Hopkins, MN
Quoted from Pinballlew:My Package has arrived so I snapped a picture,
That is the best. A train around your Christmas tree.
LTG : )
(Topic ID: 281702)
Quoted from LTG:That is the best. A train around your Christmas tree.
LTG : )
My son build his old train around our tree
Resized_20201216_163355 (resized).jpgQuoted from PappaDubz:My son build his old train around our tree
That's the spirit ! Merry Christmas my friend !
LTG : )
OK who was I kidding I couldn’t wait 
Thank you Secret Santa for the awesome gifts! Thank you as always Les for organizing. This makes my holiday season that much better!
A set of 4 pinball coasters
A teenage mutant ninja turtle mini pin game
A historical book about Mt. Saint Helens erupting accompanied with a jar of the Ash collected by his great grandfather! (Very very cool [I will leave it sealed SS])
A space card game
A rollercoaster tycoon pc rom that goes along with my RCT pinball machine
A Homer Simpson figure to remind me of my TSPP I owned in the past
Some treats Aplets and Cotlets and some mountain bars made by the same company that makes Almond Roca. Very cool!
A thoughtful letter describing the gifts!
C18A4387-5ADF-4397-9D61-E82F030DB1BB (resized).jpegQuoted from Percula:Slow night no post
Following the recent pattern of deliveries, Pinsiders have been delayed or lost.
With one of our first small holiday get-togethers I took the opportunity to open my Secret Santa gift. It was explaining to everyone what I had received and my granddaughter thought it was 'very sweet' that strangers were sharing gifts because 'that's what Christmas is about". She gets it!!
The gifts were awesome!! First, there were several fun and simple welcoming gifts like some tasty treats; Zots, some gummy worms, and pistachios. I pretty much immediately lost possession of the sweet treats. Next was a bittersweet reminder of what 2020 took from us, with a TPF 2020 postcard....and on the same day I learned that TPF 2021 is cancelled. I like the reminder though, that a time will come when we can all get together again.
The Boxing Bear Brewing sticker was nice, and I enjoy supporting our local breweries and cideries. I'll add Boxing Bear to my list if I make to that area. Note for others, one of the better breweries I've had a chance to visit recently was Colfax Ale Cellar in Raton, NM in the summer of 2019. Maybe a drive from the more central areas of NM, but it was fantastic. The Banks of Orkney (a Scottish Ale) was so good I brought a few bottles back home and aged them a year and they were even better. A must stop if you can.
Back to the gifts!! The Stern keychain, a nice Titan Pinball sticker and the Pinball & Pizza patch will make decoration. I'll have to figure out where that patch comes from!!
Moving along, the Star Wars flyer is a great addition, as I have one for Iron Maiden but not Star Wars. I like having that advertisement stuff for the pins. Then, a nice set of new pinballs, which I am sure I will need soon for Star Wars. You can never go wrong there!!! Plus, for either SW or IMDN, is a set of flipper coil stops. I've got to believe that IMDN will need these sooner than I'd want to admit!!!
Now, one more gift that is no longer in my possession.....in addition to the sweet treats.....is the Porg. My granddaughter thought it was 'adorable' and only wanted to hold it for a minute. Yea, you can guess where that led.
Then, the only gift that was officially wrapped and clearly intended to be the highlight.....which it did not fail at. A very cool McFarlane Toys Alice Cooper action figure. One problem though.....and this is a serious issue.....do I put the unopened box on top of the pin, or open it up, assemble, and make it the corner stone to an awesome homemade topper. I'm definitely one that prefers to use my stuff, so Im leaning towards opening. I imagine someone is cringing at that thought now.
Thank you, Secret Santa. You put a lot of thought into these gifts and you spent time assembling all this just to be sure it matched up so well with my pins. It has been a great first time participating and made a very good ending to a challenging year.
IMG_2053 (resized).jpgSo I was going to wait to open but I have an excuse, more on that later. So I put my package under the Auburn tree to open on Christmas day but since I now have opened it I must say it was awesome and the attention to detail on the gifts especially the Frank Thomas Big Hurt Pinball flyer was cool as Frank played baseball for Auburn University. Myself, my wife and my son opened it all together and all thought the gifts were awesome, the shirt was one we had never even seen before and we all thought it looked greatSanta 1 (resized).jpgSanta 2 (resized).jpg.
So for my excuse as to why I had to open is I got another package last night and it says I need to put the homemade Hot sauces (SDTM & Tilt) to good use that were made by my SS, well now I have to open the other gift (I am not complaining!) to get them to put on this most amazing present.
TRASH CAN NACHOS.
Everything in the box to make them, so awesome, we were blown away by everything in the first package once we opened it and then this on top of that, amazing. My Secret Santa went above and beyond and we are grateful and will enjoy all of it.
