PR: December Surprises~Advent with a Twist 2011

Why do kids get all of the holiday fun? ;-) Some of us have an advent calendar for our children each year to build up the excitement as we approach Christmas, and others remember this tradition from our own childhoods. But how long has it been since YOU had a little holiday surprise just for yourself?

The 24-days-of-Christmas swaps start coming out this time of year, but it's difficult to think of 24 different surprises to send to one person. This swap gives a twist to the idea. We will send four partners six surprises each. Won't it be fun to see what each person decides to send? I hosted a similar swap in a different group last year, and several of us put all twenty-four of our little packages in a basket and drew one to open each day beginning December 1. It's also fun to post in a forum thread each day to tell what we have opened.

Are you ready for more details?

• Send six small, wrapped surprises to each of your 4 partners. Mark each one with your Swap-bot name so that people will know who gave them the gift when it's time to open them.

• Spend approximately $5.00, 2 hours of crafting, or a reasonable combination of the two on each partner.

• Please give thoughtfully. This is not the time to destash random items.

• Some ideas for items to send would be: a nice packet of hot chocolate, a small piece of fabric, a wrapped chocolate, a yard of ribbon, a tiny handmade ornament, a special recipe on a nice card, etc. The items may be seasonal, crafty, edible, handmade with care, or profile based.

• If you have any items that you really would NOT like to receive, please make sure that your profile has a section that indicates it clearly. You may also post a short list of allergies and aversions below. Please look at your partners' profiles and avoid any items on their Do Not Send list.

• Include a note to wish your partner a happy season. This should be more than your name and the swap name, please!

• Please wrap your packages carefully. Use a box or padded envelope as needed to avoid any nasty surprises.

• Sending on time is considered a requirement for this swap (receiving a 5 rating). It's especially important since we hope items will arrive before the first of December. If there is a delay, please be sure to PM all 4 partners and the swap coordinator before the deadline has passed.

• You do not need to be Christian in order to participate in this swap. It's not only about Christmas but also about the anticipation of the season and celebrating the month of December.

• Ratings: no unexplained or unresolved 1s and 3s. When in doubt, send me a PM.

This December swap is in addition to the Secret Santa swap that is being hosted in our group forum. You can participate in either, both, or neither. The more, the merrier!