least of all, because I had to send out my own Quonsee's package - first time ever on time! woo! go, me. Quonsee who you have no idea who you are, a gift will arrive early next week!)

naturally I waited as long as I could (i.e. I was Very Good the whole drive home. but tore open the package the second I was inside the house. yeah quelle surprise.)

6(!) (6!!!) bars of My-Quonsar-Local absolutely gorgeous looking chocolate. each a different style, and each with a different color beautiful ribbon.

Secret Quonsar, you managed to nail both aspects of my nebulous request! I am touched and impressed. Thank you!

the only question now is: share, or never tell another living soul?

Pace e Salute to all, and a Happy Quonsmas
posted by dorian at 7:29 AM on December 7, 2013 [2 favorites]

also also, Quonsar Interest: obligatory 2005-era* NYC Quonsar-themed bus shelter vandalism -

scooby-Q wo bussu?

*this was also the era of the racist dunk-tank clown. hugs to hellbient wherever you are.
posted by dorian at 7:38 AM on December 7, 2013

I have to go get one more thing today and do some baking this weekend and mine will be going out on monday (because I am the worst and the slowest SORRY but will make up for it with delicious things) (and yes I let the QuonsElves know because I amy be slow but I'm not a jerk!)

I am quaking with excitement over being Quonsed because YAY MAIL.
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:52 AM on December 7, 2013 [1 favorite]

Quonsee, expect your package on THURSDAY. Oh, I hope you like it. This is so much fun!
posted by athenasbanquet at 9:46 AM on December 7, 2013

The box is on its way to the Post Office, and thanks to one of my many projects finishing up before expected, with a bonus consumable.
posted by Gygesringtone at 10:06 AM on December 7, 2013

If anyone does discover that their secret quonsar broke the rules and sent them a marmoset, I will ask that you provide adorable pho^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H evidence of said fact.
posted by julen at 10:18 AM on December 7, 2013 [6 favorites]

I stopped at the Post Office today on the way to the cut-your-own Quonsmas tree farm. The package should get there on Monday (it doesn't have far to travel). Woohoo!
posted by fancyoats at 10:22 AM on December 7, 2013

Yes! My Quonspackage has arrived! It seems we'll be a making candles this Quonsmas, so there's more fun to come!
It was a perfect arrival. On a saturday when I had a full view of the delivery van going too far and then back up to our house and got a lot of envious looks. Also at a time when I'm very busy with other peoples presents, but sadly had to buy my own, so this is all mine alone!!! Thank you Jodi!
posted by oenzemain at 11:49 AM on December 7, 2013

My gift marked as shipped and should get there on Tuesday, dear Quonsee. I do so hope you like it.
posted by deezil at 12:19 PM on December 7, 2013

I sent mine out today, yay! :)
posted by halcyonday at 12:51 PM on December 7, 2013

I sent mine out today too! USPS said it would arrive in a week.
posted by meggan at 1:00 PM on December 7, 2013

Quonsmas package is in the mail! Even if the lady at the post office is a total jerk. JERK.

(Totally excited about who I got. My quonsee is into classic menswear, which I love, and which Mr. Mayhem is totally uninterested in wearing.)
posted by mollymayhem at 2:10 PM on December 7, 2013 [2 favorites]

Thank you so much again, eroleitel! Quons-package arrived at the perfect time today, and I am now enjoying some awesome Texas-made beer and chocolate and with lovely new ornaments hanging on my tree!

Mmmm, beer...thank you so much!
posted by pandalicious at 5:20 PM on December 7, 2013 [1 favorite]

Although my quonsmas package arrived a while ago, I was traveling some just now opened it.

I got a very lovely looking fruitcake and a veritable goblet of lingonberry jam. Yum! Both of these things are very much in my wheelhouse. :)

The only question is....does I dare drown a slice of fruitcake in lingonberry jam?!? ((Spoiler alert: I totally will!))

But much like an O Henry story there is a sad twist...the packing slip was misplaced in a flurry of quonsmas cheer. I've looked hither and non and cannot locate. Will my SQ reveal themself?
posted by ian1977 at 5:45 PM on December 7, 2013 [1 favorite]

The mailman heard me at our door this evening and quietly walked up in the dark to me to hand me megami's thoughtful gift. I was thrilled to see it flew here from Germany! I am really taken with the beautiful crocheted cowl and thoughtful subscription to yes magazine. I wish I were a marzipan fan as the chocolate covered slab of it was magnificently heavy, but luckily my Bear adores it and his eyes lit up when I handed it over.

Thanks so much for the lovely gifts and for helping Jules run this enterprise this year.
posted by bearwife at 6:09 PM on December 7, 2013

I priority mailed my quonsee's gift today and got home an hour ago to open a delightful package from kittyb, Obi and Penelope. I was super excited to receive coconut bacon, chocolate toffee bark, and clay ribs, and my kitty Cos loves the catnip+valerian. Self link Cats heart Quonsmas.

Thanks again and happy Quonsmas!
posted by tangaroo at 6:57 PM on December 7, 2013 [5 favorites]

I am worried now that my gift wasn't up to the standards set by the rest of you: some fo the descriptions I am reading are pretty amazing!
posted by wenestvedt at 8:19 PM on December 7, 2013 [3 favorites]

I came home from a horrible day at school to find my Secret Quonsar had sent me the most wonderful package! It was so exciting unwrapping everything and then, PENCILS TOO! Thank you, thank you patheral!
posted by notaninja at 9:25 PM on December 7, 2013 [2 favorites]

Eee, thank you to my wonderful Secret Quonsar! I received really delicious smelling coffee, and a mug to drink it with, and some special Midwestern gifts <3 It is a delightful Quonsmas :D
posted by capricorn at 9:48 PM on December 7, 2013 [2 favorites]

Quonsmas package was mailed out Friday and is on the way to its destination!
posted by needlegrrl at 6:00 AM on December 8, 2013

Oooooh, I just checked USPS tracking, and my package is already several states away from me, and yes, as of 4:34 this morning, it's already at a sorting facility very near you, dear Secret Quonsar!
posted by easily confused at 7:52 AM on December 8, 2013

I got my package yesterday. I was a little surprised to see it, since it was from Amazon and I hadn't ordered anything from them, but then I thought about it and realized, "Secret Quonsar!" bonheur gave me a radiometer that I can't wait to use! Thank you, and happy Quonsmas!
posted by bookwibble at 8:13 AM on December 8, 2013 [1 favorite]

I came home from a horrible day at school to find my Secret Quonsar had sent me the most wonderful package! It was so exciting unwrapping everything and then, PENCILS TOO! Thank you, thank you patheral!
posted by notaninja at 11:25 PM on December 7 [1 favorite +] [!]

I'm so glad that it made it, and that someone else hoards pencils besides me! (I was a little worried about that) Happy Quonsmas!
posted by patheral at 9:21 AM on December 8, 2013

pandalicious: "enjoying some awesome Texas-made beer" you say? That's so weird! The fizzy hops & malt juice I mailed to you must have fermented somehow! I certainly would *never* illegally mail alcoholic beverages! ;-)
posted by erloteiel at 9:48 AM on December 8, 2013 [10 favorites]

I came home to a mysterious package today. Canada Post delivering on Sunday, amazing.

Thank you angiep the mugs are just gorgeous. I will get much pleasure using them and may even let other family members try them out with hot chocolate, tea or coffee! I do some ceramics and I love the blue glaze on the speckled stone wear. It's always great to have more handmade art in the house. The card was a also a big hit with the kids, very cute.

I should note that the package to my sq was ready to go but that I hadn't actually managed to, you know, mail it. So before opening my present I took a run over to the post office. Canada Post tells me it will be there for Tuesday. Don't despair, secret quonsar, it is on the way!
posted by Cuke at 12:29 PM on December 8, 2013

The postal clerk packed my gift in the box and then clearly marked the contents on the customs label so it is no longer a surprise :(
Sorry about that, quonsee!
posted by avocet at 12:48 PM on December 8, 2013

Sent my quonsar package yesterday. Have tracking number. Quonsee should receive by Wednesday.
posted by Altomentis at 2:31 PM on December 8, 2013

Also, isn't Quonsmas Day defined as the day you receive your package?
posted by Altomentis at 2:34 PM on December 8, 2013 [2 favorites]

Interesting. The receipt said the package would arrive on 12/14 but when I look up the tracking number it looks like it may be as early as tomorrow. USPS is exceeding my expectations!? Pretty soon I'll buy a quality used car and elect an honest politician!
posted by sacrifix at 2:38 PM on December 8, 2013 [2 favorites]

USPS is exceeding my expectations!?

Happens to me on the regular. They get a bad rap but they are fast and cheap.
posted by headnsouth at 3:05 PM on December 8, 2013 [5 favorites]

Quonsar was too good to me! Thank you, introp!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:35 PM on December 8, 2013

erloteiel: It's clearly a Quonsmas miracle! I applaud your commitment to following the letter of the law, the troops fighting my war on sobriety certainly appreciate it too.
posted by pandalicious at 5:47 PM on December 8, 2013 [4 favorites]

So glad you liked, them Cuke! And that they arrived in one piece. This is what I see on my drive to work every day, so you can probably understand why I made the connection between the mugs and my commute.
posted by angiep at 9:56 PM on December 8, 2013 [1 favorite]

MaritaCov, I am so pleased you like the shawl pin (and that it arrived unbroken!) ! A very merry Quonsmas to all.
posted by faineant at 10:37 PM on December 8, 2013 [1 favorite]

USPS is exceeding my expectations!?
--
Happens to me on the regular. They get a bad rap but they are fast and cheap.

Another upvote for USPS as of late. Something has changed this year....and for the better. I have shipped quite a few packages over the past few months and all have arrived at least on time and mostly early.
posted by lampshade at 12:27 AM on December 9, 2013 [3 favorites]

I am fretting because the package I sent on the fifth arrived at the UPS Earth City facility (outside St. Louis) on Friday and there it has remained with a bright yellow flag on the tracking site saying adverse weather conditions might delay delivery--delivery that was promised for Wednesday. Meanwhile, the other part of the gift that is being sent from the MeFi mall is in the hands of the now decidedly more trustworthy USPS, so who knows what will become of my best laid plans! Something, maybe everything, should get to my Quonsee this week, weather permitting. Secret Quonsee, know I am thinking of you and I still hope for the timely arrival of my poor efforts.
posted by Anitanola at 1:58 AM on December 9, 2013

Yay! Secret Quonsmas in my office today :) Thank you headnsouth, a lovely (and massive) treat for me.

I sent my pick off to Canada last week, the Post Office said 7 days, so hopefully it'll be there soon.
posted by SuckPoppet at 2:12 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I get the best Quonsars. I am the worst Quonsar.

catch as catch can sent me beautiful sock wool and and GOAT'S MILK FUDGE and A HAND MADE AMIGURUMI TOOTH WEARING A WEE OXYGEN ISOTOPE and a mix CD and I want to spouse her.

(My quonsee's present is being mailed today.)

So also could we have a 'Quonsar/Quonsee' option somewhere in the relationship options for contacts?
posted by you must supply a verb at 4:49 AM on December 9, 2013 [5 favorites]

I see my quonsee in this thread! They got their package and they like it. So happy :)
posted by Magnakai at 5:24 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Present MAILED. I even sent the tracking number to the quonselves!!!
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:11 AM on December 9, 2013

Infinite thanks to my Top Secret Quonsar for the adorable ceramic hedgehog toothpick holder and note! The hedgie fills me with glee.

My outgoing gifts were mailed to my (Canadian) Quonsee on Saturday, but heartbreakingly, the 'centerpiece' gift -- the thing I was most proud of searching their comment history for, finding, ordering and receiving in time to mail out before the deadline -- was unceremoniously removed from the box by USPS pseudo-customs. I seriously almost cried in front of the post office worker and the five dozen people in line behind me. Best laid plans!

So dear Quonsee, if you see this, I still have one last gift with your name on it. I think I might be able to ship it via UPS Ground rather than USPS, so keep your eyes peeled -- I'll try to get it out this week. Otherwise, if you inexplicably have a freight forwarding address or P.O. Box here in the States, please advise.

Merry Quonsmas to all!
posted by divined by radio at 7:14 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

yay! A Quonsmas gift was received in my household on Saturday, however it's been hectic and I've been traveling and so I didnt see it in the house. I will open when I get home later this week. AND my husband even took off the customs label so the contents will be a surprise (to me)
posted by darsh at 7:24 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Anitanola: the package I sent on the fifth arrived at the UPS Earth City facility (outside St. Louis) on Friday and there it has remained with a bright yellow flag on the tracking site saying adverse weather conditions might delay delivery

****INTERPLANETARY WEATHER BULLETIN****
Astrometeorologists with the United Planetary Systems (UPS) Weather Service warn of powerful solar storms in the inner system extending into next weekcycle. Travel to and from Mercuropolis, Venusia, and Earth City may be affected. Increased cometary activity near the Neptunian colonies mean that only wormhole-based travel will be permitted in the outer system, while the Jovian and Saturnian moons continue to see fine weather for the next few daycycles before heavy dark matter clouds move into their orbits for the upcoming perigee season.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:02 AM on December 9, 2013 [9 favorites]

I put my package into the mailing robot on Friday, and promptly lost the receipt that would allow me to confirm that my Quonsee has received it. It should be arriving in the next day or so.
posted by sparklemotion at 8:23 AM on December 9, 2013

Ooooo... it hiding in my purse, scheduled for delivery today!
posted by sparklemotion at 8:30 AM on December 9, 2013

My quonsee hasn't posted in this thread yet, and the thing I sent is perishable- now I'm worried it's been held up in transit and may arrive stale, though it ought to last a good week or so. If this happens, I will re-send it or something else after Christmas. Argh...
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:04 AM on December 9, 2013

Also, sorry future Quonsees, no one else is getting liquids because fuck, that was expensive to ship.
posted by maryr at 12:32 PM on December 4 [1 favorite +] [!]

maryr, you rock! I am very much looking forward to enjoying the liquids you sent, and while I'm not typically a squee-er, I squeed over the cute little wolf you included. Thank you so much for all your thoughtfulness -- especially since you timed delivery to coincide with my Birthquon (Quonday?). My wolf cubs enjoyed the almonds and candy you included. I saved the pecans for myself! Again, you rock.

To my own Quonsee, many deep apologies for being late in getting the package in the mail. I will see to it that you receive it by the end of the week.
posted by lord_wolf at 9:30 AM on December 9, 2013 [3 favorites]

I, too, lost the tracking receipt of my package. Is that a Quonsmus tradition? Seems to be. Well I hope the package gets to its destination. Should be there at the latest today. PO worker was disgruntled that customers were interrupting her eating of a sandwich and might have sent my package to Guam instead of Eugene, Or.
posted by daninnj at 9:56 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am so sorry to my quonsee, I missed the mailing deadline. Everything was boxed up on Saturday, but I just couldn't get to the post office until this morning. It's on its way!
posted by rouftop at 10:43 AM on December 9, 2013

Dearest Secret Quonsar, I absolutely adore my gift.. everything was perfect, from the cheerful wrapping on the outside, to the charming little acorn inside! I love the tea garden, and I'm looking forward to growing my own tea blends. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift (and were you peeking through my posts to see how much I love gardening? Because if so, double thank you!)!
posted by valoius at 12:40 PM on December 9, 2013

UPS says I have a package from my Secret Quonsar waiting for me at home! Yay! I will give a full report once I get home from work. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 12:44 PM on December 9, 2013

Ohhhhh Secret Quonsar from Colorado, you may be my best one yet!

The package opened up with the cutest little mistletoe felt ornament (which I am SO not hanging here at the office...) but I was immediately distracted by SMARTWOOLS!!! In a color I don't already have, but is super pretty! Oh man, oh man... and then there was a thing of Thymes hand lotion, which is exactly what I need because I live in Drysville, USA... but my Quonsar had clearly read my posting history about smells and stuff. Because this smells nice.

And then there was a little metal bird, perfect for Putting On Something. And a packet of cherry cola-flavored candy gemstones :) And a HUGE candy cane :) :) And the cutest little square box of Dad's special homemade spice mix, which smells great :) :) :)

Oh, man, Secret Quonsar, you win at gifts.
posted by Madamina at 12:55 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh my... there is... an additional ingredient in that cherry cola candy.

Oh my oh my.
posted by Madamina at 1:10 PM on December 9, 2013 [7 favorites]

rouftop: "I am so sorry to my quonsee, I missed the mailing deadline. Everything was boxed up on Saturday, but I just couldn't get to the post office until this morning. It's on its way!"

I am in a similar boat, because Life Happened, but I ordered a little gifty today and it will hopefully arrive post-haste!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 1:15 PM on December 9, 2013

I have been quonsed in a fashion that was secret, wonderful, and way better than what I was idly picturing in my head. Not only did I get a jar of honey from somebody's personal bees, a bar of bees wax\coconut oil lotion, and a nice card that holds the place of honor in our Holiday Card display, but I also got a "Traveler's introduction to to Chinese Characters." The honey is about as local as you can get (which I requested) and the flavor is very different from the honey I usually get from Colorado bee keepers, (I'd love to know what it is I'm tasting). And the book quite perfectly fits my request for something so cool I didn't even know it existed.

So, thank you very very much Secret Quonsar, these are wonderful gifts and will be enjoyed.
posted by Gygesringtone at 1:31 PM on December 9, 2013 [3 favorites]

I missed the mailing deadline too, sadly, but my package went out today. I hope you enjoy it, dear Quonsee! I love secret gifting!
posted by gemmy at 2:21 PM on December 9, 2013

When the UPS guy came to my door today and I realized he was only carrying a package from Aeropostale, I almost slapped the box out of his hand. I think I gotta dial back the Spirit of Quonsar Anticipation a little.
posted by wenestvedt at 2:24 PM on December 9, 2013 [6 favorites]

The UPS Man (aka My Best Friend) just delivered a Quonsar package for me! It's a pound of dark chocolate-covered espresso beans and I had a long weekend and I have already opened the package and they are AWESOME. Thank you, Secret Quonsar!

(Actually my Quonsar may or may not be secret. The card was signed with what may be a real name or a username or both, and I don't want to be all IS THAT YOU, USERNAME/REALNAME? and accidentally put someone's details out there. So whoever you are, thank you. ;))

Also, my Quonsee's gift went out Friday, should be there soon!
posted by rhiannonstone at 2:34 PM on December 9, 2013

Hooray! My super-secret Quonsar gave me two awesome books that are just to my taste. Many thanks from Colorado. :)
posted by mynameisluka at 2:44 PM on December 9, 2013

My SQ package is pointed towards the post office for mailing tomorrow, only a bit late!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:48 PM on December 9, 2013

ooo! Thanks to needlegrrl I received 2 elegant blank journals, some fountain pens (I've never written with one before and am looking to start) and a self-adhesive thingy to attach a pen to a journal! (mrrussell is coveting it, btw). It came with an adorable card featuring very photogenic flying pugs.

Thank you needlegrrl, Pooka and Blink! Merry Quonsmas!
posted by kimberussell at 3:07 PM on December 9, 2013

State of the quonsarswap

The shipping deadline has passed. Everyone should have shipped their package, have a plan to ship their package soon, or be communicating with us so we can be communicating with your quonsee.

-> We ended up with 371 Participants from 16 countries.
-> We know that 67 gifts have arrived (18%)
-> We have status on or notes about 126 other presents. (That's 34% of all swaps)
-> That means we have an idea about 52% of all presents; the other 48% is still a mystery.
-> 2 notes say that tracking info indicates the package was delivered, but we don't have confirmation from the recipient.
-> 1 of the two people in the pair who drew each other rumbled to the match.
-> 0 pictures of illegally-sent marmosets have been posted.
-> Our Notes For Next Year working document is currently 2 pages long. If you have suggestions, please feel free to mail 'em to us!

Historically, the next two weeks are generally peak gift reception time.

Have fun, don't get paper cuts, and avoid the grumpy line at the post office!
posted by julen at 3:48 PM on December 9, 2013 [9 favorites]

Thank you, Secret Quonsar! My package of books included one always-meant-to-read-that title and one I-LOVE-THAT-BOOK title. And I appreciated the notes in all of them! Thanks!
posted by Wyeldfire at 4:08 PM on December 9, 2013

Kimberussell - the self-adhesive thingy came from The Container Store - maybe mrrussell could have one for his stocking? I'm so glad you liked them!

I received a mysterious package in the mail today, and was all "wait, did I order this? no. Did my Uncle send me a gift with no name again? No.

Wait! Secret Quonsar!!"

It's awesome - I can't wait to sit down with it on the couch. I love Kim Harrison books. Thank you!
posted by needlegrrl at 4:08 PM on December 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

I have indeed been Quonsed! I got a package of delicious-smelling soaps and a sugar scrub from Villainess! Indeed, many people I know rave about Villainess products so I am looking forward to trying them! Thank you Kalessin! : )
posted by SisterHavana at 4:25 PM on December 9, 2013

I got Quonsed so hard! Thank you to Toekneesan, who showered me with, among other things, a vacuum tube, a wind-up Dalek, and delicious homemade/homegrown/homebrewed goodies (er, I think maybe his fizzy hops and malt juice also miraculously fermented during the journey). A proper thank-you note will be finding its way across the state to you, but for now, a MeFi thanks! I had some of the bread for supper, and it is as delicious as it is pretty.
posted by coppermoss at 4:34 PM on December 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

Oh, and I can't wait to try the Pierogie Kitchen! It's right around the corner, and I've always meant to go in but never have.
posted by coppermoss at 4:37 PM on December 9, 2013

I signed my enclosed card without thinking.

I came home to a box on my desk. Alongside a gift I received last year, it was the most appropriate gift I could have possibly received. It is pretty evident that I am a Cat Lady, but how could you have possibly known that I frequently ask Pico how she manages to be so sophisticated? You are so sophisticated, aren't you? Opening the card to a wonderful note about a Sophisticated Cat absolutely made my day.

Thanks, Quonsar!
posted by avocet at 4:54 PM on December 9, 2013

Oh yeah and chutney!
posted by avocet at 5:03 PM on December 9, 2013

A tip for avoiding long grumpy post office lines - if you live near a small town with its own post office, go there instead. My town is around 2000 people and there is never a line. The major town ten miles up the road with 30,000 people and 2 post offices always, always has long lines and crowds.
posted by IndigoRain at 5:32 PM on December 9, 2013

I was feeling dismayed as the electrician just asked for a thousand bucks to upgrade our power box, but then I saw a quonsee package arriving!!!

