It's an honor to organize the DelliCarpini family's Secret Santa gift exchange for Christmas 2011. I've added some new features this year, which should make this more of a communal experience for a family that's spans from the Upper East Side to the East End.
First change, obviously, is this blog. Here's where everyone will post their "letters to Santa" in the comments to this blog entry, and where their Secret Santas can check out what folks want. Of course, we all can read this blog and see what everyone wants, even if we're not their Secret Santa. Many have said that one of their favorite parts of Secret Santa is seeing what everyone's into this Christmas season.
So here's how things will work:
Today I'll e-mail everyone who they're buying a gift for. Names were drawn at Carla and Martin's on Thanksgiving. I know that people within "houses" often share Secret Santa info, but I won't be divulging any secrets. If you don't have your Secret Santa info by Saturday 11/26, email me at chrisdc@mac.com.
No later than Sunday, December 4, post your wish list right here, as a comment to this blog entry. To do that, simply click on the link below this post that gives the number of comments. You'll then see all the comments thus far, and can add yours in the box at the bottom. Be sure to sign your letter to Santa, so everyone knows who wants what!
That will give everyone three weeks to purchase their gift. At Carla's the agreed-upon dollar limit was $75; glad to see the economy's improving. That's a limit, not a floor. And if you're worried about whether shipping counts, then just get the gift early with the slow-boat free shipping.
On Christmas Eve, bring your gift to Johnny and Mary's, clearly labeled for your recipient but without your name on it; this is Secret Santa, remember?
Santa will still make his annual appearance, with gifts of his own for all the good little boys and girls. Once St. Nick has gone on his merry way, we'll have our Secret Santa git exchange with the serenity and decorum that is the hallmark of a DelliCarpini family Christmas.
If there's any other news to share, I'll post to this blog. But make sure you add your wish list as a comment to this first post. And you can e-mail me with any questions.
Dear Santa:
ReplyDeleteI've been very good this year, as you are well aware. I'd be happy for any of the gifts listed below:
-- A reflective vest for when I run in the dark, like the Brooks NIghtlife Reflective Vest
--The book series The Dragonriders of Pern, by Anne McCaffrey
--An ab wheel, like the Everlast Standard Duo Exercise Wheel, but they're all the same
--A pair of "ND Irish Double Mesh Shorts" in gold, size L
--A new dress shirt for work, preferably one that doesn't need to be ironed and in any color other than white. I'm a 16 1/2, 34-35
--a new tie, preferably something red or maroon and conservative enough to wear to court
Have a Merry Christmas, and drive carefully!
Love,
Chris
Bobby = west Marine gift card and/or Pussers or Goslings Rum
ReplyDeleteDear Santa, I could really use a new pair of sneakers. I have had my current pair for over 500 miles. I have been advised by more rigorus runners that they should be retired. I suppose a gift card to Modells would be best, since it is close to my home. A new pair of sneakers would give me the the much needed incentive to continue my excerise routine. Thanks Santa oxoxo Carla
ReplyDeleteHello Secret Santa, whoever you are. This year I would like an Apple Store gift card, to go towards an iPhone, and a gift card to Murray's, Citarella or some other specialty shop where I can get delicious cheeses and meats. Thank you! Brian
ReplyDeleteDear Secret Santa Claus, I have been especially good this year. Now, for my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI would like a Nike Pro-Combat Dri-Fit long or short sleeve shirt, in any color except white or black size Large. Or,Under Armor makes a comparable shirt. I have seen them both at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Thank You Secret Santa Claus. Love, Martin
Previous Blog is from Martin
ReplyDeleteDearest Santa Claus,
ReplyDeleteHello from Nashville! It's a Country Christmas down South already... You would love all the Jingle Bell-ing twang down here in Honkey Tonk land
We are all so happy you'll be stopping by Longwood Dr. again this year. It has been a BIG year in the DelliCarpini family - filled with 1st Birthday's, trips abroad, and most recently a milestone 85th Birthday celebration! We are really excited to see you and will have a festive party ready on Christmas Eve.
As for the real reason I'm writing... Secret Santa Gifting... Since I'm still a poor grad student, a JCrew gift card would be super fabulous
We'll have the Milk & Cookies ready!
Love Always -
Gianna
Dear Secret Santa:
ReplyDeleteI would love a pair of Kendra Scott "Danielle" oval earrings in green onyx (from Nordstrom)
Or a pair of Ugg earmuffs in brown
Or a gift card to a new, fun restaurant in Nassau County.
