(Topic ID: 281702)
Quoted from balt:I'm gonna need a bigger game room! Thank you very much for the awesome vinyl banner Secret Santa! Brian Allen's art rocks, so I'm loving this Williams Mashup. Very Merry Christmas!
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Wow that is so cool!
Plainfield, IL
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Opened my gifts tonight. Very cool metal sign, a sexy fox, a sleek sleeve of balls, delicious looking homemade Saskatoon Jam, yummy Advent Calendar and a bad ass skull shot set! Thank you very much to my Canadian Secret Santa, to all of the Pinsiders who make this fun, and to Les for making it all work to brighten our holidays. Definitely in again next year!
IMG_2434 (resized).jpgIMG_2435 (resized).jpgIMG_2436 (resized).jpgIMG_2437 (resized).jpgI posted a while back having received sixteen(!) individually wrapped packages from my Secret Santa. I've been opening them one a day (more or less) and dutifully taking photos, and it's time to share the goods. I was already blown away by the care and attention that went into the packaging, and the contents were even more impressive, as I think you’ll agree if you make it through all three of my posts ...
To start us off, as promised in the letter, the first six days were a dead giveaway as to my Secret Santa's hometown. They were also delicious!
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Here we've got days 7-12. An awesome pinball ornament, some classic Christmas socks, two sweet custom-made Ts with a few of my favorite themes (JD a long-sleeve, Fletch personalized with my name on the back), a set of classic Marx Bros DVDs, and quite a bundle of pinball stickers, patches, and magnets (a select few are pictured). We could have quit here and I'd have been a very happy Pinsider, but my Secret Santa was just getting started ...
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And now for the final four, packages 13-16. We start off with a sweet Star Wars LED night-light set (with interchangeable ships, the Falcon is picture). Then another unbelievable custom T of Walter as Santa -- I'll be rocking that tomorrow around the tree! Day 15 brought decals for the pingulps on each of my five games (the attention to detail on these is again something else, there are alternate designs for a few of them, and this was some solid Pinside stalking to find my past pingulp posts and figure I've got them installed). And then Day 16, with an incredibly generous $100 giftcard to Pinball Life.
My Secret Santa went so far above and beyond that I'm really at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you for all of the fun I've had opening these, and all the fun I'll have using them! I like to think I've been a pretty good Secret Santa myself the last few years, but you've encouraged me to up my game.
And Merry Christmas!
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Χαλκίδα
WoW
I opened my Gifts a bit ago....hey it's Christmas!
My SS knocked out of the park! Thank you so much for your generosity!
The box had so many surprises your stalking skills are on point!!!!
A F14 Tomcat Shirt! A Joe Burrow jersey Shirt!
A GNR not in this lifetime Tour Glass!!!
A tool kit, playfield Mill wax, giant bottle of wipes, cool pinball pin, a Bengals key, box of Ferraro Rocher(wife confiscated) and gift cards to Comet and Starbucks (wife confiscated Starbucks)
Again Thank you so much to @Lesmanley, and my secret Santa, you both Rock
IMG_20201224_204754 (resized).jpgIMG_20201224_204749 (resized).jpgQuoted from fosaisu:And now for the final four, packages 13-16. We start off with a sweet Star Wars LED night-light set (with interchangeable ships, the Falcon is picture). Then another unbelievable custom T of Walter as Santa -- I'll be rocking that tomorrow around the tree! Day 15 brought decals for the pingulps on each of my five games (the attention to detail on these is again something else, there are alternate designs for a few of them, and this was some solid Pinside stalking to find my past pingulp posts and figure I've got them installed). And then Day 16, with an incredibly generous $100 giftcard to Pinball Life.
My Secret Santa went so far above and beyond that I'm really at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you for all of the fun I've had opening these, and all the fun I'll have using them! I like to think I've been a pretty good Secret Santa myself the last few years, but you've encouraged me to up my game.
And Merry Christmas!
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Huh, are those decals and the santa shirt made with a Cricut machine? I just bought one for my wife last month and she keeps saying how she can now make a billion things - maybe it is true and she can if she learns how to use it!
Santa- you are awesome!
The hand drawn box art is sweet, but the contents- wow!
Thanks, I don't know what to say.
2 Pinshield mats
BOP keychain and circle plastics
Lit flipper button kit
"Caution Radioactive" target decals
Metallica metal logo (it's heavy!)
Wood grips for Shadow gun
Arcadeupkeep LED backbox lightboard kit
Sweet Toyz Unlimited pinball tshirt
Thank You!