Who could have anticipated a powdery cornucopia from "the Beaver State" (Oregon! Who knew?) all the way to Sydney from But No Cigar. A spice rub and mushroom powder, lovely card, Eugene public library fridge magnet, and a beaverload of Quonsar spirit!

Thanks But No Cigar! I love it!
posted by smoke at 5:46 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

A tip for avoiding long grumpy post office lines

Oh I don't know, our post office has stepped things up smartly for the Christmas rush; shifting up a gear from catatonic to merely glacial!
posted by smoke at 5:49 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Now that I know my quonsee's gift has safely arrived, my nose is pressed eagerly to the frosty pane of my front window awaiting my gift. Hey, it's snowy outside in New Mexico, so there's nothing else to do all day. ^_^
posted by patheral at 5:58 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow oh wow oh wow! I got an awesome box of six -AMAZING- and lovely and fragrant looseleaf teas, all each in their own little glass jars! I couldn't decide which to try first but I have settled on "Ran Watte" because on first peering at it without my glasses on, I thought it read "Ram Wattle" and that sounded so much like something out of Harry Potter. The others all look marvelous as well! And they arrived perfectly intact! Although I feel saddened for my sender having to pay so much shipping--! But I love them and the little jars they are in will see MUCH use!! Thank you, quonsar, for making this the bestest (and first of many, I hope!) Quonsmas EVAR!! :D
posted by The otter lady at 6:34 PM on December 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

Thank you Secret Quonsar!! I received my gift today, and I love it! The wooden puzzle is so pretty, and very entertaining as well. I haven't figured out how to put it back together yet, but I'm happily working on it! Thanks again, and Merry Quonsmas!
posted by to recite so charmingly at 6:48 PM on December 9, 2013

My Quonsar sent a handmade shipping box (a Friskies carton turned inside out and cut to the size of the glfts inside) containing wonderful things such as the eclectic Christmas mix CD (I collect Christmas music) that I can't wait to play. Pride of place on my Christmas tree this year goes to the pair of felt cardinal ornaments (Mr. and Mrs.), and I also collect ornaments, so those are perfect! And finally, a sweet mini music box that plays "Imagine." Thank you, fancyoats! Love it, all of it!
posted by initapplette at 7:20 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

My gifts came today, and oh! They're all lovely AND delicious! I immediately ate some of the chocolate, made an old fashioned with the bitters and teased my G&T-loving husband with the fancy bottle of tonic concentrate. And we are going to watch "Cocktail" -- which somehow NONE OF US HAVE SEEN!!!! -- as soon as possible, almost certainly while drinking.

Thank you so much! And for the lovely note as well! Best possible introduction to the Quonsmas tradition that I could have asked for!
posted by Narrative Priorities at 7:39 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

Aww yeah miracle fruit! I've been wanting to get some of these for literally years but for some reason never got around to it. Thanks, mynameisluka!
posted by sacrifix at 8:32 PM on December 9, 2013 [2 favorites]

Got a little tin of dice magnets in the mail today. Thanks wenestvedt! They will soon join the little Golden Gate Bridge magnet that I got last year. Hmmm, maybe I will start a Quonsmas collection.
posted by Nolechick11 at 8:42 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have been Quonsed! It is a mysterious Quonsing and I know not who my Quonsar is, but ze sent me a lovely package full of snuggly Vermont yarn to make into felted mittens! It is a craft project AND a totally practical gift to see me through the rest of the winter!

Behold!

My toasty warm fingers (and the rest of me) thank you, kind Quonsar!
posted by athenasbanquet at 8:47 PM on December 9, 2013 [4 favorites]

To my beloved Quansee, I am sorry to have been delayed in the shipping of your package. Were I to send it now, it would lack all of the wonderful Japanese snacks I was planning on padding out the box with, for shipping purposes. Fear not, for it will arrive, and your Yule will indeed have been tided.

You like natto, right?
posted by Ghidorah at 9:25 PM on December 9, 2013 [5 favorites]

I have been half-Quonsed (the other half set to arrive by mail tomorrow) with a lovely and very practical palm peeler for fruit and vegetables.
Which has me thinking... Mom, is that you? Quonsing me from the other side? She certainly always scolded me for peeling things too thickly and wasting food.
Anyhow, this item will find good use in my home. Many thanks to my SQ who is clearly channeling my mom!

Also, I slipped on ice this morning. In Los Angeles. WTF.
And then my computer exploded at work. Flash. Bang. Out.

It's been an exciting day.
posted by Hairy Lobster at 10:13 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

The card was signed with what may be a real name or a username or both,

It's both! I'm so glad you like them. My husband is addicted to them and since you indicated a love of coffee and dark chocolate, it seemed to be fate.
posted by SuzySmith at 11:12 PM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]

USPS says my gift was delivered, I hope they like it!
posted by sgrass at 4:04 AM on December 10, 2013

The postman just came and I got Quonsed and I cannot stop squeeing!!

I am so thrilled with everything my beloved Quonsar fraula sent me. I had said in my instructions that I like makeup and F1 racing. And I got so many little gems - an F1 keyring, which was in a little box hidden in a beautiful retro makeup tin. A car sticker and a lovely hand-drawn card which was zipped into a fabulous makeup bag. And a postcard showing the Monaco track in an F1 boutique gift bag. Plus everything was individually wrapped, and accompanied by a chic little French Christmas card. I ♥ everything, thank you so much!!

and now I feel so very, very sorry for my own Quonsee
posted by billiebee at 4:12 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

I do not know HOW some of you people find the willpower to resist opening. I tore through my Quonsmas present as I was walking up the stairs home. kimberussell was so good to me! I got not only a lovely and kind card extolling the wonders of a place I am considering moving, and a set of gorgeous musical earrings but also a NEW BOOK ON MYTHOLOGY THAT I HAD NOT READ. In an awesome voice! I chortled my way all the way through her commentary on the Norse, and started reading it aloud obnoxiously to my family, who suffered through it for five whole minutes before telling me to please go read in some other room, away from them.
posted by corb at 6:28 AM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

1. And it came to pass that on a certain day the Monster was Quonsèd. And the Monster did say, behold, I have been Quonsèd, and the Quonsing that I did receive, it is a far, far better Quonsing than ever I did Quonse upon my Quonsee.

2. And the Monster did cry out unto the living spirit of Quonsar, saying, be it my lot to Quonse again, truly shall I employ those gifts of creativity, of time, and yea, even of wrapping paper bearing the sign and sigil of mint confections both scarlet as blood and white as the driven snow, which it hath been my lot to receive, upon such Quonsee as thou shalt see fit to bestow upon me.

3. And the Monster did then partake of the gourmet espresso chocolate bar, of which it hath had sore need, and it was good. The Monster did play and dance unto the melodious strains of the disc compact and its most joyous minstrelsy, and it was good. The Monster did read several pages of the book of much wit and wisdom, and verily, it was good.

4. The Monster did feel its heart strangely warm’d, even as ‘twere filled with the fire of the living spirit of Quonsar and his BernzOmatic Torch of Kindness, and it did cry out its thanks unto the Secret Stranger of the Internet who had heaped such bounty upon the poor, pointy, undeserving head of so miserable a creature.

5. Thanks be to the generous Quonser. Thanks be to the patient Quonsee.

6. Thanks be unto julen, and to Arcticseal, Megami, and Lampshade.

7. Glory be to Quonsar the Quonsar, Quonsar the Other Quonsar, and Quonsar the Backup Quonsar.

Go in peace; thus endeth the post.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:05 AM on December 10, 2013 [28 favorites]

Nolechick11, those are dice I used twenty-odd years ago and saved ever since. Since you like games, I am hopeful you will appreciate that they have seen a lot of use and many good times.

They should be strong enough to hold onto several sheets at once or a couple of cards.

Now that they have ascended to magnet-hood, use them to hang up notes/pictures/appointment cards on your fridge in numerical order of priority, or ranked according to how much you like them, or arranged under some other scoring system.

I hope you like them; they are well-loaded with good karma!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:08 AM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

corb, you must share the title and author of the mythology book. That sounds fantastic.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:24 AM on December 10, 2013

I take it this is the next part of the Quonsar ritual - the refreshing of the metatalk to see if your Quonsee has recieved their parcel.

*refresh refresh refresh*



*refreshrefreshresfresh*

(Don't worry Quonsee, there's nothing perishable in your parcel.

Or is there..... *side look to camera two*

No, seriously, there isn't.)
posted by halcyonday at 7:37 AM on December 10, 2013 [6 favorites]

My gifts came today, and oh! They're all lovely AND delicious! I immediately ate some of the chocolate, made an old fashioned with the bitters and teased my G&T-loving husband with the fancy bottle of tonic concentrate. And we are going to watch "Cocktail" -- which somehow NONE OF US HAVE SEEN!!!! -- as soon as possible, almost certainly while drinking.

I'm glad you liked the package, I had so much fun putting it together. I can vouch for the tastiness of the John's Tonic as that is all that goes into my G&T's now that we have a SodaStream (regular soda water should work fine though)!
posted by sparklemotion at 7:38 AM on December 10, 2013

That's it, The Underpants Monster has clearly won Quonsmas.
posted by easily confused at 8:18 AM on December 10, 2013 [4 favorites]

IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPHECY:

And the Monster did then partake of the gourmet espresso chocolate bar, of which it hath had sore need, and it was good. The Monster did play and dance unto the melodious strains of the disc compact and its most joyous minstrelsy, and it was good. The Monster did read several pages of the book of much wit and wisdom, and verily, it was good.

WHAT WAS FORETOLD IS NOW FULFILLED.
posted by wenestvedt at 8:44 AM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

I'm so happy! Holy cow! Quonser, you have really done it! Boy, I haven't been given gifts this fitting by people who've known me for years!

I've already eaten bites of the blueberry and espresso chocolates, and the macaroons. The coffee will be a super special treat for tomorrow morning and the bouncy cat will make it's way onto my dashboard once I've swatted the snow from my car.

Thank you so much for such a delightful surprise! And so timely! I only wish I knew who you were so I could write your name in fancy teenage girl bubble letters on the front of a spiral bound notebook.

Yay!!
posted by smirkyfodder at 10:05 AM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

By the way, in case it's helpful to mention: I sent out part 1 of 2 to my quonsee so it'd be in time for the deadline. Part 2 will be out as soon as the roads look a bit better. Sorry I'm a bit late on that second bit!
posted by smirkyfodder at 10:07 AM on December 10, 2013

I'm thrilled you like your stuff, smoke! If only I had the foresight to send you a brand new electrical box. That would have been something freaky, eh? I was so focused on your gift making the journey overseas that I sort of forgot I, too, should have something coming my way from parts unknown. I can't wait to get whatever "it" is!
posted by but no cigar at 10:46 AM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oooh, oooh! My Quonsar's package was delivered yesterday! Now for her to check in and tell me how much she detests loves it.
posted by deezil at 11:22 AM on December 10, 2013

My package went out slightly late (yesterday!) but it is on its way!
posted by pointystick at 11:38 AM on December 10, 2013

My package is finally on its way! It is out late, not because I had to have herniated-disc fixing surgery last week, but because of Over-the-top QuonsmasBean-Plating. If Quonsmas Stage Fright is a thing, I have it. After a lot of "What to get?! How should I pack it?! Why don't I have a box!? Why can't I find the festive tissue paper I bought!? How did I forget half of the present when I went to the post office!!?", I finally mailed it today. My husband, who finally made me mail everything after watching the crazy obsessing, will be thrilled to know that I returned to work just in time to pick a name for Office Secret Santa.

Note to Quonsee: The cookies and pralines are new; they have not been sadly getting stale while I bean-plated. But crap, I was going to throw in some Mardi Gras beads and doubloons and forgot. Sorry! My back has recovered very nicely, but my brain has not.
posted by artychoke at 12:49 PM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

Aaaaaaaaaaahhh!!!

I just got my gift--thank you, MeghanC!!

My gift contained: home-blended (!!) fancy-person tea with a lot of delicious ingredients (you guys are going to just have to trust me here, but I'm pretty sure this is what baby jesus smells like), chocolate covered cheese doodles that are super weird but oh man actually really delicious, treats for my dog, a dinosaur-shaped tea infuser, dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters, and on top a whole bunch of those soft-melt butter mints were thrown in.

Let me tell you how timely this was...

I had a butter mint in my mouth after raiding the bowl at the fedex downstairs. I grabbed my SQ box from the front door of our office and stopped in at the kitchen to grab myself a mug of tea before heading back to my desk. I proceed to open my gift, laugh upon seeing more of the mints I'm already eating, and I see a lovely note from MeghanC. I open the tea first since it felt breakable and I'm clumsy, and my first thought was, oh damn, too bad I just poured myself some tea! And then I realized, wait, this is loose leaf, I'll have to get a tea infuser first. Opened the next gift...it's a tea infuser! Shaped like a dinosaur! Perfect. Perfect perfect. And I have a Girl Scout party on Saturday for which I'm leading a cookie decorating activity, and now instead of plain gingerbread people and stars, my girls are totally getting dinosaurs.

This is brilliant. Thank you so much, MeghanC!!


Mine will be going out tomorrow--one of the things I ordered got held up coming to me, so we got delayed a bit.
posted by phunniemee at 12:53 PM on December 10, 2013 [8 favorites]

There is nothing like being quonsed to brighten up the day! Now I have peppermint dark chocolate and an ample amount of genmai-cha (and a jasmine tea flowering piece!) in which I can indulge during the cold winter. I am also tickled pink by the Benjamin Franklin postcard, which offers up a quote from the face of the $100 bill: "Philadelphia totally kicks ass." The fan print on the other card is lovely as well; they're both going up on my wall. Thank you, ActionPopulated!
posted by ilicet at 12:59 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

smirkyfodder: Outing myself! This was my first Quonsmas so I kept my identity on the DL until I could make sure the gift was appropriate! I'm so happy you liked it, all the edible things are some of my favorite local treats (can't even cop to how many bags of those macaroons I have destroyed) and I had good fun picking them out for you!

I have quonsed and been quonsed and it has been so good, made me so happy I just may surprise quonse some other people! Thanks and cheers to all the Quonsmas elves out there!
posted by pandalicious at 12:59 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Also, somewhat related, I now realize that I have spent more time on Quonsmas than I have on Christmas, which is approaching waaay too quickly for someone whose gift giving list is at 30-plus and growing due to some upcoming weddings...eeek!
posted by pandalicious at 1:05 PM on December 10, 2013 [6 favorites]

I think what makes Quonsmas so nervewracking is we're trying really, really hard, all of us. Nobody is here out of obligation, you all sign up of your free will because you want to gift someone so hard. So it needs to be good!

Christmas, comparatively, is easy.
posted by corb at 1:07 PM on December 10, 2013 [6 favorites]

My Quonsmas gift came all the way from Australia! Thank you very much, Smoke! The tea smells delicious, I am picking out a pattern for the beautiful yarn right now, and I promise to heed your warning of "very hot" on the homemade smoked habanero! Merry Quonsmas to all!

(I have been stuck inside with a cold for a few days, but my gift is ready to be shipped and will go in the mail tonight.)
posted by atropos at 1:09 PM on December 10, 2013

On a cold, snowy day, there's nothing quite so great as being Quonseed in grand style from Hawaii! Thanks to spamandkimchi for the awesome-smelling Hawaiian soap and the delicious-sounding pineapple-pepper jam. Truly excellent gifts that I'm very much looking forward to using! Thanks for the local scent/flavor that isn't macadamia nuts*!! Sorry my instructions were vague and confusing, but this is exactly what I wanted. (Oh, and thanks for braving the post office!)

* Not that there's anything wrong with macadamia nuts, but this is much, much cooler!
posted by JMOZ at 1:49 PM on December 10, 2013

Ok, I just tried the tea. It tastes like baby jesus, too.
posted by phunniemee at 1:56 PM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

OK, I couldn't resist opening the jam, and let me just say- yum! Thanks again.
posted by JMOZ at 2:00 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

MY RECIPIENT, HE IS QUONSED.
posted by scody at 2:28 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Phunnimee, I'm so glad you like it! I'm especially glad about the tea--I'd spent a while wondering if it was too weird to give someone, like, tea I'd made as opposed to normal things that people make, but figured that if was weird, you'd still have the tea rex, so went with it.

And man, those cheese doodles. I just moved to this area about a year ago, and they're apparently a local delicacy. So weird, but also so weirdly compelling. I sort of want to try making my own now. Glad you liked them!
posted by MeghanC at 2:33 PM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

I am the proud owner of a LEGO mug! What a totally awesome and unexpected gift! Thank you, mystery quonsar!
posted by rouftop at 2:55 PM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

Ok, I just tried the tea. It tastes like baby jesus, too.

It's tea-ransubstantiation!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 3:28 PM on December 10, 2013 [6 favorites]

A wormhole has appeared and United Planetary Systems will deliver part 1 of 2 by the end of the day on Friday.
posted by Anitanola at 3:29 PM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

I've been Quonsed! Duffell sent me a great Santa box made of little strips of paper covered in typed words about recycling. It's like a matryoshka doll but Santa. (I collect matryoshka dolls but I did not think to put that in my unhelpful rambling essay I wrote when I signed up. So it's perfect!) Thank you so much Duffell!
posted by artychoke at 4:22 PM on December 10, 2013

I got my gift just yesterday. My quonsar got me a six-pack of an Ohio IPA called Mad Tree Psychopathy. Thanks so much!

Unfortunately, I still need to send mine out. I have the gifts. Tonight or tomorrow at latest. Quonsee: I'd write you a poem or something to make up for this if that wouldn't cause the shipment to be even later. You have my sincere apologies on this one.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 4:43 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Received a very thoughtful gift from my quonsar yesterday; it was a full Pinochle set along with the quonsar's house Pinochle rules and a beautiful card box. Our house is a 500-playing house, and Pinochle will be a fantastic addition to the lineup. Happy quonsmus to everyone!
posted by craven_morhead at 4:52 PM on December 10, 2013

So I ordered a tin of the most delicious gingersnaps for my son who said he'd take them to the office but, after tasting one, decided they were too good to take to the office. So I ordered another for the office and one for the neighbor and they were on sale so I ordered one for me and one for another neighbor and I just about ordered all of the gingersnaps. Happy Quonsmas.
posted by Anitanola at 5:10 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hooray, artychoke! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. It actually occurred to me that you were probably a matryoshka person...
posted by duffell at 5:24 PM on December 10, 2013

Because I ate it the first time. Oh come on I know I'm not the only one who did this.
posted by Munching Langolier at 18:12 on December 10

Eponyquonsical?
posted by arcticseal at 6:08 PM on December 10, 2013 [7 favorites]

It actually occurred to me that you were probably a matryoshka person...

Indeed! I am rounded and have a flower on my stomach.
posted by artychoke at 6:24 PM on December 10, 2013 [7 favorites]

An enormous thank you to my secret Quonsar who bestowed on my address some astonishingly good chocolate babka along with black & white cookies!
posted by mitten of doom at 6:42 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am ashamed to admit that I did not know the difference between a marmot and a marmoset. It turns out that a marmoset looks nothing like a ferret and to the best of my knowledge has never been placed in Jeff Lebowski's bathtub.
posted by Dr. Zira at 6:58 PM on December 10, 2013 [3 favorites]

My gift seems to have been stuck in a USPS sorting facility in St. Paul for two days. It's close, quonsee!
posted by maurice at 7:03 PM on December 10, 2013

I got Brooklyn-style Quonsed big time! Thanks to rmless, I am going to be able to taste the famous Mast Bros. chocolate, wear some gorgeous handmade earrings, and keep them safe in a bright cloth travel pouch. Thanks so much! You covered all possible bases! And the MeFi/MeCha themed card was the bomb.

My own Quonsing is slightly delayed as I am still waiting for my Etsy order to come in, which then I must augment with a few items and turn around in the mail. It may be a few days - sorry, quonsee!
posted by Miko at 7:05 PM on December 10, 2013

Got a bunch of awesome San Francisco-related stuff (yum yum TCHO)! Thanks, blnkfrnk!
posted by Maecenas at 7:08 PM on December 10, 2013

I have been Quonsed! Thanks to samhyland for the awesome "Q&A a day" five-year writing prompt journal. It's the sort of thing I would look at longingly in the bookstore. I hope I get a novel or play out of it, or at least some blog posts.

To my relief, though I am slightly late, I did send out my gift today before I received my own, so I feel slightly less guilty. I sent it express, so don't worry, quonsee, it should arrive by tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. My only excuse was that I was waiting to go to a specific art show to pick it up.
posted by ilana at 7:49 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

My tracking number says my Quonsar package was delivered on 12/5, as it should have been. It's not perishable. I hope it made it there in one piece!