Or a gift card to Bloomingdales.
Thank You Santa!
Danielle
Dear Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteI have been a very good girl this year - just ask my mommy. On second thought, maybe just ask Mimi...
I would like a udraw game tablet bundle for the wii.
Or the Zoobles game for the Nintendo DS. And a gift card to itunes.
Or a gift card to Toys R Us.
Love,
Siena
Dearest Santy Claus,
ReplyDeleteMrs. Claus tells me you've been feeding your NY based stable of reindeer local, organic carrots - so you may understand why I would like a donation made in any denomination to America's Farmland Trust, Just Food, or Slow Food USA:
http://www.farmland.org/
http://www.justfood.org/
http://www.farmland.org/
Being that I am a DelliCarpini and therefore appreciate great food, I could also use new size small ski goggles (durable ones like you use, as mine froze and broke last winter) or universal clip on shoes for stationary cycling bikes - size 6.5 (Maybe with a gift receipt too just in case I misjudged the sizes.) Note: a little color would be fun if possible.
Buon Natale!
Lana
Hi Santa,
ReplyDeleteAs you know I have never been anything but good. That being said, below you will find a list of potential gifts that just might be good enough to match my marvelous personality and copious amounts of holiday cheer! (by the way these gifts are listed in no particular order of preference, so don't stress)
- donation to WWF (they often send you nice little gifts in return)(worldwildlife.org)
-donation to my local Public Radio Station -WSHU (wshu.org)
- a donation to the Sea Shepherds! (seashepherds.org)
- or a donation to the American Farmland Trust ( yes, I realize that Lana posted that just above me- farmland.org)
Beyond that, I am my mother's daughter and as such I could manage to put a J-Crew or Gap/Banana gift card to good use.
Or if you want to broaden my literary horizons, I'm always looking for good books. I generally tend to enjoy short fiction, novels and poems, but I trust your judgement so just get me something you LOVE. (P.S you can never go wrong with classics)
Itunes giftcards are always appreciated or if you can find any seasons of Parks and Recreation or It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia (after the 1st and 2nd... I think I have those somewhere) or The Sarah Silverman Program on DVD I'd love those too.
Okay, happy hunting Oh Santa! My Santa!,
Love,
Becky
Hello Santa!
ReplyDeleteI realize I'm a day late, sorry!
My list is very simple this year. Mainly, I would really like a $50 dollar donation to the World Wildlife Fund(WWF) in the form of Eco-friendly earrings :)
http://www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/apparel-gifts/Pewter-Earrings__91.aspx
I would like either the Elephant's or the Whale's. I can't decide which, so a surprise will be nice :)
Along with that, you could also give another small donation to a number of charities(most of which, I realize, will be the same as Becky has just posted above).
-A donation to WSHU, my local public radio station.
-The Humane Society of The United States
-A donation to the Sea Shepherds
-A donation to the Mystic Seaport museum. There are a couple of options for places of donation for Mystic, it does not matter to me which one if you choose this venue.
Beyond that, I've been wanting the Ingrid Michaelson CD, Everybody.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Christmas Eve! Hope you're all having a wonderful winter so far!
Love,
Emma.
dear santa,
ReplyDeleteI hope that you found me on your nice list this year! If possible, I would enjoy the following gifts:
- Iphone
- Itunes gift card
- iHome system (to plug my iphone in) with addition speakers if possible
- Beatz headphones (from Dr. Dre--to wear with my iPhone)
- A beer bottle opener
THANK YOU SANTA I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
- Timmy
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteHere are some options for my secret santa:
(all sizes would be in medium)
- http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22680052&color=010&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=W_TOPS
- http://store.jacvanek.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SLACKER+CREW+FLEECE
- http://store.jacvanek.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=needmoresleep-tank
- http://store.jacvanek.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=798304184518
- Free People gift card
- hautelook.com gift card
- iTunes gift card
Thanks!!
Genna
Hi,
ReplyDeleteFor my secret santa, here are some options for my secret santa:
- hautelook.com gift card
- urban outfitters gift card
- sephora gift card
- free people gift card
- steve madden gift card
Thanks,
Jackie
Hi,
ReplyDeleteSince I have recently become an iphone user, I would love an ihome speaker or gift card to the apple store.
Thanks so much.
Barbara
Hello Santa!!
ReplyDeleteFor Christmas this year I would like a complete box set of all the Harry Potter movies, an American Express gift card or a wbshop.com gift card.Thank you so much!
Love Marina
Hi Santa!