20201225_074233 (resized).jpg20201225_074730 (resized).jpg20201225_074738 (resized).jpg20201225_074803 (resized).jpg20201225_074808 (resized).jpgMy wife and I were so excited to dig into the secret Santa gifts this morning! Pre coffee, pre our gifts to each other, pre waking the two year old kind of excited. Really appreciate my gifts this year; SS got me a giant signed perfectly creepy Alice Cooper photo and some sweet Spooky swag - It’s 28 degree here (really damn cold for Louisiana) and this new hat is already getting broken in! First adult beverage of the day is going into my new illuminated Spooky pint glass too. Big thanks to my Secret Santa this year! This was my second year in and has quickly become one of my families favorite traditions.
Unfortunately, I don’t think my Santee has gotten my gifts yet. Mailed it two day usps on the 16th and I don’t think it’s even left Louisiana yet according to the tracking #. Hopefully won’t be much longer...
Thanks LesManley, and Merry Christmas everyone!
02D43EBC-67B7-4D9F-AAD0-E3D851A7F5D8 (resized).jpegI have waited since the first or second week of December to open my SS gift and whomever you are, thank you so much! If you ever come to Pintastic New England & Game Room Expo I would certainly give you a hug and a beer! This literally felt like I was a kid again on Christmas morning. It's not your parents listening to what you want to get an idea. This is some random person on an internet forum but you share the love of pinball.
Just want to add one word of caution or suggestion for future Secret Santas. If you want to ship something that is "dangerous" then make sure it will be impossible for it to BECOME dangerous. The box cutters in the vacuum form packaging is impossible to become dangerous for example. The auto-knife I think is pretty cool and I will certainly use it (used it to open my presents) could be dangerous if I didn't know what it was or in the process of opening the present. I'm totally not bashing my Secret Santa because they totally nailed it. I'm just saying it's illegal in MA (what isn't fun to have that isn't illegal in MA) and I don't want to see any future SS folk get hurt.
Anyway I got some chocolate and a MASSIVE 5lb chocolate bar, omg! Some Comet LED's/lightstrips/keychain for my BSD, new leg levelers for it, a Dewalt 50pc screwdriver/ratchet set which is MUCH better than Harbor Freight, the auto-knife, Craftsman box cutter, a magnetic pan (can never have too many of those), Baby Yoda/Mandolorian PEZ dispenser, a Stern sweater/t-shirt, and some stickers. One of them is from St. Regis, Montana which looks like a wonderful place to vacation in or live. Again thank you so much to LesManley and to my Secret Santa!
IMG_20201225_083443 (resized).jpgIMG_20201225_085058 (resized).jpgIMG_20201225_085108 (resized).jpgIMG_20201225_085112 (resized).jpgThanks SS...cool Stern LE 3D print and some other interesting gifts. Not sure about the Guy Fieri pin? 
Merry Xmas to everyone.
E86309AF-26A1-4A6D-9E80-3A8C1D22439A (resized).jpeg0DFB9B19-6C2E-4AF1-A803-80CFA4623262 (resized).jpeg3825B516-F6C0-4D5F-84A3-2E1DF6322864 (resized).jpegHO HO HO!!!! MEEEEEEERY PINMAS!
Secret Santa threw on the shades, kicked in the front door and said, "Yo Hog - You into pinball? You think you know what's what, whippersnapper? You know the history of one of the greatest pin-artists of all time? Sink your teeth into THESE!!!"
And there, nicely rolled in the tube, are two kick ass SIGNED PRINTS from the one, the Only, the MASTER - GREG FRERES!!!!
Fathom is going to look so awesome hung up next to my POTC. Love the art in that game! Very cool!
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I've never played Dark Pyramid, but hot damn, the art looks incredible! Can't wait to play it!
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Would love to work with Greg some day on a game. Him and I didn't quite cross paths during the development of WoZ, but I hope it's not the only time a game has both our names in the design team!
Thank you Santa! Thank you LesManley for organizing everything! And if you haven't listened to John on the Super Awesome Pinball Show, give it a listen! Talks about this wonderful thing he does for all of us every year!
Merry Christmas everyone!
I opened my Tito’s box to find Many gifts inside! Thank you secret Santa!
But now I realize I must have been naughty this year , he wants me to wait till Easter!
Now what do I do? I thought I’ve been very patient so far, but I’ll Have to see how this pans out!
No promises!