I keep checking the mailbox now. Is it Quonsar yet?
posted by PussKillian at 8:56 AM on December 11, 2013

I found the shipping receipt, and it says my Quonsee's package was delivered on Dec 3rd. I hope it arrived in one piece! (Well, 3 pieces, really, but I'll take unbroken for the win.)
posted by Liesl at 9:27 AM on December 11, 2013

I’ve been well and truly Quonsed! Thanks so much, lovely rmd1023, for all the marvellous Massachusetts goodies, which have fetched up in London safe and sound. I asked for local specialities, and that’s what I got, turned up to eleven: pumpkin butter, which is new to me, and I’m dying to try; a couple of packets of Taza chocolate (I’ve made a start on the ‘Fire Puncher’ one already – delicious); and some Necco chocolate wafers, which are, again, new to me – I’ll try them when the sugar rush from the Taza chocolate’s subsided! I had a moment of dismay when I read the customs declaration, which listed ‘fluff’ among the contents – but tout comprendre, c’est tout pardonner. Marshmallow in a jar: I wouldn't have believed it possible if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. There’ll be fluffernutters for breakfast in Islington tomorrow! Again, thank you so much for such generous gifts. Three cheers for Quonsmas!
posted by HandfulOfDust at 9:36 AM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

You guys, waiting is haaaaaaaard.
posted by mochapickle at 9:55 AM on December 11, 2013 [7 favorites]

I just found my boxed quons gift on the doorstep. I was excited, SO was excited. She got even more excited that secret Q wrapped my present in proper gift wrapping as this proved her point about the necessity of same. We were both very pleased with the lovely paua shells inside, SO as they will go with her shells on our new window ledge, me as they can go on my interesting items shelf at work. You can see my problem...but it does mean we both like them! Thank you mysterious kiwi!
posted by biffa at 10:30 AM on December 11, 2013

HandfulOfDust, do not save the Necco wafers for last, as you will be disappointed unless you are a devout Catholic. They are as tasty and satisfying to have in your mouth as Communion wafers, only chalkier. I'm sure your Quonsor included them as a sentimental rather than sensory gift, as they're an old-school classic candy.
posted by headnsouth at 10:51 AM on December 11, 2013 [3 favorites]

I would like to agree with the above statement about Necco wafers. I think there was someone in my family who liked them and we looked at that person askance. Buy yes they are definitely local to Mass!
posted by sciencegeek at 10:59 AM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

Handfulofdust: Glad you're enjoying it! Taza's stuff is made to be ground up and turned into Mexican-style drinking chocolate, but it's also tasty just nibbling it straight. And not only do we put marshmallow in a jar around these parts, we have a whole annual festival to celebrate it.
posted by rmd1023 at 11:01 AM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hooray, a successful first quonsmas! A very generous basket of preserves, courtesy of the lovely jaduncan, arrived on our doorstep today. It is a perfect gift, for Magnakai and I love our condiments.
posted by dumdidumdum at 11:08 AM on December 11, 2013

Thank you, Secret Quonsar for the vanilla citrus bubble bath, and Sugru! Now I can fix the handle on the Yale coffee mug I got last Quonsmas!

It was like you knew... QUONSMAS MAGIC!

My Quonsee should receive her gift by Friday. Happy Quonsmas everyone!
posted by in the methow at 11:21 AM on December 11, 2013

Necco Wafers may be made in Massachusetts, but my family's been eating them all my life in New York, and in Pennsylvania before that. What else would you use for the roof shingles of a gingerbread house?

I had a moment of dismay when I read the customs declaration, which listed ‘fluff’ among the contents

I sent a box of American foods to a mate in Australia once, and customs confiscated the marshmallow fluff. Something about egg whites, blah, blah, blah. I just KNOW those smuggo customs agents were sitting around in the back room gorging themselves on sweet, sweet Fluffernutters and having a good laugh. My friend was quite impressed with Kool-Aid and real maple syrup, though.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 11:43 AM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Looks like part 2 of my Quonsee's gift is out for delivery today. However, part 1 shows no movement after being accepted at the post office on Saturday. (apparently UPS has the post office deliver once it gets to the person's hometown) I hope it isn't lost!
posted by SisterHavana at 11:50 AM on December 11, 2013

Woohoo! Gots me the Quonsmas LURV. Thank you to my secret Quonsor whose lovely gifts of Peach Blossom White, Jubilee, 5th of November and Naughty Vicar teas from The London Tea Room of St. Louis will be enjoyed greatly.
posted by jadepearl at 11:52 AM on December 11, 2013

What else [besides Necco wafers] would you use for the roof shingles of a gingerbread house?

Or, in a pinch, a real house? *shudder of revulsion*
posted by wenestvedt at 12:05 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

IndigoRain! Thank you!

I have a funny story. The mailwoman locked your package up in our little communal package-box at my apartment complex and left the key in my mailbox... and somehow, the lock on said package-box got busted (we had a freeze here, which is uncommon in North Carolina) - so, it took nearly a week to get it opened up again! I'm glad nothing in there was perishable!

Thank you so much for your lovely gifts. The gummies and chocolates from your local candy shop are such a great pick-me-up, and I'll be using the pretty stationary items and that cute pen for a long time to come. And the shirt is really adorable and I'm looking forward to people asking me "where's that?" when I wear it, and I can say, "I've never been there; it's from someone on the Internet!"

My gift went out yesterday (I should be ashamed. I blame my job. I sent it Priority and threw in an extra treat to make up for my lateness) and I hope my quonse likes it.
posted by k8lin at 12:21 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

That's it, The Underpants Monster has clearly won Quonsmas.

Like the Night Before Christmas, TUM's verse should be read out solemnly before the opening of the Quonsmas package. Ideally, a choir should be on hand to sing as the tape is cut, and if you can arrange for the glow from the case in Pulp Fiction as well, that would be optimal.
posted by arcticseal at 12:23 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

Waiting is vewwy, vewwy hard!
posted by Altomentis at 12:29 PM on December 11, 2013 [3 favorites]

Alternate roofing material for gingerbread houses:
-> licorice strings/twizzlers/red vines
-> non-pareils
-> Chocolate sprinkles on white frosting or dried coconut sprinkled on chocolate frosting
-> Pretzel Sticks
-> Cereals of all ilks (Chex, shredded wheat, cracklin' oat-bran)
-> Gum Drops (I like to flatten 'em real good)
-> graham cracker squares or rectangles (scale only works on really big gingerbread houses)

Also, if you'd like us to follow up with your quonsee to make sure they got the gift, please drop us an email.

Also, check your email provided when signing up to see if we've sent you a "Did it get there? Did it get there? Did it get there?" email or an "Hey, it's coming. Stake out your mailbox on this date!" email." We've sent a few of those out with no response.
posted by julen at 12:29 PM on December 11, 2013 [5 favorites]

I am ashamed to admit that I did not know the difference between a marmot and a marmoset.

I typed out the whole long tale about why my orange bic lighter has marmot teeth marks in it before I caught the difference.
posted by Gygesringtone at 12:41 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

I am happy to say all my Quonsar dreams have come true and then some! Thank you so much for your generous gift package, arcticseal! I love everything you sent- the cat toy (so fuzzy and cat nippy- the felines are crazy for it), the amazingly tasty, fragrant tea (Tazo Earl Grey in a reusable tin), the sweet Canadian treats (Coffee Crispy bar and Smarties- not the chalky US kind, but the “real” ones!), adorable Canadian Mountie Nutcracker doll and the soon to be consumed in a glassy-eyed frenzy-maple butter. Along with the pretty woodcut card, it’s a wonderful collection of the niftiest stuff! This is my first Quonsmas and you made it really special. A million thanks!
posted by but no cigar at 12:53 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

My package is mailed.

My friend was quite impressed with Kool-Aid and real maple syrup, though.

The last time I went to Australia I brought real maple syrup with me. The customs guy made me TASTE it in front of him which I thought was just the weirdest damned thing. My Australian hosts were amused "What do you DO with this stuff!?"
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:56 PM on December 11, 2013 [4 favorites]

The question is more, what can't you do with the stuff?
posted by arcticseal at 1:12 PM on December 11, 2013 [5 favorites]

Just back from the post office, dear Quonsee. No super-special packaging or handmade card, I'm afraid. Things got incredibly busy since Thanksgiving, so I wasn't able to devote enough time to the wrapping and sending. But the goodies are finally on their way to you!
posted by MsVader at 1:26 PM on December 11, 2013

Paua to the People!

Hi Biffa, outing myself here - I can't take any credit for the gift wrapping, that was a kind gesture by the people at Paua World, and I must pop in and give them a hug next time I'm passing through their town. (Commerce, Kiwi-style).

I got a bit swamped with chickenpoxy children, so I never sent that explanatory note. Paua because, when I think of your location, I think of the sea, so wanted to send something from our seas to yours. If my pre-quonsmas stalking had any accuracy, I think you enjoy the occasional cigar? Around here we use these magnificent natural works of art as ashtrays. Which is shocking even me, as I type it.

I'm so pleased they got to you safely, Merry Quonsmas to you and your S.O.
posted by Catch at 1:27 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

I just received my little box of delights from my amazing quonsperson. Treats and trinkets galore of exactly the kind I love, and the handmade ones are my favourite!
posted by greenish at 2:11 PM on December 11, 2013

Just got a USPS missed package note from a mysterious sender named 'rooftop.' Is that you dear quonsar? I will brave the inconvenient trek to the post office tomorrow to find out. (Seriously USPS--there's a post office three blocks from my house, but you've left my package at the one a mile and a half away. What gives?)
posted by ActionPopulated at 3:09 PM on December 11, 2013

I told my quonsar that I have a box of various interesting bits and bobs to stim with, and Maxwelton sent me an AWESOME box of little things -- from a fiddle-toy made of a bike chain/keyring (I haven't stopped playing with it since it arrived) to a headlight bracket from an old tractor, to a very-pleasantly ergonomic craft knife (which also sent money to autism research that isn't autism speaks, hooray!).

Each item (seriously, there had to have been at least a dozen) was individually wrapped up in its own little bundle, and it made me (makes me!) so happy to imagine the selection process -- finding each little thing and sending it off.

That random but sincere connection between strangers is what makes Quonsmas so very very special.
posted by The demon that lives in the air at 3:37 PM on December 11, 2013 [6 favorites]

Thanks, quonsar, for a copy of The Baader Meinhof Complex! It is definitely German enough.
posted by jedicus at 4:42 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

I just got a can of agave pickles (delicious!) and a gorgeous tea towel from katinka-katinka! So rad!

Also, quonsee, let me know when you get your thing because international shipping is scaaary.
posted by griphus at 4:56 PM on December 11, 2013

I'm so pleased the demon that lives in the air is happy with their gift, but I would be completely remiss to not mention that my partner (who is also a Quonsmas participant) has a remarkable, er, gift for this type of thing...in other words, I had a coach to help screen things and provide ideas:

Me: "Used motor oil? It's mixed with sawdust--you could burn it!"

Coach: [Shakes head]

Me: "Some of those napkins the deli insists on including with every order? We must have a six-inch stack of them!"

Coach: [Shakes head emphatically]

Me: "I know! I have that huuuuge box of old Apple II cables. That would be really great to get, wouldn't it?"

Coach: [Adds eye rolling and starts looking for a pin to stick me with]

Me: [wailing] "What else is there?"
posted by maxwelton at 5:18 PM on December 11, 2013 [9 favorites]

Got mine today... Quonsmas is so damned awesome. Dinosaur footprints are way better than anything I'll get from my step mother.
posted by DigDoug at 5:29 PM on December 11, 2013 [4 favorites]

Oh man the selection process was even better than I imagined

I must have been very good this year to deserve such a Quonsmas delight
posted by The demon that lives in the air at 5:58 PM on December 11, 2013

I just got home from a last-minute run to the supermarket (apparently one cannot cook chicken thighs for supper if one has no chicken thighs?) and when I got home, I'd been quonsed!

Corb, thank you so much! I got some delicious-looking tea, some chocolate that I have already verified as delicious, yarn used as "packing material", and the fanciest card and gift presentation that I've ever gotten. Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by MeghanC at 6:13 PM on December 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

Quince-identally, I recently received my homemade quince jam. Thanks, molybdenum! I think my favorite experiment with it so far has been enjoying it on french vanilla ice cream.
posted by Toekneesan at 6:48 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

My Quonsee shall, depending on the vagaries of trans-Pacific mails, feel the full power of a fully operational Quonsar Package. Apologies for the lateness, and randomness, but I hope you like it.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:19 PM on December 11, 2013

I GOT A TARDIS! Specificaly, a TARDIS lunchbox with old school Doctor Who logo on the side. Thank you, antonymous! I shall vworp vworp as I carry things around in it!
posted by ocherdraco at 7:30 PM on December 11, 2013 [3 favorites]

vworp vworp going to the kitchen vworp vworp bringing back a snack vworp vworp vworp now we're in ancient rome! vworp vworp
posted by ocherdraco at 7:32 PM on December 11, 2013 [10 favorites]

So it was a hell of a hectic day; I'm way behind on this project, and I'm travelling to an important meeting so there's all of this to do and I was at work until midnight yesterday. Super stressful time. I go to the post office and send off my present to my quonsee (my humblest apologies for the lateness).

I get home, and what is sitting on my doorstep but a UPS envelope containing my Quonsar gifts! From the super-amazing HandfulOfDust! I said that I was a city and transit buff and liked cooking (amongst other things), and in my present is a giant pile of London Underground swag! An interesting looking book - just the right size for the airplane tomorrow - and some curlywurlys (which I love) and an Underground keychain, and a Tube map apron! How cool is that? It is cooler than you can even imagine, and I pity all of you for not possessing it yourself. I may have done an actual dance in my kitchen, going "tee hee hee". (I assure you, reader, I am not the sort of person given to spontaneous dance; I am a reserved fellow.)

What HandfulOfDust could not possibly know about is that my girlfriend is not only a fellow transit buff (we met at a transit activism meeting) but she is also OBSESSED with London; lived there a year, talks about it every day. So I just gushed about this gift to her, sent a photo of me in the apron, and ended our most recent text exchange with the following:

Me: Are you jealous? I may tell the Internet you are jealous.
Girlfriend: Of course I am!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:01 PM on December 11, 2013 [7 favorites]

I've been Quonsed!

Anonymously!

(By someone in Sunnyvale, CA! Whose real life name I know, but whose metafilter username remains mysterious!)

Delicious set of obscure international coffees (Peru! Vietnam! Also Kenya which I have had, but love, so also yay!) and a mug from YouTube shaped like a video camera!

Thanks, Quonsar!

(Did someone from the coffee place near work call you and tell you how much I've been spending on mediocre chain coffee lately? Yeah, I thought it was a lot, too.)
posted by Sara C. at 9:38 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

I posted mine on December 5! Sings to self... A qonselling we goooooo, hey ho the nonny ho, a qonselling we gooooooo!
posted by t0astie at 9:56 PM on December 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you, SQ for the lovely bowl and pencils!

I am a bad, bad SQ as I have not sent out my gift yet. I am waiting on one last item to arrive. I promise it will be worth the wait!! (Also, I will send it express across the water to make up for sending it late.)
posted by PorcineWithMe at 3:36 AM on December 12, 2013

I got quonsed. My hint in the swap info included the phrase "go nuts" with the added info that I would love if they made it themselves and please not to send anything of red color. And I got... something red manufactured in China.

Thanks for making me chuckle, anonymous mefite.
posted by travelwithcats at 3:45 AM on December 12, 2013 [2 favorites]

And to my quonsee, whose handle I've seen in this very thread: your present is on its way! Sorry for the delay! Hope it arrives soon!
posted by travelwithcats at 3:46 AM on December 12, 2013

Dear SQ - you outdid yourself. The hat and scarf you made are BEAUTIFUL and I will be showing them off everywhere I go today. That you went so far as to make allergen-free (!!) lemon-vanilla marmalade seriously made me misty. I mean seriously. Thank you.
posted by faineant at 5:48 AM on December 12, 2013 [4 favorites]

I am amused (read: not amused) that the box I shipped Priority 2 Day on 12/9 will arrive... 12/13. Thanks USPS! And Quonsee, WATCH YOUR MAILBOX TOMORROW.
posted by bibliogrrl at 6:47 AM on December 12, 2013

This is now the second morning in a row that I've walked out of my house and left my all-packed-and-ready-to-ship Quosnmas package sitting in a tote bag by my front door. Auuhghhhhghghghhaghhh.

Though I literally almost walked out the door to my Girl Scout meeting last night without any pants on and it was only because I stepped out into the hall and realized how cold I was that I thought to look down and do a pants check. So leaving the package by the door twice now really shouldn't surprise me.
posted by phunniemee at 7:12 AM on December 12, 2013 [4 favorites]

Just so Secret Quonsar and his little Quonsar Elves (Quelves?) can add it to their database, I shipped my gift via USPS on Friday December 6. It should be winging its way across the nation as we speak.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:13 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

I posted mine on Tuesday, which was three days late, but which I think is the earliest I've ever sent out an SQ gift. In three years I'll be able to meet the mailing deadline, huzzah!

Also: I'm moving over Christmas and I didn't quite know where to when I signed up for SQ, so I listed my parents' address. I won't be there until the 24th, so I guess one way or another I'll have to actually wait till Christmas to open my present this year, boo.

(My life is hard.)
posted by Phire at 7:16 AM on December 12, 2013 [3 favorites]

Yaaaaay! Thank you, SQ! I collected my parcel today and the teas look and smell delicious! I am about to go make a cuppa to drink while making spice biscuits (although, arrgh, which one to try first? Decisions must be made!)

Ps. Good luck in your finals! Term is almost over so at least you have that comfort!
posted by halcyonday at 8:15 AM on December 12, 2013

A public thanks to in the mellow for a copy of the Hyperbole and a Half book and some lovely flaving...er...wool roving.

The demon that lives in the air made up silly names for the fiber products I use in my crafts and so in our house we call roving and yarn flaving and plern.
posted by Tesseractive at 8:40 AM on December 12, 2013 [3 favorites]

I was lucky enough to get two packages from my Secret Quonsar--the first one arrived a few days ago, and the second one arrived last night. I waited to open them both together, and I'm fawning over the beautiful blue, green, and purple glittens and SO FREAKING ADORABLE London telephone tea tin (and yummy-smelling tea). Thank you so much, SisterHavana!
posted by timetoevolve at 10:13 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Went to pick up my package today, and the post office clerk was deeply skeptical when I said I didn't know how big the box would be. Really, other people don't get surprise packages from strangers on the internet all the time?

But I got some lovely yarn that probably needs to become a big thick scarf for biking around in the cold here! A book of knitting patterns! Some heavenly smelling spices that are now getting stashed away so I can take the first crack at using them before my housemates! (And thanks to the person at the spice market who gave you the tip about besar in oatmeal cookies--I'll have to give that a shot.) A postcard from Pike Place Market!

Thank you rouftop, it's been a very good quonsmas.
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:32 AM on December 12, 2013

Yay! Glad it made it, ActionPopulated! I went a little crazy at the spice store... :-)
posted by rouftop at 11:10 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

A delicious bottle of gin arrived for me today. Thank you Secret Quonsar!
posted by Ballad of Peckham Rye at 11:56 AM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yay! Glad they both arrived safely and that you like them, timetoevolve. : ) (The glittens package was the one I worried had been lost in the mail!)
posted by SisterHavana at 12:22 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

I got quonsed! And my quonsee already got quonsed so the circle this year is complete, at least as far as I am concerned.

My gift is AWESOME, how did my Secret Quonsar know that I had recently visited Texas for the first time, and was pining for its food? I got honey and condiments, and a handwritten card, to boot! I love my present, Secretest of Secret Quonsar, thank you so very much!!
posted by msali at 12:27 PM on December 12, 2013

Outing myself as the maker and gifter of faineant's jam and scarf set. So glad you like them, and even gladder the hat fits! I was so nervous about that, and sending the jam against your direct instruction of no food!
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:28 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

I think I've been quonsed again? I got a lovely trade paperback that had been on my amazon wishlist last night, but no note or anything - it was sent directly from Amazon. So thank you!
posted by needlegrrl at 12:31 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

According to the USPS, my quonsee's gift arrived on Dec 9th. I hope it wasn't a terrible choice.
posted by Altomentis at 2:21 PM on December 12, 2013

I got a favorite from the person who was supposed to get the gift I sent, around when I expected the gift to show up. So I am assuming they got their gift.

I probably would have sent somethings homemade, but the thing that I got seemed perfect for the person I got it for.
posted by aniola at 3:04 PM on December 12, 2013

My beautiful gift has arrived from Quebec, courtesy of Cuke. Yay comic books! Yay handmade mugs!
posted by janepanic at 3:42 PM on December 12, 2013

Today I received my gift -- a gorgeous purse. It came from coastal Massachusetts (swoon!). Newburyport, to be exact. (Is there a T.H. in the house?) Thank you, Bay Stater! I wish I was there!
posted by jgirl at 4:03 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Though I literally almost walked out the door to my Girl Scout meeting last night without any pants on and it was only because I stepped out into the hall and realized how cold I was that I thought to look down and do a pants check. So leaving the package by the door twice now really shouldn't surprise me.

You better watch out,
Don't leave it to chance.
You gonna go out;
You gotta wear pants.
Secret Quonsar's comin' to town.

He's takin' a glance -
He's gonna find out
Who doesn't wear pants
Around the Girl Scouts.
Secret Quonsar's comin' to town.

He knows just what you're wearin',
And he knows just what you ain't.
He knows that Brownie's starin',
And he knows she's gonna faint.

So, put on your blouse,
But you better beware:
Don't exit the house
If your legs are still bare.
Secret Quonsar's comin' to town!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 4:07 PM on December 12, 2013 [25 favorites]

Happy Quonsmas, all! (I can say that now, since I've been officially quonsed.)

I found a few packages waiting for me when I got home from work tonight. I immediately knew one of them was special when I saw that it had been sealed with mustache tape. And then inside was a collection of awesome treats.

My lord has been most thoughtful and kind. Thank you, lord_wolf, for making this a Happy Quonsmas indeed!
posted by MsVader at 4:37 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Memailed thanks under separate cover, but big thanks to Lesium for the awesome gifts, all the way from Australia!
posted by Bourbonesque at 4:41 PM on December 12, 2013

Came back rather drunk last night from a holiday party to find out that I'd been Quonsed in my absence! Thank you so much, Songdog, for the lovely array of goodies--including a special handmade Quonsmas card with a fish in the pants (now, that's an old-school MeFi reference!), Quonsmas buttons, soap, origami paper, maple candy, chimes, and other wonderful items, all thoughtfully wrapped in washi paper (which I use in my crafting, so it won't go to waste). My cats especially thank you for the very bouncy balls, which have made games of kittenball at our house even more fun than usual. Thanks, Songdog, and a very merry Quonsmas to you!

And thanks to julen and her helpers for making this such a lovely holiday tradition--this is my third time participating, and I have never been disappointed.
posted by carrienation at 5:31 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

So my SQ was all Johnny-on-the-spot, and I got my gift over a week ago!!
As usual, I'm late - although I did have a death in the family last week that intruded on my plans, so not Scrooge-late, just late.

Anyway, thank you so much daninnj for the nifty labels! They are neat, and different - so meet my qualifications to a T.