ReplyDeleteI know I've been good, so here is my wishlist;
-Pottery Barn Gift Card
-J-Crew or Banana Gift Card
-William Sonoma Gift Card
Looking forward to seeing you all very soon!
Cheers,
Margo
Hello Secret Santa!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I've been especially "good" but I've certainly been working very hard at it!! :) For Christmas I would love either a St. James Alveole scarf in quartz/navy (www.stjamesboutique.com) or a Lululemon racerback ruffle tank in heathered coal in size 2, or back-on-track short sleeve top in either color, size 2 or 4 (shoplululemon.com). Thank you!! xoxo, Cathy
Hi Georgie's Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteGeorgie has been very good this year (so he says) and would like a Wii game or a new Knicks jersey (Youth size M)or an electronically controlled vehicle (helicopter?). Thank you!
p.s. I'm available for consultation if you get stuck!
Hello (big) George's Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteGeorge has been very good this year (so HE says) and would like good red wine, Nike basketball shorts (XL) or DriFit t-shirt (XL). Thank you!!
We are all looking forward to a great Christmas Eve!! xoxo
Please keep blogging, since time is slipping bye, bye DelliCarpini Family
ReplyDeleteDearest Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for my lateness! Hopefully this is simple enough: I am a fellow J Crew nerd and would love their Merino Turtleneck Sweater in heather dark grape, size small. Available via this link, for your shopping ease:
http://www.jcrew.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?GENERIC%3C%3Eedit_product_flag=true&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302049425&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441815851&remove_cart_index=0&nav_type=PRMNAV&bmForm=persistent_shopping_cart&bmFormID=1323557353176&bmSubmit=edit_cart_item&bmUID=1323557353176.
Thank you, dear Secret Santa, and see you on Christmas Eve!
Love,
Lorraine
Dear Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteLast year my secret santa bought me a pair of Nike pants that I love so much I want another pair! Nike womens Filament running capri pants, black xs.
I would also love a cashmere hat from Jcrew (warm ivory).
I also love Bloomingdales and Potterybarn, if a gift card it easier. I have been trying to be a very good girl. I learned my lesson 2 years ago at the Delli Christmas eve celebration! HA HA!
But if everyone wants to get me a gift like last year, I am ok with that too!
Love
Kate
Dear Santa:
ReplyDeletePursuant to the heretofore established seasonal protocols, submitted herewith please find the enclosed desiderata, to wit:
1. One (1) carrying bag for golf shoes; and
2. One (1) set of twelve (12) golf balls, in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
We eagerly anticipate your scheduled appearance at the DelliCarpini family Christmas Eve gathering, hereafter referred to as The Party of The First Part.
Sincerely,
John M. DelliCarpini, Esq.
JMD:cd
Dear Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteJoe would like an ipad leather sleeve from www.proporta.com in brown (with tartan lining), 2nd choice black and the book "The Swinger" by Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck.
Thank you Santa for delivering a very special present to the Mazzarella family on Friday!
HO HO HO
Dear Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteI had a great year and am very excited about my new family. Kate and Claire should definitely get hooked up!
I would like to ask my Secret Santa for a Bauer 9900 Face Mask for my hockey helmet, which is available on www.hockeymonkey.com for $49.99 (Item # bauer-cs-1032758).
P.S. I think it's really obnoxious when someone goes WAY over the limit with their gift request, and since nobody even knows who Timmy is, I think it's super obnoxious and that kid should get zeroed this year.
Much respect,
DDD
Dear Santa:
ReplyDeleteWith all her babysitting, macaroon-making, and charity work, Mary Alice has been too busy to figure out who to use this new-fangled blog thingy. So please accept this wish list on her behalf.
She tells me that she would like a long-sleeve workout shirt or pants, preferably something from Under Armour. Which seems only fitting since, as the slogan goes, she does such a good job of protecting this house.
We look forward to seeing you Christmas Eve, and if you're lucky there'll be some macaroons left out for you at 25 Longwood Drive.
Chris, on behalf of Mary Alice
Dear Secret Santa,
ReplyDeleteApparantly I need Blog lessons for Christmas!
Here are a few of my favorite things.......
Workout pants, (the cool ones my sister Cathy wears) fitted, just below the knee, size small.
J Crew Jackie cardigan in black, size small,(today the it is 30% off on line!)
Leather belt (BR, BLCK or Tan) thin enough to wear with jeans.
White cotton man-tailored cotton blouse.
As Genna used to say to the TV when she was little...Santa can I have that please...thank you! Patti