150B90FB-04C5-4547-807D-1E112EA9D84B (resized).jpegMy SS nailed it this year!!! I always wait until after the kids open their presents so I can relish the gift opening without any distractions (kids are busy playing with their goodies!!). These gifts will go perfect in the barcade and have already found a home on my bar top! Love the drop target stickers for my blackout, the ones in my pin we’re getting worn! Thanks SS!!! Thanks Les for keeping the tradition alive!!
A08064F2-9FC0-4C72-BD74-40EB45E2BC65 (resized).jpegCD97A190-0ACA-452A-86BA-906DC17204B0 (resized).jpegMy SS knocked it out of the park. Food items from their home State, game room poster, magnet, book on bourbons, t shit, pinball themed masks. And I'm a gadget guy so love the Roto Wipe!
Thank you very much and Merry Christmas everyone!
IMG_20201225_095106399 (resized).jpgIMG_20201225_095121665 (resized).jpgI finally got to crack open the crate that showed up awhile ago. I made sure to charge the cordless drill last night for my first ever crate opening so I didn't have to do all those screws by hand...but I would have done it manually if I had to. I had no idea what was in the crate and turns out I never could have guessed what it was. My last game I picked up was a Stern JP Pro. Would have loved the premium, but the Pro popped up at a great price and I couldn't resist. Seems these days I am really gravitating towards games from Elwin and a certain Pinsider named @hogbog. 
The new designers on the scene are killing it IMHO.
So, I have the JP Pro and I am super happy with it. Haven't done too much with it, I have art blades to install still, etc. I open the crate this morning and what do I find? JP Premium art, but not the translite that comes on a Stern JP Premium...this is a real back glass?!?! The JP Pro translite was easily my least favorite art on the game, so I have already happily swapped that out for the Premium back glass and it looks awesome! And it fits right in with my other Elwin game Iron Maiden which is a Pro, but I liked the Premium art more, so my Pro has a Premium translite in it. Then to top if off, two additional smaller sized Creature and TZ back glasses. I am going to have to see if anyone makes a light box for smaller back glasses like this, cause they look sweet lit up.
Thank you again SS for the thoughtful gifts. I never could have thought to ask for them since I didn't even know such things existed! These will be proudly displayed in the game room! Merry Christmas everyone!
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PXL_20201225_203244671 (resized).jpgMy Secret Santa has officially thrown down the gauntlet! Look at this haul!
It’s enough playfield polishing paraphernalia to launch my own business!
Santa’s elves must have passed on some intelligence that I like to lavish attention on my playfields.
Good sleuthing!
Toss in a drill of my own and I am equipped! Look out, Kruzman!
Thank you, Secret Santa 2020!
Secret.Santa.with.Face (resized).jpgI love my gifts! Thank you secret Santa!
Houdini t-shirt, Houdini shooter plate mod, Stern JP mask, pincup, and a color changing arcade coin reject decor light!
P.S. full disclosure: I have already worn the t-shirt and mask the other day when Christmas shopping. I had to represent!! Lol!
20201225_101341_HDR~2 (resized).jpg20201225_101725~2 (resized).jpgWoohoo Secret Santa!! Amazing artwork from Dirty Donny is going up in the game room!! And a super nice note to go with it. Truly appreciate it. Thank you thank you thank you and Merry Christmas all!!
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Kingston, ON
Quoted from Pintor:My SS nailed it this year!!! I always wait until after the kids open their presents so I can relish the gift opening without any distractions (kids are busy playing with their goodies!!). These gifts will go perfect in the barcade and have already found a home on my bar top! Love the drop target stickers for my blackout, the ones in my pin we’re getting worn! Thanks SS!!! Thanks Les for keeping the tradition alive!!
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What is that metal dragon from? That looks cool. And I love the original Ghostbusters cartoon animation cell on the wall. I've got one of those too. Funny enough I actually got it from the arcade game forums secret Santa program a few years ago. 
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Merry Christmas to all . I hope everybody is enjoying their day with family. Thanks again to Les for doing this .
Quoted from LesManley:What is that metal dragon from? That looks cool. And I love the original Ghostbusters cartoon animation cell on the wall. I've got one of those too. Funny enough I actually got it from the arcade game forums secret Santa program a few years ago.
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I feel like I’ve see this dragon somewhere too I just can’t put my finger on it. I love it cause it’s steampunk themed and it’s a dragon!
I love that ghostbusters cell too. I think it’s awesome that you can still find those. They make great gameroom art.
Quoted from Percula:Merry Christmas to all . I hope everybody is enjoying their day with family. Thanks again to Les for doing this .
1000x this.