I love this SQ stuff so much.
Thanks to Julen and the elves for making it happen again this year!
posted by dbmcd at 6:23 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

dbmcd... do you mean someone else? Pretty sure I sent something else to someone else!
posted by daninnj at 7:09 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

IT'S A QUONSMAS MIRACLE! King of all gift-giving is yellowcandy, who Quonsed me with not one but two books that are absolutely perfect for my adoration of all things British-music-related. I seriously am going to have to flip a coin to decide which one to start tonight. Thanks, yellowcandy! And a Merry Quonsmas to all!
posted by scody at 8:35 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hi! We still have a few outstanding emails we need to respond to, but I thought it'd be a good time for another:

State of the quonsarswap

We have information about 251 Gifts (67% of all gifts):
    -> 135 Gifts have definitely arrived (36%)
    -> 11 Gifts have probably arrived (Tracking says yes, but we lack confirmation) (3%)
    -> 2 Gifts are beginning to be surrounded by mystery (under 1%)
    -> 103 Gifts have some status (28%)
            Many of these indicate that gifts have almost certainly arrived by now or are in transit.
            We just don't have a public or email indication from the recipient.

Other random numbers:
    -> 3 people have had their packages cherry picked/edited by their postal services.
    -> 2 times: The number of times arctic seal and I have responded to the same email at the same time.
    -> 2 people are saving their gifts for Christmas.
    -> 3 people tried to hold out for Christmas, but have succumbed to the lure of the package.
    -> 0 pictures of illegally-sent marmosets have been posted.
    -> Top Gifting Category: A whole lot* of folks have gotten gifts that fall into the category of tasty beverage and beverage-related items.

*A whole lot is a highly technical calculation
posted by julen at 8:37 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

3 people have had their packages cherry picked/edited by their postal services.

Man, that sucks!
posted by heyho at 8:58 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hullo mystery quonsee! UPS says your package is derping around IL, which is not at all where you are! It is currently slated to be delivered on 12/16.
posted by jeoc at 8:59 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Griphus -- glad you liked them!

[Note to self: improve handwriting/sign notes legibly :) ]
posted by NikitaNikita at 9:05 PM on December 12, 2013

Thank you, Rock Steady! I had been remiss in checking my mail during office hours. Thank you for not sending anything perishable.

The yummy spice rub and barbecue sauce is an excellent excuse for ribs in winter, and further, an excuse to try out a butcher I've been meaning to visit, for said ribs. Your Sailor Mercury decals are much appreciated - the smaller one fits, and I'm not sure what I'll do with the bigger one but it'll end up somewhere like a protective sigil on something, maybe my new desktop box that'll arrive soon.

But I'll be honest with you. My favorite part of the whole gift was the Mefi-themed wrapping! I loved the little oval nametag. MizuFilter! My head is officially swelled. Who'd think that blue paper and a yellow ribbon would be so very festive?
posted by Mizu at 9:30 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Just got a USPS missed package note from a mysterious sender named 'rooftop.' Is that you dear Quonsar?

Are... Are you sure they didn't just leave your package on the rooftop?

K8lin, I'm so glad you liked everything!
posted by IndigoRain at 11:27 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

A belated thankyou for the very timely gift from Athanassiel...the tea made the whole package smell delicious, and since I'm planning a trip to Japan in the imminent future, the fascinating stationery has got me super excited!
posted by Cheese Monster at 11:59 PM on December 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

@danninj, okay, so now I have a mystery Qounsar...I have also now revealed myself as your Quonsee. Gift en route today.
posted by dbmcd at 5:56 AM on December 13, 2013 [2 favorites]

Mizu: Thank you, Rock Steady!

I'm very glad you liked it, though I don't think one should ever need an excuse for ribs. I had a fun time putting it all together.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:21 AM on December 13, 2013

[Note to self: improve handwriting/sign notes legibly :) ]

Oh man, my apologies! I put the card on my fridge and thought I remembered the name by the time I sat down to write you a thank-you memail/post in here, but nope!

The entire text of the confusing memail someone received the other day meant for you:
"Holy shit thank you! I love love love pickles and this tea towel is gorgeous!"
posted by griphus at 6:26 AM on December 13, 2013 [3 favorites]

I just received my quonsar gift, go raibh míle maith agat, a recklessbrother! Quonsmas shona duit!

I got a lovely album by one of the shining lights of modern Irish musical composition, Donnacha Dennehy.
posted by LN at 6:47 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Picked up my quonsar present last night - thanks ian1977! I can't wait to try the tea and am currently debating what my little pen and notebook will be dedicated to :D
posted by brilliantine at 7:07 AM on December 13, 2013

I received my gift yesterday - YAY! Locally-made soaps (which smell wonderful) and a DOLPHIN SCARF! Thank you so much, lovely PlantGoddess!
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 9:30 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Catch, that is cool, I do like the joint sea theme, I tend to send Q presents linked to Cornwall somehow and enjoy getting gifts with a sense of place. You have done well to spot I like the occasional cigar, I can't remember mentioning it too often. It didn't occur to me to use them for ashtrays as they are very pretty, I will force myself to use one for this purpose. I am fairly ceremonial in my approach to occasional smokes so there is a good chance I will commit to wiping it out rather than letting it moulder. Many thanks.
posted by biffa at 10:10 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hey my gift arrived and it's some crazy piece of bespoke art. My own gift that I gave seems so plain in comparison. I'll see if I can post a photo once it's fully unpacked and set up. But WOW! Someone really dug in here. Very impressive.
posted by GuyZero at 10:43 AM on December 13, 2013

Aaah! I didn't see this thread!! I think it fell off the MetaTalk page before I saw it. Anyway, is this where we also check in when we have sent our stuff? I mailed my gift to my Quonsee on the 6th and crossing my fingers really hard it gets there.
posted by kkokkodalk at 10:49 AM on December 13, 2013

THE GIFT IS IN THE MAIL. I REPEAT, THE GIFT IS IN THE MAIL.

This time I hung the totebag on the doorknob so I couldn't possibly miss it. I stepped out into the hall, put down the bag so I could sit and put on my shoes, then walked out the door without the bag. But this time I was only about 50 feet away from the house when I realized I didn't have it (as opposed to "on the train" or "while walking into my office" as previously) so I was able to turn around and get it.

Progress!
posted by phunniemee at 11:18 AM on December 13, 2013 [6 favorites]

My quonsee has been quonsed according to the tracking info from USPS!

(I'm really nervous, why am I so nervous? I hope they don't hate it!)
posted by firei at 11:18 AM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I was thinking that the sender should be called the quonsee, and the receiver should be called the quonsiciary - what do you think?
posted by Altomentis at 12:23 PM on December 13, 2013

Quonsor
Quonsecutor
Santa Quons
Quonsaneer
Quonsalyst
Quonsonator
Quonsonatrix (for the ladieeez)
posted by phunniemee at 12:28 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Traditionally, I have called the person sends the present the Quonsar and the person who receives the present the Quonsee. But often when I want to be absolutely clear, I use the words sender and recipient.
posted by julen at 12:34 PM on December 13, 2013 [2 favorites]

Of course the Quonser [on preview, Quonsar?] Quonses the Quonsee so that they are properly Quonsed. The Quonsalyst holds up a placard with a score to judge the performance, and if it is found wanting, they send out the Quonsonatrix...

(USPS says "Out for Delivery". Whee.)
posted by RedOrGreen at 12:35 PM on December 13, 2013 [5 favorites]

Also, I usually don't (intend to) capitalize the Q in quonsar and quonsee. I don't know why I did it there. I would like to blame the academy, my mother, or whatever political figure you hate most.
posted by julen at 12:42 PM on December 13, 2013

The receiver is the Quonsbabby.

Duh.
posted by Sara C. at 12:46 PM on December 13, 2013

Quonsonatrix - isn't that something with high heels and a whole lot of leather?

I wasn't sure whether the the party carrying out the Quonsing was the Quonsar or the Quonser.

I had formed the impression that "Quonsar" was the name in which the Quonsing was done by the Quonser unto the Quonsee. But this is my first Quonsmas, so I doubt I have a very solid understanding of such matters. I don't even have a fish down my pants or anything.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:03 PM on December 13, 2013

I was quonsed yesterday! I got the most beautiful shawl that I will never stop wearing and a really fun hat and an ornament from Afghanistan. Thank you so much! I love everything.

On my end, I finally sent my quonsee's gift out today!
posted by Marinara at 1:15 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I see my package has been delivered. Relieved, but I almost wish that it didn't so I could redo and resend. *bites nails*
posted by peripathetic at 1:37 PM on December 13, 2013

I am now Quonsplete as part 2 has arrived. Actually it arrived on Tuesday but I wasn't home until now. It's a lovely book about spices and it has now taken its rightful place between the book about salt and the book with ancient Roman recipes. Well, actually it hasn't taken that place yet because I'm busy reading it but once I've read it that's where it will live.

Anyhow, long story short: I love this book because I love food and cooking and history. It's the perfect gift. Thank you so much SQ!!!!
posted by Hairy Lobster at 1:53 PM on December 13, 2013

the Quonsar or the Quonser

Quonser, said the Quonsar,
Gifting, and shipping
and aniticipation
had begun
posted by Ghidorah at 3:29 PM on December 13, 2013 [2 favorites]

Thanks, mochapickle!!! Your gift was super thoughtful and so nicely packaged. I especially look forward to using my new CO cinnamon in my upcoming baking projects, hopefully while sipping some mulled cider. :)
posted by mlle valentine at 3:32 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I got my Quonsmas present! Huzzah!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 3:56 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Quonsmas Activity Investigation

Quonsar:     Munching Langolier (sender)

Quonsee:     maxwelton (recipient)

Background:  maxwelton requested something along 
             the lines of "send me what you 
             love--local is awesome". 

Items:       Four (4) fancy chocolate bars all made in 
             San Francisco, the apparent domicile of 
             Quonsar. Also included was a walking map 
             of SF with the origin of each bar circled 
             on the map and a charming note which 
             cannot be interpreted in any way 
             other than wishing a happy Quonsmas.

Incident 1:  As noted here, the items missed their sending 
             date due to a gastronomically-induced "mishap" 
             on the part of Quonsar.

Resolution:  Completely understandable and absolutely no
             ill-will expressed on part of Quonsee, who 
             "would miss the same deadline several times
             given the treacherous nature of the items."
             No official complaint filed.

Incident 2:  "Customs inspection" on the part of maxwelton's
             partner, still anxiously awaiting the arrival 
             of her own Quonsmas Miracle, resulted in the 
             seizure of a significant portion of the items 
             to "make sure they're not poisonous" and 
             "unpaid duty fees". When asked when they would
             be returned, there was only the sound of
             muffled laughter--"like the person laughing had
             their mouth full".

Resolution:  Still awaiting official word on status of
             seized goods. Past experience suggests that
             chances are the evidence will be "lost".
             Quonsee accepts that taxes are inevitable
             and is happy with the union they enable.
             No official complaint filed.

Investigator's Conclusion
A very merry Quonsmas is being enjoyed in the maxwelton 
household, with Munching Langolier's name joining
the ranks of Most Favorite Mefites.

Addendum: Quonsee's Statement
"Hooray! I love love love chocolate and find the map 
really charming. Thanks so much, this is wonderful!"

posted by maxwelton at 4:27 PM on December 13, 2013 [13 favorites]

(mlle valentine, you are so welcome and I'm so glad everything arrived! It was fun picking things out for you! Merry quonsmas!)
posted by mochapickle at 4:33 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have been touched by a Quonsar! My Quonsmas bounty includes festive holiday headgear and writing instruments; a slinky, my favorite lip balm (because apparently my Quonsar has magical powers to divine such things); an Arsenal FC bar scarf (top of the league, yo!); and chocolate cookies filled with salted caramel that are unbelievably delicious!
Thank you Secret Quonsar, you have made my day amazingly awesome!
posted by Dr. Zira at 4:58 PM on December 13, 2013

I've gotten a very welcome present - ice rounds! - from my Quonsar Carmicha! Mahalo for making my drinks verrrrry elegant!
posted by spamandkimchi at 5:45 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I just got the most awesome tshirt! A satanic microscope! Thank you! I won't name you because I'm not positive about your user name but thank you thank you!
posted by PussKillian at 6:16 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

So I came home from work today expecting nothing. I leave for vacation tomorrow, and I figured--there's no way I'm getting my quonsmas present yet, and I'm just going to have to wait until I get back in ten days to open my package.

WELL. Boy was I ever glad to come in and see a box addressed to me! From my Secret Quonsar! (Who remains secret. Back to that later.)

It contained not one, not two, but FOUR holiday samplers of Nom Nom Nom Fudge, including my favorite, milk chocolate peppermint bark, which I will be eating tomorrow as the plane takes off. Or in the airport. Whichever comes first.

You deciphered my wish list and gave the perfect gift, and for that you deserve both applause and a thank you.

So thanks, Secret Agent Wo/man.
posted by tooloudinhere at 6:51 PM on December 13, 2013

The little poem it came with, clearly also awesome

Take your time, it tastes so good
Fudge can be eaten in place of food.
posted by tooloudinhere at 7:23 PM on December 13, 2013 [5 favorites]

Oh my gosh! I'm sorry all, but I hands down got the best Secret Quonsar-er this year - Anitanola.

I got not one, but two packages - one containing the most adorable drawing of a candycane munching llama (purchased from the MeFi mall), and the other full of lovelies! Including marzipan (three kinds!), hedgehogs (stuffed and stickers), various other goodies, and even an amazing fountain pen for my son.

Seriously, I am completely floored by how awesome all my gifts are.

Thank you, thank you, Anita!
posted by dotgirl at 9:49 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've been checking the usps tracker for the package I sent. It still says the delivery date is December 13, despite it being 11:54 pm. And my Quonsee is an hour ahead of me, so it'll be really impressive when they deliver it today. Expect a knock an hour or so ago Quonsee!
posted by artychoke at 9:58 PM on December 13, 2013 [2 favorites]

Oh, dotgirl, you've absolutely made my first Quonsar season!! It's past midnight here and I kept checking to see if you got it and thought it was awful or what! Now I can relax! Thank you for posting; I'm so glad you are pleased. That was about the box of things I sent--Glinn from the MeFi Mall makes the most wonderful drawings of her beasts--check her Slumbering Herd shop to read the stories of each creature--I knew you'd like them; she's awesome! You've made me so happy!
posted by Anitanola at 10:55 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Ha, I am greatly amused that after asking if Quonsar was also Quonsee (eg closed loop) and being assured it rarely happened, it happened! Thank you to Cheese Monster for the very posh pepper grinder and exotic pepper blend! It made my day! Also it was the gift that kept giving - I had a great time dissolving the wheat/wheat-byproduct peanuts in the bath, and my cat has announced that the box it came in is her new favourite box. (She announces this by curling up in it, of course.) What a lovely Quonsmas it's been!
posted by Athanassiel at 12:47 AM on December 14, 2013 [3 favorites]

My USPS tracking number still shows my Quonsar gift with a scheduled delivery date of Dec. 7th and the last activity being leaving a sorting facility on Dec. 9th. I hope it's not lost :(
posted by maurice at 4:30 AM on December 14, 2013

I sent my gift via USPS reg'ler first class mail, and it was supposed to be delivered on Thursday. I hope my quonsee likes it! I am so out of the habit of present-buying and wrapping. Nervous!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:09 AM on December 14, 2013

Holy crap! My presents were so awesome...thank you thank you secret Quonsar! Check out this krampus stocking! I had fun talking to my kids about Krampus in my classic, threatening parenting way..."so you'd better be really really good for the next week, kids..." but it backfired, as they think it's awesome and both want it for their stocking this year. And a fabulous book of stories by Margaret Atwood that I've never read. It was a really long week last week; this made it so much better.
posted by purenitrous at 8:03 AM on December 14, 2013 [3 favorites]

Mr. Motion and I were canoodling in the kitchen when we were interrupted by the knock of the UPS man. We both raced for the box (as we are both awaiting presents purchased for the other) and I was super excited to find out that it was a present for me, from MsMolly!

The Star Trek door chime has batteries in it already, and I'm just looking for the perfect place to hang it. I'm a little afraid of the mystery fruit, but it will be put to use the next time I have need to slice a lemon!

Thank you so much, Quonsar!
posted by sparklemotion at 8:53 AM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]

It's Quonsmas! I received a lovely selection of gifts from artychoke: homemade oatmeal, raisin, chocolate chip cookies; pralines; and an ornament for our Quonsmas tree. Many thanks!
posted by maurice at 10:50 AM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]

My gift just went into US Priority Mail.
posted by Miko at 10:51 AM on December 14, 2013

My thanks to vegartanipla who has quite brilliantly quonsed me with books and food; two of my favorite things. Plus, also, bonus Dactyloidae postcards; most excellent.

Merry Quonsmas to all.
posted by zinon at 12:12 PM on December 14, 2013

Hey Jim from Belgium-- thanks so much for the Trappist beer glasses! They're delightful and just the sort of quirky thing I was hoping for!
posted by ms.codex at 12:41 PM on December 14, 2013

My quonsmas gift is FINALLY in the mail.

Gah.
posted by Sara C. at 1:11 PM on December 14, 2013

Thank you thank you thank you, Secret Quonsar! I love my new enamel fox brooch. It will add the perfect amount of whimsy to my dull winter wardrobe.
posted by donajo at 1:27 PM on December 14, 2013

Dang that's a cute fox!
posted by Miko at 1:29 PM on December 14, 2013 [2 favorites]

Bookwibble is a fabulous gifter and you should be envious.

I received a giant packet of vegan marshmallows (acquisition difficulty level: high) and immediately celebrated by lightly coating a small glass bowl with toasted sesame oil, popping two marshmallows into it, and then microwaving it and eating the gooey deliciousness with a chopstick.

I also was gifted a very fancy delightful-looking tea which I'm not allowed to try until I get more work done this weekend because I think the tea will actually be sufficient motivation and I've been putting off grading for days now.
posted by vegartanipla at 2:25 PM on December 14, 2013 [3 favorites]

A huge thank you to bibliogrrl for her care package stuffed with tons of neat Chicago food things! Also: Sipper-saurus!
posted by brundlefly at 4:38 PM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]

Also, this was my first year doing this. I've been missing out! This was fun!
posted by brundlefly at 4:41 PM on December 14, 2013 [4 favorites]

I have been wonderfully quonsed! My secret quonsar sent me a beautiful paper star lantern that I love, and have often looked at, pressing my nose up against store windows with longing in my eyes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97947597@N00/11376372886/

My daughter said to tell you, mdonley, that she has often considered giving my one of these.

And how did you know that blues and purples are my favorite colors?

Thank you very much.
posted by Altomentis at 6:13 PM on December 14, 2013

So there was a bit of a mail mixup at my house and a bunch of things had been filed in a weird place.

So.. only today did I realize the wonderousness of my quonsing. I am supposed to be typing up a paper, but instead I'm wearing a hedghog on my finger and holding my new awesomest of pens (4 color uniball jetstream! whee!) How can I write when *there's a hedgehog puppet* on my hand! eeeeee!

Big thanks to MsVader!

(the hedgehog, who is stuffed, is now investigating one of the honey-curry-snap cookies I made from this recipe. It's a very metafilter evening here indeed!)
posted by nat at 7:29 PM on December 14, 2013 [3 favorites]

o frabjous day! Quonsmas day (because Quonsmas comes on the day the quonsar gift arrives, in the treehorn+bunny household)

Now I know why my quonsar gift had not yet arrived - it was wending its way across half the world! Imagine my delight when the postman dropped a package all the way from sunny Australia onto my snow-laden porch today.

Thank you secret quonsar! only one thing - surely you knew that pavlova is not a local dessert to your country? My household of Kiwis strongly contests the origins of the pav. ;-D
posted by treehorn+bunny at 9:08 PM on December 14, 2013 [2 favorites]

I got my gift!! This is the most fun I have had in the shower since I have been single.

My gift is on the way. I don't drive and the weather in Eugene has been horrible. It was sent out yesterday.
posted by johnpowell at 10:14 PM on December 14, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm not going to try and make everybody else feel bad by saying that my Quonsmas gift is the best Quonsmas gift, but I think this picture speaks for itself. Tangaroo's mug and penguin completely rocked my world, and somehow anticipated my suddenly urgent need for plenty of hot drinks.
posted by redsparkler at 11:53 AM on December 15, 2013 [5 favorites]

That is a nice penguin.
posted by Ghidorah at 1:33 PM on December 15, 2013 [2 favorites]

I got my gift a few weeks ago, but had been waiting to open it until after finals (which have finally ended).

I may have done a dance/bounce around the house sort of thing. And then my cat decided my present was for her (I've retrieved it from her clutches).

Fun all around! Thank you!
posted by smangosbubbles at 4:01 PM on December 15, 2013

nat, so glad you liked the puppet! The pen is pretty awesome, but I think every gift needs a little cuteness. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by MsVader at 4:22 PM on December 15, 2013

Not only did I get an ENORMOUS quantity of yummy English chocolate and a book about Cadburys from my Quonsarilla, the latin mouse, I also got a nice coincidental contact high!

I grew up in York, England, where my dad worked for a while at the Rowntree Mackintosh chocolate factory (long since taken over by Nestle, but still famous as the home of the KitKat, the Smartie, and the Yorkie). It seems the latin mouse's hometown is Birmingham, the base of Cadburys since (yikes!) 1824.

Chocolate kids, unite!
posted by vickyverky at 6:14 PM on December 15, 2013 [4 favorites]

Awesome, jgirl- glad you liked it!
posted by jenkinsEar at 6:21 PM on December 15, 2013

To the Ithaca-based Quonsar elves: thank you so much for the autographed Moosewood cookbook and the tiny, tiny notebooks! Vegetarian cookery shall soon commence! I have been in need of new recipes, so the timing is perfect. (And thank you for the three almonds, puzzling though they be!)
posted by Wordwoman at 7:20 PM on December 15, 2013 [2 favorites]

A belated thank you to maryrussell, who sent me a heavy box full of mouthwatering Penzey's spices (and hot chocolate mix!). I was hit with wonderful aromas as soon as I tore through the thick paper she'd wrapped it with, as the spice jars were packed in loose bay leaves, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks. My kitchen is happier thanks to this gift, and I'm particularly looking forward to careful experimentation with the Berbere!
posted by Songdog at 7:34 PM on December 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

So basically, griphus just blew my damn mind. He stalked my previous comments and then did some deep digging in my etsy favorites and totally ignored my wish list and GUYS HE GOT ME THESE. OMG.

Thank you so so much griphus. I fucking love them so much.