S Santa 1 (resized).jpg
I have enjoyed being a part of this each year and to think I almost opted out this year, that thought will never cross my mind again. I love what I got but I love more the giving part of this and remembering how much this Hobby means to me and the cool people who enjoy it as well!
I will be sure to post pictures of the finished product before we eat it!!!
This was my first year participating in ss and I’m blown away! This is awesome. Thanks SS and Les! And I still have one more gift coming!
Each gift had a message. The one I like the best was the one that will add ambiance to the room. SS gave me 10 comet head lighting kits in different colors! One for each of my machines!
2A617837-78E7-4461-91B0-3361C67609AA (resized).jpeg6CB69550-CCD4-4F7A-B029-B8176C3C9F1E (resized).jpegDay #3 - Dot’s famous pretzels. I may or may not have eaten them for lunch. And I may or may not have ordered myself a whole box. Thank you SS!!!
1A172974-7A35-4383-B14F-4951E86E6458 (resized).jpeg8AB5BAD4-1134-453D-92FF-A657EAE6F25A (resized).jpegDAF6DF63-992A-4477-89F6-B56E3524C044 (resized).jpegDFB92D5B-CD28-4150-9C00-1FA0460CC177 (resized).jpegQuoted from MrsPin:Day #3 - Dot’s famous pretzels. I may or may not have eaten them for lunch. And I may or may not have ordered myself a whole box. Thank you SS!!!
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
Where i live in Michigan, the local Ace hardware sells them. They also have a southwest flavor that is very good as well.
Huge thank you to my SS! I was blown away by this gift and the kids and I can’t wait to open it up and play some games. Thank you again and Merry Christmas!
5E60D6F5-4073-4E79-89AE-BB95A8D56138 (resized).jpegHey! Update #2 from an awesome Secret Santa! I wasn't expecting another package so this was great!
Killer Empire Strikes Back socks (wearing then tomorrow!), SW shot glasses, Spooky beer koozie and a vintage Marco Hoodie from a thrift store in Western Canada! Plus my Secret Santa has wonderful hand writing!
Merry Christmas everyone! Great year this year!
PXL_20201220_204816038 (resized).jpgI couldn’t wait! WOW!! SS nailed it. I just cleaned R&M today...now to install a few things!
Kalaxian Death Crystal lighted mod...I have looked at getting this, just didn’t pull the trigger.
Green slingshot protectors.
A replacement ship plastic.
Right ramp airball protector.
And a couple Zot candies...one of my favorites!
THANKS!
FED6E5D6-DC6C-4A2B-820F-09A3B4BF3097 (resized).jpegQuoted from ChrisPINk25:I’ve been tricked again by my SS! Not Christmas lights, awesome comet bulbs!! Edit— my wife was hoping for the Xmas lights! LOL
[quoted image]
The box says 100 LED mini lights, and that's what was in there! 
Quoted from FatPanda:Framed and mounted! Thanks again SS, they look pintastic on my wall!
Looks great...especially with Joker BG as the centerpiece. 
And I’d love to have that Centaur II. Probably the only Bally pedestal game I’d make myself tolerate that cab type for.
25 gifts of Christmas update! Here are the amazing gifts from days 7 through 20. Secret Santa is amazingly generous and quite the detective. I have gotten an incredible haul of fun candy, treats and toys for the kitties, and many items that are very specific to my various other hobbies and throwbacks to some of my previous projects... Every gift has been so thoughtful and I really appreciate all the effort by my SS! A big shout out for day 15 and day 20. Those are extra special!
IMG_0384 (resized).jpgIMG_0386 (resized).jpgIMG_0389 (resized).jpgIMG_0391 (resized).jpgIMG_0398 (resized).jpgIMG_0401 (resized).jpgIMG_0403 (resized).jpgIMG_0405 (resized).jpgIMG_0409 (resized).JPGIMG_0413 (resized).jpgIMG_0416 (resized).jpgIMG_0418 (resized).JPGIMG_0431 (resized).jpgIMG_0432 (resized).jpgQuoted from TrixTrix:25 gifts of Christmas update! Here are the amazing gifts from days 7 through 20. Secret Santa is amazingly generous and quite the detective. I have gotten an incredible haul of fun candy, treats and toys for the kitties, and many items that are very specific to my various other hobbies and throwbacks to some of my previous projects... Every gift has been so thoughtful and I really appreciate all the effort by my SS! A big shout out for day 15 and day 20. Those are extra special!
Wow!!! What an amazing collection of presents from your Pinside Secret Santa!! Bravo!!
Just want to say this whole
Endeavor is very cool. Please let me join next year, add me a list or I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Quoted from brobra:Just want to say this whole
Endeavor is very cool. Please let me join next year, add me a list or I’ll keep an eye out for it.
LesManley will post a sign-up link in this thread next October, so make sure you favorite this thread and watch for new posts.
Muahahahhahahahah!!!!!!