Thanks to everyone who has participated and everyone who has yet to post pics of their gifts.
Best Thread of the Year. All credit owed to Les.
Merry Christmas..just opened up my packaged and I got this beautiful frame that’s gonna go well with my lego Statue of Liberty
I got to this country when I was 10 years old and I been very blessed by the great opportunities this country has given me and my family
Thanks again to Les and my Secret Santa
55978D93-692A-431A-8E44-04E6DF3C9586 (resized).jpegI'll be opening my gift live on stream tonight if anyone would like to join the fun. It's also Pinball & a Movie night. We'll be watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and playing EHoH. I also will be doing a few giveaways. Feel free to bring some popcorn. www.twitch.tv/pridepinball
IMG_20201225_111509_107 (resized).jpgWow my SS really figured me out it’s like he must know me personally or something. We love all the gifts, I’m sure you know where I’ll be hanging all my new signs. Also there was a hint that more is coming man SS you already out did your self. As for my other gifts let’s both light up at 420. Cheers and merry Christmas.
09DFB649-41BB-42D7-A6DC-DCA7C449022F (resized).jpegF3E40B20-E37B-44AC-BE85-09C893015ABE (resized).jpegThank you SS! I received a wonderful marvel shirt, norvus which I really need for my potc that I’m cleaning today. And plastic protectors for my upcoming AIQ once it’s built. These are great, I was on the fence about getting some of these. Glad I waited to purchase. Thank you again and Merry Christmas
5989FF49-6C78-4C60-B5AF-1E015D20FE47 (resized).jpeg5BCF139D-3164-4ADA-8122-63E237ECFF1C (resized).jpegChristmas Day, so I can finally get at those packages that have been calling to me for the last week! (more or less)
CHOCOLATE! One can never have too much chocolate in their life!
BOOK! I'm a reader, how did my Secret Santa figure that one out? And even for someone who is old enough to have lived through the eras covered here, (yeah, I'm ancient...) it it nice to see other's views of the times and games.
GAME! Now that's cool! Have played "Spy Hunter" on and off for close to forever! And I don't have to schlep cabinets around to fit this one in!
PROJECT?!? When in doubt, science the heck out of it! Or is this a hint that I need to stop mumbling about games that I would like to build, and just get down to it? The grandkids went a bit nutz when they saw this, so I decided to re-gift it to my son (their dad) so they could make a family fun learning project out of it! And it will stop them from trying to run off with the "Spy Hunter" when I"m not looking!
All very cool! Well done Secret Santa, and thank you!
Quoted from Hogbog:HO HO HO!!!! MEEEEEEERY PINMAS!
Secret Santa threw on the shades, kicked in the front door and said, "Yo Hog - You into pinball? You think you know what's what, whippersnapper? You know the history of one of the greatest pin-artists of all time? Sink your teeth into THESE!!!"
And there, nicely rolled in the tube, are two kick ass SIGNED PRINTS from the one, the Only, the MASTER - GREG FRERES!!!!
Fathom is going to look so awesome hung up next to my POTC. Love the art in that game! Very cool!
[quoted image]
I've never played Dark Pyramid, but hot damn, the art looks incredible! Can't wait to play it!
[quoted image]
Would love to work with Greg some day on a game. Him and I didn't quite cross paths during the development of WoZ, but I hope it's not the only time a game has both our names in the design team!
Thank you Santa! Thank you lesmanley for organizing everything! And if you haven't listened to John on the Super Awesome Pinball Show, give it a listen! Talks about this wonderful thing he does for all of us every year!
Beautiful, beautiful unique pieces of art! Signed! Wow, that Fathom, but Dark Pyramid is something else! 
Have a merry Christmas all! What a great thing watching you open up all those great gifts!!
TKS again @LesManley, this turned out fantastic!
Quoted from Arcade:Thanks to my Secret Santa [quoted image]
My wife gave me that arcade sign four years ago. Just came up in my Facebook memories. It's nice, I like it.
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Prada opened her presents with a little help.
She asked me to post a picture before she has at them. And give a big thank you to all of here Secret Santas !
She is so excited. A purple dinosaur, lots and lots of dog treats and bully sticks. And her very own Chinchilla.
Rumor has it there is one more in one of my boxes that she has to wait on.
Thank you for making her Christmas so special this year. This really helps with the lack of attention her fans used to give her daily.
LTG : )
Disclaimer : I tried doing the Amazon thank yous but it wouldn't let me log in to do them. I want you to know thank you and I appreciate all you did for Prada.
DSC00437 (resized).JPGReply
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