MERRY MERRY QUONSMAS!!!!
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:36 PM on December 15, 2013 [8 favorites]

I've had a shitty year an the spirit of Quonsmas (and Metafilter in general) has helped so much because friends online and IRL and community and jeez thank you guys for being fucking awesome. Seriously. Thank you.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:38 PM on December 15, 2013 [12 favorites]

Wordwoman, you did say "Alternatively, go nuts"... :)
Glad you like the cookbook!
posted by RedOrGreen at 7:50 PM on December 15, 2013 [3 favorites]

needlegrrl, you have indeed been quonsed multiple times. It's the quonsar that keeps on quonsing!
posted by domo at 7:50 PM on December 15, 2013

So I don't know who sent it but I think I mentioned liking having gotten a nice art print one time and someone thus sent me this!

It may be a little hard to see but it's a gorgeous hand-made mobile of paper cranes. It also came mounted for mailing on a gorgeous piece of Japanese paper (not pictured) with a lively care with re-assembly instructions.

I have to say it's one of the nicest gifts I've ever received, especially from a total stranger. Clearly a labour of love.

Thanks secret Quonsar!
posted by GuyZero at 8:05 PM on December 15, 2013 [4 favorites]

A funny thing happened after I opened my mailbox: I had a package from Amazon. When I opened it, the contents were something I would have ordered, but I didn't remember ordering it. Thanks to my secret quonsar for a gift well-chosen.
posted by key_of_z at 12:00 AM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

To my Secret Quonsar: Thank you for my magic geek ball! I have been asking it so many questions, my productivity at work has tanked severely!

To my Secret Quonsee: I mailed mine a bit late (12/10) due to traveling obligations, but I hope you got it and it's something you enjoy.
posted by schleppo at 7:25 AM on December 16, 2013

Thank you so so much griphus. I fucking love them so much.

You are quite welcome! When I remembered you had mentioned your exact gauge size in a thread, it was kismet!
posted by griphus at 7:37 AM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Even though my postage was a terrible mishmosh of not-the-right-size flat rate box label and stamps, I guess the USPS is still being kind enough to use the tracking information.

It would appear that my gift is out for delivery today! All you quonsees who have not yet been quonsed: (at least) one of you will have a gift by the end of the day. Probably. So be prepared.
posted by phunniemee at 8:34 AM on December 16, 2013

I have been informed my quonsmas present has arrived! Unfortunately I'm at work and won't be able to open it until later. Excited!
posted by cozenedindigo at 9:25 AM on December 16, 2013

I got mine two days ago, and it's perfect! I got this book, which seems right up my alley- historical setting that isn't 'vague middle-age-y!' Strong female character! And I also got this umami paste stuff, which I haven't tried yet but which might as well be called "stuff-I-think-is-delicious paste." Yay! I'm delighted! This totally made up for getting men's Christmas-themed underwear in the white elephant gift swap...
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:34 AM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you very much to my Secret Quonsar! I was very excited to see my SQ package, especially since it had awesome stickers like these on it. And then it had wonders inside! The oh so dreamy yarn (zauberball, eee!), lovely rooibos tea, delicious local raw honey, amazing homemade bread are all perfect, thank you!
posted by wiskunde at 10:54 AM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

My package was waiting for me when I got home Saturday evening after a long day, and cheered me right up! Aaanastasia managed to internationally quonse me by purchasing her delightful and charming gift on her recent trip to Iceland! Clever girl! Thank you, SQ, I love my honey bee magnets, they are so cool! (also have to mention the mini uber bars because YUM!) You Rock!
posted by probably not that Karen Blair at 11:21 AM on December 16, 2013

Thank you, saeculorum! I love my stuff!

I went to the post office and the postal clerk and I shared grins over the amazing chocolate scents coming from the sealed box. :)

I received a pile of chocolate bars, all different. This is wonderful. There are bars with labels like "salt and pepper potato chip" and "black sea salt caramel" and one filled with cookie spread. There is one labeled orange hibiscus which sounds so good I am saving that for last.

I also got some fantastic funky postcards that are my new home office wall art.

And the very best part was homemade hot cocoa mix. Amazing stuff and perfect for when I am recovering from a 14-mile or more training run in the rain this winter.

Alas, not all of the chocolate bars made it up here to my office, as one was swiped by "customs" on my way in the door. ;)
posted by AllieTessKipp at 1:25 PM on December 16, 2013 [3 favorites]

My Secret Quonsar gifted me something so thoughtful and perfect. I said I love vintage stuff and that I have recently started quilting, and they sent me the most awesome and amazing vintage quilt blocks! They're so beautiful and I really love them. Thank you a million times, Secret Quonsar. Maybe there's a hint in my package but I haven't figured out who you are yet.
posted by caroo at 2:08 PM on December 16, 2013

I'm not sure if I have been Quonsar'd or if this is from another exchange, but I now own the most awesome candle, ever. Thank you, if you are a Mefite.
posted by SuzySmith at 2:08 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, hansbrough! What a lovely package of gifts to receive! All of it is so cute that I don't know which I like the most! I will be wearing the Punk Ass Book Jockey button to my very next library conference and I'm already making use of the glasses-holding-face! I love the wristlet and the newspaper- very fun and interesting- and the book stuff is amazing. Thank you! What a merry Quonsmas!
posted by aabbbiee at 3:35 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Very sweet to see the Quonsmas spirit bubbling through the thread. Bless us, every one!

I'm peering nervously through the thread, doesn't look like my package made it yet. I mailed it on the 7th, but a mix-up with the mailing label had it back at my place Return To Sender a few days later. Fixed it and mailed it again right away, but doesn't look like it has arrived to its destination... USPS, don't fail me now!

Also wondering what Quonsmas delights might await even me. I'm patient, I am I am I am.
posted by Sublimity at 3:46 PM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

Thank you anonymous Quonsar! I received a tin of delicious chocolate peppermint bark and this awesome book! This is right up my alley, I already own a copy of the "Worst Case Survival" handbook. Thanks again!
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:49 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you, Hairy Lobster, for the beautiful cast metal art. The bronzed bas-relief doorbell plate is so lively and lovely with hummingbirds and fantastic flowering vines that I will frame it and put it where I can see it and always remember you (and the magnanimous Mrs. Hairy Lobster who allowed me to have it rather than keeping it for herself as lesser spouses would surely have done! Please thank her for me.) The 'rhymes-with-whale' is the perkiest, most delightful gastropod I have ever seen and it feels absolutely, weightily wonderful in the hand, as the best of these objects always do. It's all so perfect. I thought I could not be more hooked on Quonsmas than when my Secret Quonsar liked her package but I was wrong. You are a discerning and singularly accomplished Quonsmas giftgiver and have found for me two fantastically perfect Quonsmas gifts! I'm going to take such heart from this smiling snail who creeps along, and delight from these birds and blossoms. Thank you so much.

(Cue Jimmy Stewart voice:) Happy Quonsmas, you old Hairy Lobsters, you!
posted by Anitanola at 3:50 PM on December 16, 2013 [4 favorites]

I got an envelope stuffed full with goofy ephemera!! Super cool! Thanks atropos!!!
posted by JanetLand at 3:51 PM on December 16, 2013

I got my Quonsmas gift today, and I am feeling no guilt at all for immediately tearing into the box and discovering the awesome wax and seal kit sent to me by schleppo! I love when someone gets me something that I always wanted, especially when it's all classy and stuff!

Thanks, schleppo! Blessings on your house and all who share it with you!
posted by Mooski at 4:04 PM on December 16, 2013 [3 favorites]

*huge smile*

Thanks anitanola, you just made my day! This was my first Quonsmas and I was so worried about getting it all wrong. Now I can allow my chewed off fingernails to regrow. I only wish I could have framed the plate for you myself and I feel bad about not being able to get that done in time.
posted by Hairy Lobster at 4:48 PM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

State of the quonsarswap

We have information about 287 Gifts (77% of all gifts):
    ->   209 Gifts have arrived (56%)
    ->   8 Gifts have probably arrived (Tracking says yes, but we are waiting for confirmation) (2%)
    ->   2 Gifts are beginning to be surrounded by mystery (under 1%)
    ->   68 Gifts have some status (almost 18%)
          Many of these indicate that gifts have almost certainly arrived by now or are in transit.
          We just don't have a public or email indication from the recipient.

Biggest Surprise This Week
There were TWO different sets of people who drew each other. I totally didn't notice pair #2 until I had to do some administrative stuff recently.

Other Stuff
We've begun reaching out to people to find out if they've gotten their present and/or if they've sent their present. If you'd like us to check our records and ask on your behalf please drop us an email!
posted by julen at 6:07 PM on December 16, 2013 [5 favorites]

Came home from my last exam and found myself Quonsed, and cookie swapped. Cookies are gone but I'm saving my present to cushion the blow of final marks. Thanks Secret Quonsar!
posted by sgrass at 6:12 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Today, this was in my mailbox. Bug Bopper! See in action here!

If you have ever seen me climb the cat tower because an earwig was on the loose or been the beneficiary of my BUGdar (I find ALL the bugs without trying - it's my own burdensome sixth sense), this would be extremely hilarious to you.

I accused my husband at length of buying it for me, but he stood up to the questioning. He did say that had he known it existed, it would have been the perfect thing.

There were absolutely no clues in, on, or around the package. Was it you, secret quonsar, that has caused such an uproar in our household????
posted by Tandem Affinity at 6:49 PM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

A few days ago I received the most delightful thank you note from my Quonsee. It's been a rough few weeks, and it really brightened my day. Thanks, Quonsee!
posted by mollymayhem at 7:12 PM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

I was wondering about thank you notes. Is it appropriate to send them? And in case the quonsar remained anonymous but scribbled their real life name on the package? Thoughts?
posted by travelwithcats at 7:19 PM on December 16, 2013

It's entirely appropriate to send them. Speaking personally, I always love thank you notes.
posted by arcticseal at 7:37 PM on December 16, 2013 [2 favorites]

Still pressing my nose against the window pane eagerly awaiting my Quonsmas gift. I need to get out more. ^_^
posted by patheral at 7:39 PM on December 16, 2013 [1 favorite]

Note: We are always happy to pass on thank you notes via email, if you would care to thank someone that way (and don't have their MeFi handle or other information).
posted by julen at 4:10 AM on December 17, 2013

I got a lovely thank you note from my Quonsee last night. I was having a rubbish day, and I'd been really worried that they would hate my gift - especially reading through all the ridiculously interesting and thoughtful presents that people have mentioned here - so getting a message to say that she loved it and had already been complimented on it really cheered me up. Secret Quonsar - the gift that keeps on giving.

I have really loved being part of this, its been so nice to share in everyone's glee. Thanks julen, arctic seal and all the elves. Merry Quonsmas everyone!
posted by billiebee at 4:31 AM on December 17, 2013 [6 favorites]

A secret quonsar box arrived for me yesterday. From Australia! Yay! I've read enough of the customs tag to know that it's safe to leave the box under the tree awhile, so I'm going to try the heroic restraint option.
posted by janell at 7:56 AM on December 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

My Quonsee's thingie is OUT FOR DELIVERY. *refresh refresh refresh*
posted by Lou Stuells at 8:14 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

My Quonsee's thingie is OUT FOR DELIVERY. *refresh refresh refresh*

Mine too!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:25 AM on December 17, 2013

I believe mine's been delivered, but I can't get it for a day or two...
posted by jenkinsEar at 8:39 AM on December 17, 2013

Patiently waiting... I know it's coming, but every time the mailman walks by, I freak out a little. Just now, the UPS truck came and went with not a thing for me, and I melted.
posted by mochapickle at 9:04 AM on December 17, 2013

What happens if a quonser has definately sent something, but the quonsee never got it because it was swiped off their doorstep by the Quonsmas Grinch? Does the original quonser get another shot, or does it go straight to the Second Chance list?
posted by easily confused at 9:32 AM on December 17, 2013

Julen will have the definitive answer. But if I remember correctly, the original SQ has sent a second gift, at their discretion, when this has happened in the past. If they aren't able, then a Second Chancer would step up.
posted by arcticseal at 9:49 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you topoisomerase for the wonderful package -- I love everything! (sorry for not popping in the thread earlier -- I got it and then promptly went out of town)

happy that you liked the Icelandic bees probably not that Karen Blair :)
posted by aaanastasia at 10:31 AM on December 17, 2013

easily confused: "What happens if a quonser has definately sent something, but the quonsee never got it because it was swiped off their doorstep by the Quonsmas Grinch? Does the original quonser get another shot, or does it go straight to the Second Chance list?"

arcticseal: "Julen will have the definitive answer. But if I remember correctly, the original SQ has sent a second gift, at their discretion, when this has happened in the past. If they aren't able, then a Second Chancer would step up."

Once we decide something has been stolen/swiped/lost/gone missing/is stuck in the bowels of a postal service/has been mashed in the customs machinery, we talk to the original sender about what they want to do next. If they want to and can send something else, great! We'll go with that. If they can't send a second gift - for whatever reason - then we go to the second chancer list.

I would say that in the past, about 40% of the folks who couldn't send a new gift end up volunteering to be a second chancer in subsequent years as sort of a karmic thank you/acknowledgement that someone was able to step in for them in the past.

We do not penalize people who sent a gift and it is stolen/lost/etc. They made their best effort, and it's not their fault that something somewhere went awry.
posted by julen at 10:45 AM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

My quonsee's gift is in their city as of 11PM last night! I hope it goes out for delivery today, but the USPS site is not forthcoming with that information.
posted by Sara C. at 10:48 AM on December 17, 2013

I've been Quonsed! My Calgarian quonsar sent me a very cool spatula that I plan to put to work today, as well as a travel kit, some fantastic-looking chocolate, and all-dressed chips, which are my favorites! I wish I knew your name, SQ, but since I don't: THANK YOU SO MUCH!
posted by yellowcandy at 10:49 AM on December 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

The magic of Quonsmas arrived on my doorstep this morning! When I saw that the return address had a Vermont zip code, I thought "could it be...?" Yes! My Quonsar was none other than the amazing Jessamyn herself! I had requested local things, and she sent not only some tasty treats (some of which have already been consumed) but two mystery novels set in Vermont that I can hardly wait to dig into! I also like the catalog card as mailing label. Thank you Jessamyn and merry Quonsmas to all!
posted by Daily Alice at 10:58 AM on December 17, 2013 [8 favorites]

Ooo, are they Archer Mayor?
posted by Lou Stuells at 11:14 AM on December 17, 2013

First two, yep.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:19 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yay, my quonsee has been quonsed!
posted by avocet at 11:41 AM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Last night, by Quonsmas miracle, a package was waiting for me at my door. After what was one of the worst days I've ever had at work, there was a coffee, and Riker and an ornament and a magnet! There was also a letter about stalking my profile that bolstered my confidence that I could continue slogging through this rough year. So thank you for the incredibly delightful gift, which cheered me up in a way I really truly needed.
posted by Nimmie Amee at 11:54 AM on December 17, 2013 [6 favorites]

Riker?
posted by Lou Stuells at 12:16 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

Well, if you swung that way, wouldn't you find a Riker delivery delightful too?
posted by RedOrGreen at 12:19 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

Riker?
posted by Rock Steady at 12:24 PM on December 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

omg I never realized, every chair is a saddle to that man!
posted by Lou Stuells at 12:29 PM on December 17, 2013 [4 favorites]

Sadly it was just a Riker card, rather than the actual fictitious character, but it was close enough to make my evening!
posted by Nimmie Amee at 12:34 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

Riker should be Quansar's version of Krampus or Rudolph or something. He'd make a heck of a holiday sidekick, with the little kiddies staying awake to listen for the sound of his trombone on the roof, and leaving out a glass of bourbon on a chair turned backwards. And if you're naughty, he'll come and tug your shirt down and sit on you.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 12:57 PM on December 17, 2013 [10 favorites]

My Secret Quonsar was so quick, that the study little box that came in the mail was assumed to be a long-expected four prong dryer outlet by the person who brought the box in.

Three major clues it was not:
1-the eventual delivery of the busted-up box containing aforementioned outlet
2-the "from" address on the box, which had gone unread upon arrival
3-the delicate scent of spices one could pick up should they sniff the box

The teas smell amazing! Especially once you get 'em out of the box. Super excited to try 'em out!

Secret Quonsar, I don't know who you are. But you a fabulous gift-giver! Thank you thank you, and merry Quonsmas! xoxo
posted by neda at 1:04 PM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

And if you're especially naughty, well, ask Ensign Ro about that...
posted by Sara C. at 1:05 PM on December 17, 2013 [6 favorites]

Just got an envelope sent from Hawaii!

Thanks so much, entropyiswinning. The batch of vintage Hawaiian travel postcards is really cool (I especially love the Pan Am one), and I eagerly await my first issue of Smithsonian magazine. How perfect!

This really made my day :) Happy winter holidays!
posted by heyho at 3:08 PM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you so much to my secret quonsar! The map is extremely cool.
posted by Coffeemate at 3:58 PM on December 17, 2013

Riker makes everything better!

Glad you enjoyed it, Nimmie Amee!
posted by jeoc at 4:26 PM on December 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

The quonsar threads are like a gift guide! So much cool stuff in the world.
posted by Miko at 4:29 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

I have been quonsed in the most awesome fashion. All the way from my native homeland, suckpoppet sent me Yorkshire Gold tea and clotted cream fudge, both in extremely decorative and reusable tins! Not only this, but I get a Yorkshire Gold tea van to vroom vroom around my desk with!

Half the fudge was consumed whilst explaining to my mother-in-law just how I can receive a present from a stranger on the Internet. I think she gets it, regardless she loved the fudge! Thanks again suckpoppet, you made Quonsmas for me.
posted by arcticseal at 4:32 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

Fingers crossed that my outbound Quonsmas package was not lost to the elves at Canada Post! I'm still a bit heartbroken about my witless inclusion/USPS' incisive removal of inadvertent cross-border contraband, but remain hopeful that my Quonsee will yet receive and be at least marginally delighted by everything else.
posted by divined by radio at 5:25 PM on December 17, 2013

Belated but enthusiastic thank you to Easily Confused, whose fabulous quonsmas package arrived at just the right time to infuse some cheer into a busy and stressful time for me. The package was like Mary Poppins' handbag-- item after item emerged, each fancier than the one before-- a fleece! a mug! a hand-painted birdhouse! Chocolates of all kinds! I am truly grateful-- thank you so much!
posted by bonheur at 6:35 PM on December 17, 2013 [2 favorites]

I got my Quonsmas gift today, and I am feeling no guilt at all for immediately tearing into the box and discovering the awesome wax and seal kit sent to me by schleppo! I love when someone gets me something that I always wanted, especially when it's all classy and stuff!

Thanks, schleppo! Blessings on your house and all who share it with you!

Your are quite welcome. I'm so glad you like it!
posted by schleppo at 7:28 PM on December 17, 2013 [1 favorite]

Got an amazing package of a homemade needlepoint pac-man nomnoming, HOMEMADE vanilla, and a very funny little puzzle from the amazing Captain Science.

Quonsarmas is the best holiday and Metafilter is the best place anywhere.


Can you imagine? Homemade vanilla?????
posted by jasper411 at 8:40 PM on December 17, 2013

It was confirmed to be a Quansar gifting! I really love it so much. It has a place of honor with the Star Wars' Christmas stuff!
posted by SuzySmith at 9:36 PM on December 17, 2013

Hi!

I only just realized that you could put the customs number that USPS gave you into the tracking # search field and find out where it was on it's long journey, including whether it has entered customs, cleared customs, or is at some mid-point postal facility passed out drunk under a desk with a lampshade on its head and a spilled eggnog at its feet. (This level of detail may not be available to all).

So if the USPS gave you a number beginning with a C, try plugging it in to see what's up.
posted by julen at 11:12 PM on December 17, 2013 [3 favorites]

Hey, thanks for the tip, julen.

Processed Through Sort Facility, December 16, 2013, 2:46 am, CANADA

Well.. customs has it now. Quonsee, trust in customs..
posted by nat at 2:18 AM on December 18, 2013

My package wasn't delivered yet and it should have been. Sad. Sorry quonsee for the long wait!
posted by travelwithcats at 2:57 AM on December 18, 2013

Hmm. My customs tracking indicates it passed through Jamaica NY on Dec 4, but nothing after. I am picturing the package sitting on a shelf somewhere in Jamaica NY, wishing it was in Jamaica, on its way to the wonderful part of the world where my quonsee is patiently (or maybe not so patiently) waiting ....
posted by darsh at 4:29 AM on December 18, 2013

I don't see anything recent on my package either. It took a few days to get to Miami and then left Miami on the 12th. It has a long way to go...
posted by pointystick at 4:57 AM on December 18, 2013

And thanks to 2Ghouls who shared Lancaster County bounty this Quonsmas... tasty Amish jam treats and cloth goodies: a fat quarter of a rustic print and a charm pack of marbled neutrals. The former will be eaten without guilt, the latter will be made into a quilt!
posted by carmicha at 12:20 PM on December 18, 2013

It is a happy quonsmas, indeed! I received a wonderfully-wrapped and -selected collection of Portland items from the esteemed redsparkler! My wife and I booth ooh-ed and aah-ed our way through the pile and are eagerly looking forward to chocolates and reading and such. :)

<sings>It's the quonnnnsi-est tiiiiiime ... of the yearrrr</sings>
posted by introp at 12:23 PM on December 18, 2013 [2 favorites]

Tracking says the gift I sent was delivered on December 13. Hope it's been safely received and enjoyed!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 12:50 PM on December 18, 2013

I received my gift today from kabanos and I'm just speechless. It is the most beautiful, perfect art print, created especially for me. It's just gorgeous and I love it so much. And some treats, dont forget the treats! Thank you!
posted by raisingsand at 3:13 PM on December 18, 2013

Tracking indicates that my gift was delivered, but no word yet from my quonsee... I hope they're enjoying it!
posted by Sara C. at 3:28 PM on December 18, 2013

I got my Quonsmas package [from A.S., MeFi handle unknown] today! Hurray!! *insert head-wagging, arm-shaking Kermit The Frog freak-out here*

And it came from one of my very favorite cites, too: Chicago! My Quonsar sent me a small game, which he says he enjoys. It looks perfect to play with the kids: a few cards, a few counters, and a booklet of simple rules. Thanks, S.C. -- I get two weeks off while $work is closed for Christmas break, the same as the school vacation, so I expect we will get a lot of enjoyment from this. Perfectly chosen!
posted by wenestvedt at 4:20 PM on December 18, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm trying so hard to be patient, I really am!
posted by Diagonalize at 5:18 PM on December 18, 2013 [2 favorites]

Mine was allegedly delivered to my Quonsee 2 days ago, but I haven't heard anything.