Well merry Xmas!
It snowed 3-4” and I was out snow blowing about 6-6:30am and mr usps delivered me the best gift yet!!!
I’ll open it after I eat breakfast with my wife and share the excitement
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image (resized).jpgI just received the most AMAZING gift from my Secret Santee and must show it off here. Next year, I'm driving an hour away to mail my gifts so the post mark is different! Actually, I was caught by some posts in other threads.
I can't thank you enough, Santa! My wife says it is better than anything else I'm getting this year.
Secret Santa strikes AGAIN!
Thanks so much for the mods for my AFM and I was specifically eyeballing the action button one for my new JP Premium!
Loved this so much, I ordered something extra I hope my Secret Santee gets in time (Canada Post says December 24th so fingers crossed)!
Thanks again LesManley for organizing this!
Happy holidays all!
IMG_20201221_105448 (resized).jpg
Ottawa, ON
Quoted from undrdog:I just received the most AMAZING gift from my Secret Santee and must show it off here. Next year, I'm driving an hour away to mail my gifts so the post mark is different! Actually, I was caught by some posts in other threads.
I can't thank you enough, Santa! My wife says it is better than anything else I'm getting this year.
[quoted image][quoted image]
So cool..! A mini U
Quoted from undrdog:I just received the most AMAZING gift from my Secret Santee and must show it off here.
Amazing ! What a beautiful gift !
LTG : )
Quoted from undrdog:I just received the most AMAZING gift from my Secret Santee and must show it off here. Next year, I'm driving an hour away to mail my gifts so the post mark is different! Actually, I was caught by some posts in other threads.
I can't thank you enough, Santa! My wife says it is better than anything else I'm getting this year.
[quoted image][quoted image]
So awesome!!!! I love this thread and anxiously look at my porch every day when I get home.
Just so my secret santa know, I did receive my box. Since I told the kids (4.5 and 3 years old) that they couldn't open gifts early, neither can I. I will post pictures after Christmas
Second SS gift showed up and I'm still in awe. They must have known I was out of novis but never remember to add to any orders and always forget. Also an awesome tee shirt to go with it. Thanks again Santa.
20201221_151516 (resized).jpg20201221_151714 (resized).jpgQuoted from northerndude:Mine arrived today in the mail, just picked it up at the post office and I’m just at my desk at work staring.
I’ll open XMas day[quoted image]
That is an impressive sized pump!
Quoted from pacmanretro:That is an impressive sized pump!
That or he's assembling parts to build a Hercules sized Xenon.
Just got my Secret Santa gifts today, along with a nice letter (reminding me that I forgot to put one on the box I sent 
). So excited because I never get surprises, and now I have FIVE of them!
I'm saving four of them for Christmas but decided to open the small one that rattled. I thought it might be a keychain or something similar and was shocked to see it's two, five-hour play cards for St. Paul Tap or Hudson Tap, along with a couple of Tilt (in Minneapolis) commemorative tokens! I've never been to St. Paul Tap, but I've been to Hudson Tap - my daughter reminded me that's where she got the ball stuck in JP lol. I also work downtown St. Paul (when the office opens again), so this is awesome and really surprised me! Thanks, Secret Santa! It's hard to wait for Christmas but I like being surprised so I'm going to hold out. 
The wrapping paper is awesome and I wonder if that's a clue because I just bought AIQLE a couple weeks ago, or if it's just a coincidence...
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Edit: Just noticed my SS is from Denver... Hope their house wasn't too sad after Buffalo won this past weekend! #BillsMafia
Man I am loving this thread so much. This is pretty much the only Christmas I am having this year. I won't be seeing any of my family or exchanging any gifts other than this little corner of the internet called pinside. I love seeing all the great gifts and fun people are having. Seeing everyone enjoying their gifts and the spirit of giving here just is really warming my heart. I don't mean to get too sappy, its just getting really close to Christmas and this thread is really making a rather empty holiday for me still feel nice. Thank you so much LesManly for organizing this and for everyone that is participating!
Quoted from northerndude:Mine arrived today in the mail, just picked it up at the post office and I’m just at my desk at work staring.
I’ll open XMas day[quoted image]
#PoleDancingLessons
My wife just alerted me that my secret gifts arrived, so I had to immediately open them. No waiting here.
Thank you so much to my secret santa!!! I love the gifts. Every single thing you sent will definitely get used. I love the art to hang, and I love playing tiger handheld fans. You really nailed me.
We already opened the pretzels and they are delicious. We have never heard of these but will be ordering more on the future. They have a great seasoning on them, even the kids love them!
Thank you so much again, you picked great presents!
20201221_155159 (resized).jpgQuoted from northerndude:Mine arrived today in the mail, just picked it up at the post office and I’m just at my desk at work staring.
I’ll open XMas day[quoted image]
bunch of Chinchillas stacked end to end...
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