So obviously I'm checking this thread obsessively, worried that they hated it and are just too kind to say anything.
posted by dotgirl at 6:10 PM on December 18, 2013 [3 favorites]

My tracking info says the gift was delivered, and I'm hoping my Quonsee isn't secretly plotting revenge because they don't like it. Oh, the agony!
posted by notaninja at 7:15 PM on December 18, 2013

The only person more distressed than a quonser waiting to hear how their gift was received is a quonsee waiting to receive their gift!

To all quonsers everywhere: Your gift was as lovely and amazing as you had hoped, and we genuinely, truly love it.

Even if you didn't include a Riker.
posted by jeoc at 8:06 PM on December 18, 2013 [2 favorites]

Got my secret quonsar gift: A painting of an especially dapper gentlerabbit! It is awesome, that is all.

Edit: Tracking tells me my package was at Jamaica, NY on the 7th so I don't know =( oh I pray to the customs gods.
posted by kkokkodalk at 8:18 PM on December 18, 2013

In the past couple of days, we've sent out a bunch of "Did you get it?" emails to folks (the list was comprised of both people to whom tracking has indicated a wondrous delivery has been made and perfectly random members of the quonsar populace). Please check your email boxes and respond.

For those of you keeping track at home (the home game is not available in stores), we have confirmed 63.44% of all gifts (236) have arrived.
posted by julen at 5:28 AM on December 19, 2013 [5 favorites]

Played three rounds of the games last night with one of my kids and we like it!

Even better, our experience sparked a conversation about the mechanics of the game itself, and what changes to the rules would do to the game play, which I think demonstrates some pretty complex thinking by Boy #1…and that always makes a parent glad. :7)

I am looking forward to playing the game a lot more in the next few weeks. Thanks, Quonsar!!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:00 AM on December 19, 2013

I got Oceanjesse's package yesterday, and now my wife and I get to eat cheese straws (a foreign delicacy?? I have never heard of such) and watch what looks to be a delightful movie about Appalachian folk music! Thanks so much!
posted by Monster_Zero at 7:43 AM on December 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Thank you to my quonser (who didn't include a username that I can see) for the best package, and for not sending the lump of coal I deserved for my overlong 'guidance'.

I got a beautiful box full of Japanese treats, including sweet and savoury snacks, a yuzu and salt seasoning mix, and an awesome erasable orange pen (with a thoughtful refill), as well as a pretty card and sticker. For the last couple of winters, I had Japanese housemates who were very generous with their seasonal snacks, and I really missed them (the people...and also the snacks) this year, so I'm totally delighted at the sense memories I can enjoy from the green tea flavoured chocolate. Thank you so much.
posted by carbide at 8:44 AM on December 19, 2013 [2 favorites]

Eeeeeeee! I got a passel 'o goodies from the superbly fabulous vickyverky! A nifty little emergency kit in a wee silvery zip bag, with needful stuff in it like a mending kit and safety pins and bandaids and spare tampon. (I'm going to add a nail clipper in too, cos hangnails always happen when I'm out and about!) Also some cool little paper coins that are letterpress printed in handmade paper, and each denomination has different seeds embedded in the paper. The pennies are wildflowers, the nickels herbs, the dimes root crops, and the quarters are salad greens. There's a Canadian penny in too, which made me laugh (I wonder if it grows a maple tree.) A beautiful vintage style postcard carried a cheery message, and! Recchiuti chocolates that are just as good as they are pretty! BEST PART: I thought it was a box of four chocolates. BUT NO: it has a second level beneath! Thank you so much for lovelies! It's like getting a stocking but better!
posted by Lou Stuells at 11:58 AM on December 19, 2013 [3 favorites]

Anxiously awaiting word from my quonsee.
posted by Miko at 12:04 PM on December 19, 2013

I got some super cute spotty buttons, baking cases with mushrooms (!) on, and a tasty chocolate bar from my secret quonsar a couple days ago. There was no username that I could see, but thanks, anonymous gifter!
posted by catch as catch can at 1:42 PM on December 19, 2013

...a delightful movie about Appalachian folk music!

Oooh, what is it called?
posted by griphus at 1:43 PM on December 19, 2013

Yay! Glad you liked all the stuff, Lou Stuells! I put lots of little things in there to maximize the chance you'd like at least one or two of them. Plus you can't lose with chocolate, right? ;-)

The little emergency kits for men and women are from MadeWell, and I recommend them for everyone!
posted by vickyverky at 3:32 PM on December 19, 2013

Thanks quonsar for my awesome gifts. I got a cool thing for my desk. It holds paper clips, push pins and binder clips all neatly packed into test tubes! I already have it on my desk at work and received good comments. I have also received yummy chocolates and last but not least I got a cool bird toy for my cat. She is a super lucky cat since she has two mefite parents and received 2 quonsmas gifts!

Also I was delayed in my thank you post because I think I might receive another box. It was supposed to arrive last week and I still haven't gotten it :(. I can't imagine what else there could be with all my awesome stuff already. I will post an update if I receive anything else.
posted by Jaelma24 at 4:33 PM on December 19, 2013

dbmcd, thank you so much for the jams and the grater! I just had to try the jams first thing and I love them both. I would never think to try peach-plum jam but it is just an awesome combination! Thanks again!
posted by daninnj at 5:10 PM on December 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

I don't know who's behind this, but thanks for the totally adorable and throughly stellar narwhal mug! I've been cooped up sick all week and I'm pretty sure drinking my tea out of this mug is going to speed up the healing process substantially.
posted by wintrymix at 5:44 PM on December 19, 2013

Oops, I meant peach-pear!
posted by daninnj at 6:14 PM on December 19, 2013

Thanks to my quonsar pointystick for delicious tea, hot chocolate, and awesome Lego, as well as some blank postcards that will blow my niece's mind.
posted by quercus23 at 3:04 AM on December 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you Sara C for the delightful chai ingredients and gigantic mug! I have taken the mug to work to replace the cheesy one that a vendor gave me! Delightful! Thanks so much!
posted by vespabelle at 8:33 AM on December 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Heard from my quonsee that gift has arrived!
posted by Miko at 8:41 AM on December 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Tracking info sez my package is out for delivery!
posted by hapax_legomenon at 11:27 AM on December 20, 2013

Just checked tracking again, and my gift is being delivered on Monday!
posted by Benway at 11:36 AM on December 20, 2013

Also, thanks to my secret Quonsar for the Pink Floyd / Cookie Monster t-shirt! Love it!
posted by Benway at 11:37 AM on December 20, 2013

Just received my amazing gift from Jasper411. It's a beautiful AND interesting book and a very cool walking stick medallion both featuring my favorite animal, the American BISON! Thank you so much Jasper411. :)

And to my quonsee aabbbiee, I am so pleased you like your presents!

Merry Quonsmas to all!!!
posted by hansbrough at 1:44 PM on December 20, 2013

My poor quonsee... First, I was late. Then, the post office delivered my package to me instead of to my quonsee. Now, the tracking information is stuck. The package was supposed to arrive today but all I see is that it was "processed" the day I sent it.

Hold on, quonsee!!! It's coming!! Maybe! If it doesn't show up I'll send another one - I was planning to second-chance anyhow.
posted by k8lin at 4:08 PM on December 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

@daninnj I think you had it right with Peach-Plum - that's what I've always made. Those stone fruits (peaches, plums, cherries, apricots) always go well together, in my experience. So glad you like it, and that it got there!!
posted by dbmcd at 4:20 PM on December 20, 2013

hoping, hoping, checking, hoping......
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 4:47 PM on December 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you to phunimee for the awesome:

* Mess o' Kasugai gummies
* Extra large box o'Pocky, and
* Blue luchador bottle operner

Thank you so much!
posted by ShawnStruck at 6:41 PM on December 20, 2013

Mine's arrived! Thanks, it's great!
posted by jenkinsEar at 9:27 AM on December 21, 2013

I am totally waiting till Christmas to open mine; according to Amazon part of my quonsee's should arrive today (it's in her Census MSA, at least) and the other part will be magically delivered between midnight and 3am on Christmas Day.
posted by SMPA at 10:14 AM on December 21, 2013

My customs tracking # says nothing other than to confirm that the package left L.A. 10 days ago. I feel like I'm cheering on a really slow horse in the Kentucky Derby: "Come on, International Mail! You can do it!!"
posted by scody at 10:19 AM on December 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

Got my awesome collection of RTP goodies from research monkey today! Now off to put some cackalacky sauce on something and brush up on my North Carolina history! Thanks, research monkey!
posted by nightwood at 10:41 AM on December 21, 2013

the second part of the gift I ordered FINALLY arrived, so, my Quonsee should have it Monday. it took 3 weeks to get to me. absurd! but I think quonsee will like it, so, yay.
posted by firei at 12:00 PM on December 21, 2013

A small suggestion/plea for next year: this year, for the first time. I joined both Mefi's and Reddit's Secret Santa exchanges. (What can I say, I loooove sending and receiving surprise presents!) Today I got two packages. Only one has a (real) name and neither says MeFi, Quonsmas, nor Reddit, so I'm sitting here waiting for Julen to get back to me as to who I should thank! (I sent a message saying "Is (Real Name) my Quonsar and did she send both gift x and gift y?") So please, if you have an option to include a message (I know not all online retailers offer this option), please put MeFi or Quonsmas on the gifts, even if you don't want to reveal your identity!

Also I love my gifts so Quonsar, if you sent me Charlie Brown's Christmas tree and Cards vs Dice, rest assured I am squeeing!! :D
posted by IndigoRain at 2:52 PM on December 21, 2013 [2 favorites]

I sent a message

We're seeing a few messages coming over MeFi Mail, which is fine, but if your chosen Elf is out doing IRL stuff, you may experience a delayed response. The secretquonsarswap email reaches the next available Elf.

/PSA
posted by arcticseal at 4:07 PM on December 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

...a delightful movie about Appalachian folk music!

Oooh, what is it called?
posted by griphus at 16:43 on December 19 [+] [!]

The movie is called Songcatcher. Check it out!
posted by oceanjesse at 5:50 PM on December 21, 2013 [2 favorites]

arcticseal: We're seeing a few messages coming over MeFi Mail, which is fine, but if your chosen Elf is out doing IRL stuff, you may experience a delayed response. The secretquonsarswap email reaches the next available Elf.

/PSA"

I want to double-emphasize this with special emphasis sauce. Topped with an emphasis. Every once in a while, one of the quonsar monkey elves takes a day or two off while the other holds down the fort. So your memail could be languishing there for a day or two without a response.

One of the things we do when we are responding to an email is search through the email traffic. Although I may have gotten the original memail, arctic seal or (in the future) megami or lampshade might be the one dealing with the response to any emails sparked by the original memail. They don't have access to my memail, so they might not be aware of every snowflake, compounding issue, or the history of a particular swap

It can make it difficult to be on the same paragraph, much less the same page. Our tracking spreadsheet's notes field tends to contain a highly concentrated summary, which is great but can't include all helpful details.

We will still answer your MeMail with good cheer, because we strongly love communication in the matter of things quonsarian, but we are at our most efficient when it happens via email.
posted by julen at 7:28 PM on December 21, 2013 [2 favorites]

Samthemander (awesome user name) sent me a beautifully packaged organic chocolate bar, LED keychain light (I am in Portland where it is more dark than light), and a healing ointment to mend me while we build our house next summer.

The gifts were very sweet, both figuratively and literally. And I hope it's ok that my favorite part is the decorative packaging, including the assorted stamps. Also I got caught playing with the individual packing bubble.

Muchas gracias, samthemander!
posted by aniola at 10:20 PM on December 21, 2013 [1 favorite]

And biodegradable styrofoam!
posted by aniola at 11:17 PM on December 21, 2013

Every once in a while, one of the quonsar monkey elves takes a day or two off

Or has to dry their laptop off after their wife spilt water on it. It lives! Phew.
posted by arcticseal at 8:38 AM on December 22, 2013 [3 favorites]

Opened my SQ package on Friday to find a neat Cajun cookbook and a damnit doll. Thanks taffeta, darling!
posted by MsMolly at 10:19 AM on December 22, 2013 [1 favorite]

It was Quonsmas at the Fig house today! Thank you k8lin for the fantastic gifts! There was some fancy lotion, a pothandle cover in the shape of a dog, some pretty cupcake papers, and a notebook of graph paper, which is in the top 10 of my favorite things in the world. Picture here. I love all of my gifts and the whole Quonsmas experience so much.
posted by Fig at 1:06 PM on December 22, 2013 [1 favorite]

Yay, aniola! I was worried about the packaging but also excited by how it came together-- I'm glad it made it to you for your enjoyment!
posted by samthemander at 1:14 PM on December 22, 2013

3 days till my Quonsmas! My husband has no idea how I've managed to be this patient and not rip into the package. Who else is still waiting, like me?
posted by TrishaLynn at 2:29 PM on December 22, 2013

I'm still waiting!
Getting quonsed is awesome (it's my second year).

I'm enjoying the wait. That sturdy red box adorned with a holiday scene (and lots of clear tape!) is something I am SO looking forward to opening, oh yes. Why rush?
posted by bebrave! at 5:21 PM on December 22, 2013

Oh my goodness, I've been Quonsed! Thank you Darsh for sending my favourite (and impossible-to-find in Australia) hand cream and three blocks of amazing chocolate. Cranberry and almonds, southern hibiscus peach and maple crunch...wow, I will be savouring these. (I haven't tried them yet since it's 32 degrees here and they need a spell in the fridge first, but wow, they smell fantastic. I am just barely resisting the urge to open them all now and devour them with a spoon).

Also, allow me to apologise on behalf of Australia's dreadfully lackadaisical postal service. According to the USPS tracker, the package is still sitting forlornly in Jamaica, NY, and yet here it is on my desk in Sydney. Guess Australia Post just doesn't bother updating international trackers. Anyway, it's here, and I'm delighted. Merry Quonsmas!
posted by embrangled at 9:38 PM on December 22, 2013

Thanks so much to whoever sent me my Christmas Tea, Origami Bird Kit and Book. It was perfectly timed as I had just finished part of my Uni finals and really needed a break!
posted by ElliotH at 4:50 AM on December 23, 2013

embrangled, I am SO relieved that a) you got the package, and b) you liked them. Enjoy! (I had to buy the maple crunch for myself first, you know, to test it and make sure it was quonsmas worthy, and oh my. Was it just.)
posted by darsh at 5:57 AM on December 23, 2013

TrishaLynn, I am waiting also... Its a pleasant anticipation, esp as my husband helpfully peeled off the customs form with its surprise-destroying bureaucratically required contents listing
posted by darsh at 5:58 AM on December 23, 2013

Well, looks like my package made it to the local FedEx facility for delivery. Fingers crossed that it gets delivered today.
posted by Benway at 6:15 AM on December 23, 2013

Yay! it was delivered. Happy Quonsmas RedorGreen!
posted by Benway at 7:07 AM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow, thanks for my package, Benway! I'm sure it will be wonderful, and I'm very excited to be Quonsed!

Sadly enough, the package has been intercepted by the domestic customs inspector and put into quarantine. Argh! Hope it wasn't edible, because that might get charged a substantial import tax... :)
posted by RedOrGreen at 8:29 AM on December 23, 2013 [2 favorites]

I hate waiting. -_-
posted by patheral at 8:30 AM on December 23, 2013 [3 favorites]

Checking on my package today, the USPS says "Attempted Delivery - Will attempt delivery on next working day. Your item could not be delivered on December 21, 2013 at 7:22 am in CANADA due to force majeure conditions."

That ice storm in Canada must have been pretty terrible over a large area for them to call it "force majeure conditions." Hope my quonsee (and all other Canadians) are safe and have/get their power back soon...
posted by gemmy at 10:17 AM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Zennie (and her mom) sent me the most perfect Quonsar gift I could imagine--a biryani kit including her mom's own recipe!! OMG I CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE IT!

You couldn't have come up with a better gift if you had two years and an electrified present-giving machine!
posted by exceptinsects at 10:44 AM on December 23, 2013 [2 favorites]

I received my gift today from kabanos and I'm just speechless. It is the most beautiful, perfect art print, created especially for me. It's just gorgeous and I love it so much. And some treats, dont forget the treats! Thank you!

You're welcome! The chocolate treats were the backup, in case you found something aesthetically offensive about a vespa-riding tiger.
posted by Kabanos at 12:28 PM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have received this amazing picture of a robut (with bonus Futurama joke) from Ilana. Thanks! It's just the thing!
posted by Freyja at 2:18 PM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Sadly enough, the package has been intercepted by the domestic customs inspector and put into quarantine. Argh! Hope it wasn't edible, because that might get charged a substantial import tax... :)

Oh it's all edible, and from your username something special from growing up in NM.

Hope you like it!
posted by Benway at 3:55 PM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

I just got the most amazing package from belladonna! Tasty treats! Socks! A beautiful handmade ornament! And a wee little owl which facilitates the making of pie! I've been sick and feeling awful all day, but this lovely quonsmas miracle has made the evening really wonderful!
posted by Diagonalize at 4:11 PM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thanks, nat! I love my copy of My First Wonder Woman Book, the copy of Wretched Writing and the Rosie the Riveter keychain. They combine my love of feminist heroines, laughing at terrible writing, and keeping my keys together in the best possible way. Quonsar bless us, every one.
posted by LynnDee at 5:16 PM on December 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Many thank-yous to Wordwoman for the nail polish carousel and Denver chocolates. I can't stress enough how much surprise chocolate improves a very stressful Monday. Happy holidays, everyone!
posted by almostmanda at 7:37 AM on December 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you sweetmarie for the lovely mug and lidded boxes from the Museum of Jurassic Technology! I received them some weeks ago and apologize for the late acknowledgement (first had to find this MeTa … )
posted by research monkey at 8:00 AM on December 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

I got a lovely handcrafted ceramic tray in the perfect shade of green from maurice! And lots of bubble wrap, which the kids will have fun popping. :)

(It was delayed due to snow. So much snow. I was housebound & the mailman gave up even trying to deliver. I had to wait for our plow guy to fix his 3 broken plows and then plow out our 1/4 mile road so I could go to town, where the post office guy FORGOT to tell me I had a package, so it had to wait a few more days until I could get back to town. Because: more snow.)

(And I had ordered my quonsee's gift online and then IT kept getting delayed due to MORE snow. And being trapped at the house again until the plow guy could come back. And the USPS took 6 days to deliver the "1-3 day priority mail", which meant I spent several days obsessively refreshing the tracking page.)

I apologize for all the delays. Next year I will be sure to move to someplace warmer (like Hawaii) before quonsmas, to avoid these snow-related problems.
posted by belladonna at 10:14 AM on December 24, 2013 [3 favorites]

Hooray, Freyja, I'm glad it arrived! Looking good.
posted by ilana at 1:27 PM on December 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Wow. Honestly, three useless, silly things from Think Geek -- that don't relate at all to what I mentioned. It reeked of a weak, lazy effort. Having read of all this for years I was excited to participate for the first time, impressed this year by all the cool things sent and received, and really disappointed.
posted by ambient2 at 2:49 PM on December 24, 2013

I got some small-batch coffee and a puzzle and a book! On the other hand, I was really late sending my Quonsee a gift, and it's going to the storm-wracked Toronto, so it might not get there until who knows when. Sorry, dear Quonsee! I truly deserve to spend the holidays hungry and alone.
posted by Nomyte at 3:52 PM on December 24, 2013

Thanks so much to Multicellular Exothermic for the fantastic book (about BLOOD!!!) and some amazing artisanal chocolate. Now that's some damn good quonsing--I'd even go so far as to call him a tool-using hominid, which is highest praise in my household. Merry Quonsmas!
posted by Sublimity at 4:56 PM on December 24, 2013

State of the quonsar swap

78.76% of all gifts (293) have been confirmed to have arrived.
2.15% of all gifts (8) have probably arrived
      (tracking says yes; we do not have a confirmation from the recipient)
8.60% of gifts (32) have not arrived yet.
        some are in transit,
        some are scheduled to arrive after Christmas
        some should have gotten there already
        some have been slowed down by customs
        some have not been sent yet but are going in the mail right quick
            (everybody nod along in agreement)
10.48% of gifts (38) are a mystery to us
        we are waiting to hear back from quite a few quonsees
        there are still about 10 people we haven't sent our "Hey did you get it?" emails to yet.

----

So that makes 78 gifts we're still following up on. Of those, I'd say that we are ... getting concerned ... that 5 of those gifts aren't there yet. We hope that those instances are weather-related and not to sudden disappearance of packages before they fell into the quonsee's hands.
posted by julen at 5:59 PM on December 24, 2013 [2 favorites]

I'd like to wish all at mefites a very happy Quonsmas!
In my world, finding the time and spending money to send anything at all to a stranger at this most hectic time of year is miles cooler than grumbling that a gift doesn't meet your preconceived notions of what it should have been. Chin up, anonymous quonsar, I'll be thrilled if you draw me next year.
posted by maxwelton at 11:49 PM on December 24, 2013 [30 favorites]

I would like to say thank you very much to whomever sent me my Quonsar gift. It's awesome. And to the person I sent my gift to, and fyi to future gifters - my apologies for the delay. There was supposed to be really good beer in that box, along with other goodies. Shipping beer via UPS is an interesting game that I (we!) lost. Hope you like the other stuff!
posted by efalk at 12:48 AM on December 25, 2013

Because my husband didn't feel like waking up early today, we opened all the Christmas and Quonsmas presents last night. My SQ mushed two of my requests (warm apparel and feminist-logo T-shirts) into one, and I believe I get to be the very first person here who can claim she has a "Mefi Feminista" hoodie. The embroidered letters are blue and the hoodie is gray, which I guess means that I'm only a Feminista on the main board and MeTa. :)

There was a brief note with the username on it, but in my zeal to clear out all the boxes and wrapping paper, I inadvertently threw it away. So thank you, dear Secret Quonsar, and I'll be wearing my awesomely warm hoodie when we visit with my in-laws today.
posted by TrishaLynn at 7:44 AM on December 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

My quonsar gift arrived as I was packing up for a trip, so apologies for my delay in saying thanks! The goodies included a mini LED/laser pointer, which has been an awesome toy for the cats! I also received a metal pill container, a carabiner, sticky drink tags shaped like mustaches, and wine bottle plugs. It is all great! Thank you, Secret Quonsar!

Merry Quonsmas to all and to all a good night!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:35 PM on December 25, 2013

Thanks, Maecenas, this Quonsar present is amazing! Three kinds of tea (I tried the Earl Grey Blue Flower today and it was wonderful) and a crossword puzzle mug that I dearly want clues for. This is so much fun. (And thanks so much for trying again after the first package got lost in the mail.)
posted by Margalo Epps at 7:26 PM on December 25, 2013

So, as I was driving back from a family get-together today, I heard on the radio that USPS admitted they underestimated the package traffic this year, and were running behind. That plus the ice storm in Texas earlier in the month, the upper mid-west storms, the plane at the Philly airport that scattered packages and envelopes all along a runway ... There are a lot of packages that should have been delivered on Monday and Tuesday that weren't. Thursday is going to suck for many postal employees.

I wasn't particularly surprised because I've looked at a lot of tracking information, and the post office stopped delivering ahead of schedule 2 weeks ago, and on schedule more than a week ago for many many many people.

So hold on folks whose gifts have not yet arrived ... they quite possibly are just stuck in a mail sorting facility waiting their opportunity to break free.
posted by julen at 8:54 PM on December 25, 2013

Secret Quonsar sent me a wonderful tea-making gadget and tea as I was just coming out of a multiweek death cold. It was amazingly comforting and soothing - thank you so much for a timely gift!
posted by casarkos at 9:30 PM on December 25, 2013

Okay got the who sent what all straightened out. Thank you so much SQ for my Cards vs Dice and my Kindle copy of Starglass from Mefi's Own Phoebe North! I love them both!!
posted by IndigoRain at 2:02 AM on December 26, 2013

Yay - I LOVE my Dublin tea towel, and the felt coasters are very cute! I am contemplating whether to send one of the homemade cards as a birthday wish, or whether I should hold on to them and admire them for a while longer... Thank you carbide!
posted by darsh at 6:01 AM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Cute little comment in the cute little font by someone who's been said to be passive-aggressive....

What can I say? To me, we sign up for this 'cause it's not the typical secret Santa thing at work or similar that people essentially have to do, and with that a lot of gifts don't reflect much energy, motivation, enthusiasm in selecting them

With this, 100% the option to not do it, and it's seemed there's a real spirit and fledgling history of making at least a modicum of an effort, relative to info provided by the recipient or otherwise.

Of course I hope there's not been upheaval, trauma, etc., that led things to play out as they did with my experience, but what I know is this: Someone went to a site with a bunch of junk and stuff made in China, clicked on three little things I've no use for or interest in that in no way relate to what I mentioned (personal interests or something local).

Based on all the efforts made over the years, I was surprised and disappointed.

With people choosing to do this and it's history, I'd disagree with anyone who'd say it was a good-faith effort.
posted by ambient2 at 10:16 AM on December 26, 2013

Sounds like your SQ sent you a bonus gift, ambient: just enough rope.
posted by mochapickle at 10:23 AM on December 26, 2013

Hi. I respectfully ask that we not pursue this particular line of discussion in this thread anymore. ambient2 has made his opinion clear. It's his opinion. He is allowed to have it, regardless of any reaction or disagreement.

I would rather not turn this into a referendum on his comment, but instead continue to hear from folks that their gift arrived or that the post office delivered the gift TO THE PERSON WHO SENT IT or that they've discovered some awesome new treat or tradition.

Thanks.
posted by julen at 10:30 AM on December 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

Agreeing with julen here. Please leave it alone.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 10:33 AM on December 26, 2013

I would also like to say that we're developing a list of ideas for improving secret quonsar next year, and we would be delighted to hear from folks about who have suggestions for making the swap better/more efficient/more useful/more helpful. You can post here, or send us email. We love ideas and you guys have a perspective that we don't, which will be tremendously useful.
posted by julen at 10:34 AM on December 26, 2013

How about a tracking number exchange for those who send trackable gifts? As in, we send the organizer the tracking number for the package and you forward it to the quonsee.

There's not enough info to ruin the surprise, but enough to make receiving it slightly easier (e.g. redirect it, plan to be there when it shows up, etc.)
posted by griphus at 10:38 AM on December 26, 2013

I missed my mailman by about 10 minutes on Christmas Eve and so trekked out to the post office this morning to pick up what I can only assume is my Secret Quonsar parcel. I had a couple errands to run, and the big box sat there on the seat next to me, patiently waiting... finally got home a few minutes ago and dug in.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Delight after delight after delight!! Wackadoodle vintage greeting cards, hilarious Canadian cards, COOTIE CATCHERS, amazing chocolate and treats, cat-plates and toys... A KINDER EGG!!?!!! I am utterly blown away. Secret Quonsar, I beseech you to reveal yourself! I want to pile on even more thanks!
posted by kittyb at 10:38 AM on December 26, 2013 [3 favorites]

Cool. One idea to encourage for next year: My gift hasn't yet arrived due to all the shipping delays, but my SQ sent me a very sweet, personal note yesterday to let me know it's on its way. The organizers have done a fantastic job with updates these past weeks so I was aware it's been caught in customs, but knowing that my SQ took the time, on a holiday no less, to reach out personally was above and beyond & super thoughtful.
posted by mochapickle at 10:41 AM on December 26, 2013 [5 favorites]

I received my SQ! A delightful set of limited edition notebooks commissioned in honour of the self-service bike system in Paris, as well as a super sweet note from motdiem2. Stationery is always my weakness, and adorable art doubly so. Thank you so much! Merry Quonsmas!
posted by Phire at 10:55 AM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Hooray, darsh, I'm so glad you liked them! I'm in awe of your self-restraint in waiting, too!
posted by carbide at 12:13 PM on December 26, 2013

Dear Still-Secret Quonsar!

Thank you for such a great gift! Beautiful maple syrup (one of my Favorite Things In Life), mocha coffee that smells absolutely delicious (really looking forward to grinding these beans this weekend!), and a really great card... all from Ithaca, NY. And best of all, a field guild to the trees of DC! I was so excited to open that! Ready to get insufferably wonkish about the local trees. And I totally loved the modified-by-post-it-note author inscription.:)

Thanks!
posted by zennie at 12:25 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

You couldn't have come up with a better gift if you had two years and an electrified present-giving machine!

hah!

Yay!
posted by zennie at 12:26 PM on December 26, 2013

I returned home after a Christmas away, and what did mine eyes espy? A Quonsmas gift of my very own?! I can now, thanks to Rustic Etruscan,* yell CAFF-EIN-ATE in the morning with my new Dalek mug and rocket ship tea infuser!


*ps, who has one of my favorite usernames from my favorite Italic group, hooray Etruscans
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:59 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thank you Toronto Quonsar! These are terrific!

2 Magnets: “Good Day / Bad Day” and a skunk with a rainbow coming out of its butt.
2 buttons: A Happy/Sad Clown button and one from Osgoode Hall
And finally, a really nice Madoc Rocks marble coaster!

I love what seems to be a theme of contrasts! Excellent!!

Plus my weird ceramic pencil holder won't feel so lonely. It definitely is in good company now.

Thanks!
posted by lampshade at 2:36 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

I got my gift from Peru and it was amazing and delicious. Thank you Quansar!!!!
posted by unreasonable at 2:48 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

Thanks Secret Quonsar! I have puzzley things and snackies and chutney! Yay!
posted by rmd1023 at 2:50 PM on December 26, 2013

I think the notice left on Christmas eve might have been from my SQ. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go stand in line at UPS on Saturday and pick it up.
posted by mollymayhem at 2:51 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have had the worst Christmas ever, but today that all ended. My present came!

Bacon Salt - never heard of it - but love the idea of everything tasting like bacon. I just bit into the French Mint Candy.....yummy, yummy, yummy. Perfect timing for those candies cause I just ate my last peppermint jojo last night. Now for the caramel pecan candy.......I should just let the caramel slowly disolve in my mouth and then slowly mash the pecans, but I didn't. Lime Olive Oil, Pomegranate Baslamic Vinegar and a small jug of La Spaghettata spice will make a nice meal very soon. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed my gift.
posted by cairnoflore at 3:45 PM on December 26, 2013 [1 favorite]

I received 2 "you've got a package" voicemails so in think there is something Quonsmasy waiting for me back at the pad. Will check in next week when I return!
posted by NikitaNikita at 7:53 PM on December 26, 2013

How about a tracking number exchange for those who send trackable gifts?

Great suggestion. We encourage people to send us tracking info, departure date, ETA and any other info that might be useful in tracking down packages. Even if the package doesn't get lost in the Festive mail logjam, then at least the recipient knows that it is on its way.

A lot of the follow-up emails we've been sending have been asking for this info, so it would help cut down on the traffic we deal with.
posted by arcticseal at 8:45 PM on December 26, 2013

We also have a bunch of emails out to folks that I'm sure will be answered as people come home from vacations and holiday celebrations, check their mail - or spam filters - and generally get back to the real world.

If you haven't gotten a gift yet, AND you haven't gotten or replied to a "Did you get your gift?" email from us, please do drop us a line! We'd love to set the scooby squad loose on packages not yet arrived. (Our van is super-festive. There's a Yule Goat for a hood ornament and everything!)

If you have gotten a gift but haven't posted here in MeTa or sent us an email (i.e. you thanked your quonsar privately), please let us know so we can do the elvish dance of joy and update our tracking spreadsheet. Since we're all of different nationalities, and in different countries, our elvish dances of joy vary in the details.

Also, we're happy to pass along thank you notes to your quonsars if your quonsar has chosen to remain anonymous.
posted by julen at 9:21 PM on December 26, 2013 [4 favorites]

Benway, O. M. G. I cannot believe that you Quonsed me with GREEN CHILE CHUTNEY.

Seriously? Wow. I actually log the time it takes me on trips back to NM from wheels down at ABQ to my first bowl of green chile tortilla soup, so this is beyond fantastic. It's just perfect to get a shot of Hatch green chile to spice up midwinter. Thank you thank you thank you.

Also, the Dude! Sweet chocolates are amazing and delicious - they encountered a stiff import tax, of course, but there was more than enough to go around.

Thank you for a very merry first Quonsmas miracle. My wife raised a skeptical eyebrow when I told her it was "from the Internet" but she's a total convert now.
posted by RedOrGreen at 9:05 AM on December 27, 2013 [3 favorites]

You are very welcome. Glad everything made it safe. I make the chutney every year after our August Green Chile roast. I thought it was funny that I pulled RedorGreen for Quonsmas, since chiles are one of my favorite things in life!
posted by Benway at 10:43 AM on December 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I really wish the guy who made RedditGifts would license out his site code. It has options to mark your gift sent, mark your gift received, send tracking numbers to both your giftee and the mods, and the ability to anonymously contact your giftee without needing to go through a mod.
posted by IndigoRain at 7:41 PM on December 27, 2013

HAPPY QUONSMAS!

I received my package from my London-based Quonsar (who otherwise is remaining mysterious). I opened it and squealed because it is a copy of Going Underground, a book on the Tube celebrating the 150th anniversary. I ADORE THIS BOOK. It is the perfect gift AND there was a Poems on The Underground booklet tucked inside.

I am beyond pleased. THANK YOU. OMG, I will treasure this. :) If you choose to reveal yourself I will happily pen a note (and send some Georgia pecans if you like).



It looks like on the postal/cancellation marks on the package that it might have come from NW1. If that is the case I'm going to have to assume Sherlock Holmes is my secret Quonsar. Score!
posted by pointystick at 9:35 AM on December 28, 2013

Woohoo!!! UPS took pity on me and delivered my package without me waiting in line! Thanks good day merlock for awesome Greek foods! Chocolate, hazelnut spread (labeled "happy cream"), tahini with honey, something called Greek Loukoms Jelly Sweet, and ouzon soda, which is apparently star anise flavored. Plus a bunch of random bits of sheepskin to cushion everything, which I will totally put to use for some crafty purpose. Yay! So excited and happy. I love Quonsmas!
posted by mollymayhem at 5:36 PM on December 28, 2013 [2 favorites]

I am Pink Superhero's recipient; loved the selection of lotions and balms.

I especially loved the post-Quansmas second box. Arrived home from my parents' to find a box from "DEFCONYUM" on the front porch containing delicious baked treats.

Mrs. chazlarson was a little squicked that I would give my kids baked goods from a Random Internet Person, but we all still live! Thanks!

I am gratified to hear from a comment upthread that my own slightly panic-driven oh-crap-thats-supposed-to-go-out-today choice of items from my own Amazon wish list was well-received. You're welcome, Quonsee!

Definitely signing up next year; a great first experience all around.
posted by chazlarson at 9:34 AM on December 29, 2013 [4 favorites]

Yay! I've been Quonsed! A pirate's chest full of golden treasures arrived - full of gold (chocolate) doubloons, and boozy chocolates, and non-boozy chocolates, and gold(en) rings and bracelets and earrings! Thank you mysterious Secret Quonsar! Your gift is delicious and I look smashing!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 12:39 PM on December 29, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh mysterious secret Quonsar, you rock!!! I received a beautiful hand carved (by my Quonsar!) wood spoon! Cherry! Extra awesome: little did my Quonsar know but I was just in Boston (where he/she and spoon née fallen tree are from) for Xmas, my first time back in several years. So it's also like a happy little reminder of my trip was waiting for me here in DC. :) whoever you are, THANK YOU!!! And I hope you are healed up/feeling better!
posted by NikitaNikita at 1:27 PM on December 29, 2013 [5 favorites]

State of the Quonsar

317 (85.22%) of all gifts have been confirmed to arrive.
9 (2.42%) of all gifts have probably arrived (Tracking says yes; we have no confirmation)
10 (2.69%) of all gifts are a mystery to us (Email has gone unanswered)
35 (9.41$%) of all gifts have not arrived yet.

These 35 presents are haven't arrived for many reasons:

      Some were scheduled to be delivered after Christmas Vacation
      Life got in the way for some people
      Weather got in the way for some people.
      Remoteness of sender or recipient may play a role
      The breathtaking speed of Customs
      Some people hadn't sent the package (for a variety of reasons) until recently.
      Vendors who were less than …. accurate …. about their shipping capabilities.
      Potential malfeasance
      Potential incompetance

In other news, Megami's shift as a secret quonsar elf has begun. You may soon see emails signed by her as we track down this last 14% of gifts. Please be kind; no one send anyone any marmosets.

I think you will all agree that arctic seal has been awesome as a secret quonsar elf for the first part of the swappin'. This is his second year as a quonsar elf, and a lot of our improved efficiency can be chalked up to his efforts. He deserves a round of applause.
posted by julen at 4:46 PM on December 29, 2013 [11 favorites]

OMG chazlarson, I'm so glad you liked everything! :D :D :D
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:00 PM on December 29, 2013

Thank you Quonser for the Hark! A Vagrant! book. Right up my alley.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 8:06 PM on December 29, 2013

A few days ago I got a shockingly shiny golden package in the mail! With these adorable greeting cards of snowy hills with trees saying hi to each other (!) that are apparently hand-inked (!!), which is very much my style. Maybe I will send one out next year, but I will keep one in my stash of cool art. And the package had little useful plastic gadgets too. Thanks, anonymous Canadian quonsar!
posted by dreamyshade at 12:57 AM on December 30, 2013

Gracious! My quonsee FINALLY received her gifts - on a Sunday, of all things! At least it arrived.

Will there be notification for those of us who would like to second-chance for people whose gifts never made it/weren't sent/were stolen by quonsmas elves along the way? Is there somewhere I can sign up for that? I don't want to miss it.
posted by k8lin at 10:13 AM on December 30, 2013 [2 favorites]

K8lin, I'll add you to the list of second chancer volunteers! If anyone else would like to volunteer, you can send the secretquonsarswap email mailbox a note!

We'll be contacting all of the second chancer volunteers this weekend (probably Sunday) to make sure folks still have the bandwidth to do so. Once we have the list of the ready and able, we'll match people up by 1) their original regional choice for regular quonsar, and 2) geographic reasonableness (i.e. someone in Luxembourg would send to someone in Hungary instead of someone in the US if there's a reasonable choice; for a within-the-US choice, I'd have a volunteer from Washington DC be more likely to mail to Madison or Portland or Phoenix or Portland II: The Other Coasting than to Baltimore or Richmond or Wheeling, WV).

Right now, we have one gift we're probably going to declare Lost/Stolen/Disappeared at the end of the day (unless it arrives), but the sender wants to try again. There are about 8 gifts I have some serious concerns about, and a number of others that Could Be An Issue.

It's a little harder this year to gauge when things are lost and not just slowed by the universally understimated package traffic, but I expect we'll start making those decisions at the end of the week for the first batch of Packages that shall be declared Lost/Stolen/Disappeared/Not Gonna Get There this weekend.
posted by julen at 10:54 AM on December 30, 2013 [1 favorite]

My SQ gift just arrived! It's a beautiful print of St. John's Zig Zag, which, due to the shades of blue will go perfectly in my kitchen!
Thank you futureisunwritten, for such a lovely piece of art!
posted by PlantGoddess at 11:10 AM on December 30, 2013

My SQ gift also just arrived! (Extra late due to incredibly poor service by the USPS in my building, unfortunately...) I received a set of four lovely hand-embroidered napkins/handkerchiefs, a Toronto magnet, two nice and apropos cards, a paper crane & some orange C-drink (which is a taste I looove!). I also smiled at the card that added a cheer for my favorite hockey team! :) Thank you, secret quonsar!
posted by gemmy at 11:35 AM on December 30, 2013 [1 favorite]

I still don't know if my SQ has gotten their gift (they haven't posted at MeFi in a few months) but if they haven't, I can send them another box later in the month. I'm a bit tapped out due to the holidays, but I can definitely put together and send a new set of gifts if need be -- and I'd definitely make sure to exclude non-mailable items from the outset this time!

The woman behind the counter promised me it wouldn't be a problem, but my #1 fear at the post office was that the USPS' overwritten scribbles across my customs slip may have flagged my package for additional screening or even destruction. It shipped out on 12/7/13 and I haven't heard a peep since then, but I'm still holding out a glimmer of hope that my curated and handmade gifties were not lost in the cross-border shuffle.

In any case, if you still need a second-chancer to ship out near the end of January, I'm happy to volunteer my belated SQ services.
posted by divined by radio at 11:56 AM on December 30, 2013

The cross-border shuffle is particularly slow this year. Right now, your gift is still in what seems to be the normal window of sending -> customs -> delivery -- which this year is at least one week longer than last year's. The weather did not help, and a larger volume of package traffic did not either. So don't give up hope yet!
posted by julen at 12:06 PM on December 30, 2013

Since my SQ gift hasn't arrived and I am a second chancer does that mean I get to buy myself whatever I want?!
posted by headnsouth at 12:20 PM on December 30, 2013 [5 favorites]

Thank you, quonser! The (Minnesota nice?) dish towel is lovely and somehow you read right through the lines in my 2-sentence quonsar blurb and knew that squirrels are my favorite thing ever. Merry Quonsmas!
posted by duffell at 12:46 PM on December 30, 2013

Thanks, mystery quonsar! Your gift will be great for keeping warm this winter. Even your packing newspaper got to be the starter for a bonfire the other night. :)
posted by caaaaaam at 7:31 PM on December 30, 2013

Thank you super secret and very sweet quonser!

Just got my package of two amazing books: A Prayer for the City and There Are No Children Here.
Never heard of them before and wouldn't have know to look for them but they seem incredibly interesting and the inner life of urban america is something I've never known too much about as a brit but is definitely something I want to understand better.

In a word: amazing. Thank you and happy 2014 whoever you are!
posted by litleozy at 4:59 AM on December 31, 2013

We returned home Sunday night from visiting family out of town and there was a lovely package waiting for me from theichibun, containing THINGS to make both strawberry shortcake and cherry cobbler! I believe there will be some baking going on SOON. (Also eating) There was also an oven mitt from South Carolina! Which is great because we had hot pads but no oven mitts and sometimes you need more coverage than a hot pad can give you. Thank you, theichibun!!! :D
posted by fancyoats at 8:12 AM on December 31, 2013

waiting waiting waiting
posted by sweetmarie at 10:09 AM on December 31, 2013 [1 favorite]

It's here! It's here! It's here!

Thanks to my wonderful SQ chasles, I have a whole box of goodies all the way from the Great White North! Yummy golden maple cookies shaped like maple leaves! And a gigantic bar of maple chocolate (I had no idea this existed and now my life is a bit more complete)! And a wintery bag full of kitchen towels and snowflakey oven mitts, just in time for NYE cooking. In a word, perfect!

This is my fourth quonsmas and I love this tradition -- giving and getting and reading all the neat updates in this thread. Thanks especially to julen, arcticseal, megami, and lampshade for all your hard work during this crazy holiday season. You made my christmas brighter this year.
posted by mochapickle at 10:27 AM on December 31, 2013 [1 favorite]

treehorn+bunny gave me the most awesomest comfiest warmest sock slipper things! They are so awesome and wonderful. Thank you thank you!
posted by kthxbi at 4:41 PM on December 31, 2013 [1 favorite]

Quonsmas has arrived at the drlith household! It brought happy surprises from cjorgensen: a cuddly little aromatherapy lion named Roarbert who speaks to my inner child and a copy of his chapbook Anansi Poems, which speaks to my inner angst-ridden adult.
posted by drlith at 4:41 PM on December 31, 2013

We've started memailing folks who aren't responding to email (we've assumed our mail is being unknowingly spamboxed), so periodically, I'd like to invite folks to let their eyes drift up (if on a desktop machine) to the upper right hand corner where the new mail indicator is and react delightedly. If you are on a mobile device, do let your fingers and eyes drift down to the new mail indicator there every once in a while.
posted by julen at 6:26 PM on December 31, 2013 [1 favorite]

As of yet, no quonsar has quonsed my mailbox, though that might be due to me being away from home for a week around Christmas, and leaving note to that effect. I'm sure my quonsar hasn't forgotten me. Pretty sure. Mostly.

/checks mailbox again, finds nothing, sits cross legged on sofa, covered in blanket, rocking back and forth, murmuring constantly "it'll come, it'll be here soon, just you wait...
posted by Ghidorah at 7:47 PM on December 31, 2013

Thank you, secret quonsar, for the pretty, pretty bowl and the tasty, tasty caramels. I will not be sharing any of the candy with anyone else in my home, and the bowl will become the receptacle for my rings by the sink, where it will be enjoyed every day!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 10:53 PM on December 31, 2013

I got mine too - thanks secrequonsar for delicious chocolate & coffee ! I actually received on December 24th - but the post office messed up, and I was only able to retrieve it today.

The coffee in particular turned out to be very timely, as I was out of beans.

Merry Belated Quonsar to you all !
posted by motdiem2 at 2:09 AM on January 2, 2014

It's here! I think!

I got a package that looks like it took two and a half weeks at Priority shipping from Illinois to California. The gift was wrapped beautifully and inside was darling little candies and individually wrapped prizes. I got a Christmas ornament, a lovely little felt pocket purse for coins or jewelry, an orangish red scarf, and a ceramic jar with little blue fish on it. Thank you secret Quonsar!
posted by sweetmarie at 11:32 AM on January 2, 2014

A big thank you to Astapasta24 (gosh you have lovely handwriting, by the way), I love my Nathan Rd light up mug, and nobody else in the house is allowed to touch it. You can't have known, but we keep a collection of pop up Christmas cards like the one you sent, and display them on the sideboard every year, yours joins the tradition!
posted by Catch at 2:05 PM on January 2, 2014 [1 favorite]

A belated but no-less-heartfelt big thank you to K.P. for the amusing and apropos (given my recent activities) “Baking is Science for Hungry People” apron!

Not only have I indeed been cooking up a storm lately (and in fact just baked possibly the best chocolate cake ever this past weekend) I have also been in desperate need of a far less NSFW apron (I’ve been borrowing my flatmate’s apron and it is seriously, really NOT SFW!) So thank you K.P.! I can now present a more refined and ladylike (and scientific) appearance while in the kitchen!
posted by hapax_legomenon at 8:18 PM on January 2, 2014 [1 favorite]

You're welcome! Now would be a good time for me to thank my SQ from Chicago who looked at my interests then sent me an excellent (and very fitting) piece of original art to go on the wall of my new abode. It finally got to the house about 2 days ago, and I'm really excited about going to look for the perfect frame. I'm also quite excited about being a proper grown-up with proper art on the wall. Thank you SQ!
posted by K.P. at 3:49 PM on January 3, 2014

Thank you S.Quonsar of the Bay Area Quonsars! I arrived home from a 2-days-in-duration-but-10-days-in-stress workweek to find a treat-filled package from the other coast. A welcome gift, my first of 2014! Thank you.
posted by headnsouth at 4:24 PM on January 3, 2014 [1 favorite]

Thank you SQ for the beautiful MN scarf.
posted by plonkee at 10:36 AM on January 4, 2014

A belated thank you to my SQ for a beautiful handcrafted mug and some tea. It's as though I went on a trip to D.C. and picked out souvenirs for myself -- such a perfect gift. I was also pleased by the calligraphy on the card and elegant handwriting done with what must be a really fantastic pen.

To NikitaNikita -- you are welcome! Please let me know if that spoon holds up to any use. I hope to try selling these one day and I'd love to hear feedback as to their longevity in the wild.
posted by cubby at 4:53 PM on January 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

State of the Swap

371 People Participated
345 People are confirmed to have gotten their gift. That's 92.99% of the gifts.
006 People have probably gotten their gift. (Tracking says yes; no confirmation) That's 1.62%.
001 Person is a mystery to us (no answer to email or memail yet). That's 0.27%.
018 People have not gotten their gift yet. That is 4.85% of the gifts.
001 Person's gift has been declared lost/stolen/missing. That is 0.27%

----

28 People have volunteered to be second chancers. I'm grateful we have so many volunteers because it gives us options when reassigning quonsees, and I'm grateful that we won't have to use all of them.

Our biggest contingents of volunteers are Canadians and Californians.

An email to all second chancer volunteers will go out tomorrow.

----

So right now we're focusing on that last ~5% of the presents. Of these 20 presents, many of these were sent late, and we're mildly concerned that they haven't been super-speedy in getting there. A few are bigger concerns, and will probably be assigned to second chancers in the next week.
posted by julen at 7:59 PM on January 4, 2014 [3 favorites]

I got home from vacation late last night and there was the most awesome secret quonsar present EVER from guster4lovers waiting for me. Thank you! I am looking forward to baking with the super high quality baking chocolate, the burnt sugar toffee is my new favorite thing, my feet love the socks, and I am looking forward to the tea and beans. Thank you for the awesome local consumables!
posted by eleanna at 12:17 AM on January 5, 2014 [1 favorite]

julen, are the numbers fairly typical? Just wondering if its been a particularly successful year or not.
posted by billiebee at 8:47 AM on January 5, 2014

billiebee: "julen, are the numbers fairly typical? Just wondering if its been a particularly successful year or not."

That's a hard question to answer. We've gotten better at tracking the statuses each year, so we have a better understanding of overall status this year than we did 4 years ago. Last year, we were still accepting that we wouldn't even know the status of 5% of the gifts at the end of January, so only having 1 gift be a mystery to us this year is fantastic.

I can tell you that being in the position of focusing on 20 gifts at this point is unusual, historically; In the past, we've been following up on 75 or 100 gifts in early January. Many of those had already arrived, but we didn't know it.

I do think we'll be reassigning gifts to fewer second chancers than ever before this year.

It FEELS like people have generally done better this year about getting their presents out (despite icy weather and package congestion issues); certainly the communication has been better this year, and it FEELS like people are being more honest with us, which we always appreciate.

What hasn't changed is how lovely people have been in the face of super-late or disappearing packages, our politely nagging emails, and the other travails of secret quonsar.
posted by julen at 2:00 PM on January 5, 2014 [5 favorites]

I've been wonderfully quonsed! Cortex and Secretariat, the socks are wonderful, and on the day our shop finally opens, I'll make sure to wear them! Thanks for the chocolate, the crackers, and the note. Thanks for working around my not being around-ness during the holidays.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:19 PM on January 5, 2014

I love "State of the Swap"! Even though I was quonsed in a very timely fashion and my quonsee also posted long ago, I keep checking this thread for the status updates! (and the general happiness, and before the holidays, the great gift ideas....several of my relatives are probably crouched over their Nanoblock scenes at this very moment...)
posted by Tandem Affinity at 8:13 PM on January 5, 2014 [7 favorites]

I was, no word of exaggeration, completely speechless for almost 10 minutes after opening my Quonsar gift this afternoon. (I am also really glad for the stupid snow here that forced me to be home when the package arrived.) It is.. wow. Just WOW! Thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU! WOW.
posted by VioletU at 12:39 PM on January 6, 2014 [2 favorites]

I know I'm late to the party but it's been a hectic travelling Quonsmas for me. However, I have to thank my most generous Quonsar for the delightful and delicious chocolate-iced rice krispy treats which I have nommed on all holiday season and especially the hidden vein of macaroons secreted in the middle. Thank you thank Secret Quonsar.

Though I do blame you somewhat for the extra inch of lard that seems to have developed around my middle!

Also, who can go wrong with a venn diagram card?
posted by Hal Mumkin at 1:49 PM on January 6, 2014

Okay, so if you had asked me five minutes ago if I had come to this thread and thanked my Quonsar for my gift, I would have bet the farm than I had. Like I can picture myself doing it, previewing the link that I put a link in the comment, and everything.

But this thread didn't show up in my recent activity so I searched and I apparently didn't.

So very belated thanks!
posted by MCMikeNamara at 2:19 PM on January 6, 2014 [1 favorite]

Incredibly late, but I both got my own SQ gift.
posted by RainyJay at 10:37 PM on January 6, 2014

...and was ian1977's secret quonsar.


...and can't type.

HOORAY FOR WIND-UP MARTIANS AND AWESOME KEYCHAINS OF FETUSES.
posted by RainyJay at 10:38 PM on January 6, 2014

A slightly belated thanks to my Quonsar! Your first package arrived when I was out on vacation, and then the second arrived while I was in the hospital. Opening your gifts made my weeklong hospital stay MUCH more entertaining.

Thanks for the book and the socks, and for the brief reprieve from skull numbing boredom in the hospital!
posted by astapasta24 at 3:18 AM on January 7, 2014 [2 favorites]

So I'm back to work today after two days of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations, still waddling from an overload of borscht, varenyky, and pickled herring. And what do I find on my desk? A package from my Quonsar! It's like Orthodox Quonsmas! Inside: two beautiful Ukrainian collector coins depicting traditional musical instruments (bandura and tsymbaly). To my Secret Quonsar: Is it because I favorited your still-awesome post about the bandura? Or did you somehow find out that a family member sings in a bandurist chorus? Or that I have a long-neglected set of tsymbaly hiding in the basement? Or that Kabanos Jr. has just now started collecting "special" coins? Whether by internet-stalkery or quonsmas magic, this hit the nail on the head.

Not to mention a vintage mini guide to Plato by Will Durant, which I will conspicuously read on my subway commute.

Веселих свят nomyte!

A++++++++++++ WOULD QUONS AGAIN.
posted by Kabanos at 1:35 PM on January 8, 2014 [8 favorites]

Суща дрібниця, пане Kabanos! It was just a lucky guess.

My motivation was the 65-string bandura I have sitting in the closet, with no one to teach me how to play it or even adjust it. I fly between Palo Alto and Rochester a couple times each year, but even with Rochester's sizable Ukrainian population there doesn't seem to be anyone giving music lessons anywhere outside Toronto.
posted by Nomyte at 2:46 PM on January 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

That's an impressive piece of quonsing, Nomyte, and the post is so amazing it's like a special bonus present when the thread is winding up. Like the secret track at the end of the album.
posted by billiebee at 5:07 PM on January 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

So, before Christmas my package arrived. And it was a jar of quince jam, and it's yummy, and was homemade, and was really quite sufficient. Though if I'm going to be more honest than Governor Christie is being on the TV right now, I'd have to admit that there was a twinge of disappointment. I had put a lot of thought and time in my gift, and while I myself make jam so I know it's no walk in the park, it wasn't as cool as all the other gifts I was reading about in this thread.

Turns out, I'm an undeserving, ungrateful asshole. That wasn't the whole gift. The rest of it arrived yesterday. OMFG. This beautiful box of exquisite homemade truffles has reminded me that the best gifts sometimes reveal themselves quite slowly. Thank you very much, molybdenum, again, and this time, much more sincerely. You are amazing, and clearly exhibit some pretty mad culinary skills.
posted by Toekneesan at 8:51 AM on January 9, 2014 [5 favorites]

I see that my (mailed way way way too late) package has been delivered and now I can breathe a sign of relief.
posted by vespabelle at 9:17 AM on January 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

Howdy Doody!
Thanks to a momentous combination of holiday travel - Christmases with families 200 miles apart, a trip to Hong Kong to celebrate my love's 40th and a week in a tent with youngsters and extended friends and family - plus my wonderful secret quonsar's own time scale, its only last night we opened the box of wonder zoomed straight from Florida.
First, for context, my family are a little bemused at secret quonsar. They love the envelope or box from a mystery destination each year, but don't get where it comes from.
I say, quonsar is a bit like an Internet santa.
This year, I was delighted that my gifter came out (claimed to lateness) but I got the pleasure of knowing megami was my quonsar.
What a delight! A connection with somebody altogether over there, somewhere, not by family, or work, or travel or anything but a shared fondness to participate in a website with somewhat intelligent commentary and a generosity to spread some joy.
Not a bad match.
Well, reader, to cut it short, megami delivers like USPS only hopes. (and they get through snow storms!)
We got a serious boxfull of excitement and love from a US/northern hemisphere mefite who nailed my request for a taste of their local environment with news, samples, products and more. And on the way probably did more to boost the local tourist board's influence than anyone else.
So the fondest thank you to megami, and I hope if they find me in their contacts list too often they don't delete me too soon.
posted by bystander at 3:17 AM on January 10, 2014 [2 favorites]

State of the secret quonsar

So this is the chatty version. We have 11 Gifts (3%) that have not arrived and 2 Gifts(0.5%) that are lost/being replaced. There are 5 gifts (1.4%) that have almost certainly arrived but we have no confirmation.

We know that at least 1 gift is arriving today, and 1 gift is arriving mid-week. We have a couple of gifts stuck between countries. We have gifts that were sent very late and gifts that were sent tremendously late. We have gifts that were returned and had to be resent. It looks like we'll be declaring a few gifts lost/stolen/disappeared/AWOL this week and will be reassigning them.

So far, we've only used 2 of our second chancers. I think we'll use a couple more, but it looks like we'll be using fewer second chancers this year than ever before.

As a reminder, you may be getting emails or memails signed by me, Megami, or Arctic Seal in matters secret quonsarian.

Also, we're still happy to take suggestions, advice, feedback on the whole secret quonsar process, tools, communication, guidance, help, and anything else. We're always looking to make the process better, more efficient, more useful, etc.
posted by julen at 3:22 AM on January 13, 2014 [4 favorites]

Thank you julen, good to see that the number of lost/undelivered gifts isn't all that high.

My feedback: you've been awesome. Thank you for your good work this quonsmas season julen, arcticseal and megami!
posted by travelwithcats at 10:47 AM on January 13, 2014 [8 favorites]

Thank you, Theora55! Package was received yesterday & is much appreciated!
posted by firei at 3:58 PM on January 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

I have been, at long last, QUONSED!

And it was pretty much totally worth the wait. Cookies and a hand-carved Kryten eraser don't come along every day!

Thank you to my awesome second-chancers maxwelton and AllieTessKipp for making sure my quonsar was the best.

Julen, Megami and Arctic Seal - this has been a great quonsar. Thank you!
posted by jeoc at 5:21 PM on January 15, 2014

Yay! Glad you like your stuff, jeoc. :)

I should have included a note that those are not erasers. Those are made from carving medium, so the only thing those two things are good for is stamping with ink onto paper (or whatever)...
posted by AllieTessKipp at 6:12 PM on January 15, 2014

Woohoo, Mid-January Quansing!

Yesterday I came home to find a package, sent priority mail. Inside were a few goodies sent by Xingcat, who obviously paid attention to the "wish list" I filled out when I signed up.

I mentioned I have never read a comic book but wasn't into super heroes, so he included a copy of The Walking Dead comic (graphic novel?) which looks pretty awesome. I've never seen the show, but I will devour this book.

I said I liked foodstuffs that aren't poisoned, so he sent me some Japanese sushi candy.

I said I liked stuff made out of wood or metal, so he sent me a beautiful little wooden desk clock that will look awesome on my desk.

Thanks, Xingcat!
posted by bondcliff at 6:24 AM on January 16, 2014 [1 favorite]

Oh shoot, I forgot to check back in with this thread, and was suspecting my quonsar gift to Ghidorah was lost in the ocean someplace! I'm glad it arrived safely. Sorry if I caused any worry from the late arrival- I thought safe was better than sorry, so I didn't mail until I was sure you were back at home. I hope my gift of Handi-Snacks wasn't too gauche. I was trying to think of one more thing to throw into the box, something that maybe one wouldn't normally buy for themselves, and maybe wasn't as readily available outside of the USA.
posted by Secretariat at 11:41 AM on January 17, 2014

So I get to finally say... MY SECRET QUONSAR ARRIVED! And how lucky am I, it's amazing. Here's a little photo album so I can show off how great it is. So many, many, many thanks to my quonsar giftee. It brought a massive smile to my face, and I'm really blown away by your generosity.
posted by Magnakai at 2:17 PM on January 20, 2014 [5 favorites]

You're very welcome Magnakai! I am so relieved the second try went through! If you see another box with birdie sketches around town, that must be the lost package meant for you. Very happy you like it and amused about your paper crane collection, didn't I say we have a lot in common!?
posted by travelwithcats at 2:50 PM on January 20, 2014 [2 favorites]

State of the Quonsar

357 Presents (96.77%) have arrived.
5 Presents (1.35%) have almost certainly arrived but we don't have confirmation.
7 Presents (1.89%) are in the mail courtesy of second chancers and original senders trying again.

We have assigned 8 second chancers to send 7 presents to folks this year. That is a smaller number than the past few years.

There were a bunch of second chance volunteers we didn't use this year, and we are really appreciative of their offers to help and their awesomeness and their interest in making sure folks got a gift. It is tremendous.

We'll be keeping an eye out on the 7 gifts that are currently being found, mailed, and/or in transit, but I don't think it's premature to say that this years secret quonsar has been very successful. I think moving the signup date and draw date earlier has improved the process for a lot of people; it's actually been less drawn out in terms of actual time spent quonsdminning. We are THRILLED that we're not tracking people down in February.

We'll definitely repeat an early signup/draw next year. I think there's a real benefit to many Mefites to not having to shop on Black Friday and the ensuing strong of decreasingly cleverly-named days of the week

We have multiple pages of notes and suggestions which we will look over for next year and figure out how we can improve things for next year. It's never too late to suggest stuff! If you have a genius idea in July and want to share, please do to our MeMail or to our email.
posted by julen at 11:53 AM on January 23, 2014 [6 favorites]

Is it worth mentioning the recipients of the 5 missing confirmation presents? Not to shame them, but maybe someone following this thread knows them or is otherwise in contact with them enough to remind them to confirm?
posted by Rock Steady at 12:24 PM on January 23, 2014

Rock Steady: "Is it worth mentioning the recipients of the 5 missing confirmation presents? Not to shame them, but maybe someone following this thread knows them or is otherwise in contact with them enough to remind them to confirm?"

We won't be posting any names, as a matter of policy.

In this case, we know that tracking says the gift arrived (or the quonsar mentioned it in passing), but we haven't heard that the gift arrived from the recipient him- or herself. We're not really worried about those presents, it's just an interesting fact that we haven't confirmed 5 gifts. We have sent them notes asking for a confirmation, and for whatever reason we didn't get a response. In some cases, they think they told us, and just lost track of the fact they haven't.

About half-way through December, we start to color code our rows in the spreadsheet just like all the cool kids in security agencies do:

No color means it's arrived;
Green means we're pretty sure it arrived (no confirmation);
Yellow means we have no update/it's a mystery;
Orange means it hasn't arrived yet;
Red means lost/stolen/disappeared/not going to arrive - so reassign the gift.

Our level of concern ticks up as the entry begins to look as fiery as a Yule Goat in Sweden.
posted by julen at 12:41 PM on January 23, 2014 [5 favorites]

I think you need to make "has arrived" blue, just to complete the rainbow!

(Or maybe all the "has arrived" blocks can be tiny bits of a picture, like the individual tiles that add up to a giant quonsmas mosaic....)
posted by easily confused at 1:51 PM on January 23, 2014

Sorry, I neglected to acknowledge that I was well fish-pantsed with yummy local goodies and a hand-crocheted scarf in colors I love. It is uncommonly lovely to have someone commit crafting on my behalf.
posted by theora55 at 8:44 AM on January 24, 2014

I just got a package from an incredibly kind second-chance gifter. I had no idea I needed a stylish professional pizza blade and a protective banana case, but I now realize I was living a sad life of badly-sliced pizzas and bruised lunchtime bananas. I'm never going back. Thank you!
posted by Vectorcon Systems at 10:57 AM on January 24, 2014 [6 favorites]

I arrived home today and found a Quonsmas surprise on my doorstep. Thank you SO VERY MUCH to my anonymous second chance quonsar! The E. Coli and erythrocyte Giant Microbes toys are awesome, I've always wanted one and now I have two! If the brittle you sent weren't 11 degrees from being outside it would be gone already. You have made my day, and convinced me to volunteer as a second chancer for next Quonsmas.
posted by amelliferae at 3:27 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]

Metafilter: Thank you SO VERY MUCH for giving me E. coli
posted by drlith at 4:24 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]

Dear Anonymous Second Quonsar - Thank you so much for the beautiful little tea bag rest with the sleeping cat. It is exactly the kind of item I would have stared at, bookmarked, lusted after and never purchased for myself. What a delightful little luxury to open at the end of a long day!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:21 PM on January 31, 2014 [3 favorites]

I have been doubly blessed. Mizu, thank you so much for the gorgeous package. It was such a pleasure to unwrap all the treats within. My son loves the paper hearts and flower. The tea is lovely and the little notes accompanying the gifts were sublime. The troll will be joining his new friends the lizard man, the mermaid and the warrior princess on my bookcase.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:00 PM on February 7, 2014 [1 favorite]

It happened today, the thing we all fear and hate, I got un-quonsed!
(Not sure about the technical terms here, but it is awful and deserves an adequate word).

The package to my quonsee that never arrived, was returned. It appears the box made it all the way to the UK without being squeezed or ripped apart. The stickers say delivery was attempted on December 16, pretty much one week after I mailed it. Apparently a notice was left and the reason for return is marked "not called for" as of January 7th.
And although I put "Sikrit Quonsar" down as part of my name, it showed up at my door this morning. Filled with Christmas-themed candy, it's like a weird time capsule. :-)
posted by travelwithcats at 4:34 AM on February 11, 2014 [3 favorites]

travelswithcats: I think I might have to steal your return-address name...... "Sikrit Quonsar": brilliant!
posted by easily confused at 6:50 AM on February 12, 2014 [1 favorite]

easily confused: Looking at the parcel again, it was actually "Sikrit Kwansar". Haha.
I figured real last names rarely start with a Q.
posted by travelwithcats at 7:32 AM on February 12, 2014 [1 favorite]

I think I got double Quonsed! Neither person gave me their user name, so I'm only guessing, but I got two super-awesome handmade prints (squid and pineapple!) and a really pretty feather charm... and then an NRL gnome! I think the prints and charm might be from my second-chancer... and the gnome (you gno-me so well, ha) from my original Quonsar who had problems with online delivery. Whoever it all came from, thank you so much. Everything came at a time when I was a bit down and miserable after a long period of stress and it all cheered me up so much! I love it all. Am calling the gnome Norman and he is going to guard the front door. Prints are going straight up on the wall of our new flat. And I have made the charm into a cute bracelet. Best Quonsmas ever.
posted by t0astie at 9:12 PM on March 11, 2014 [1 favorite]