Secret Quonsar thank you thread (2017) November 16, 2017 4:34 PM   Subscribe

This is the official Secret Quonsar thank you thread.
posted by epj to MetaFilter Gatherings at 4:34 PM (635 comments total) 58 users marked this as a favorite

JiffyQ, thank you so much for your thoughtful gift! I am already fidgeting away with the fidget toy; later this month, I will make my spouse cook for me out of my fabulous new cookbook! Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by epj at 4:40 PM on November 16, 2017 [2 favorites]


I asked for local food and drinks, plus biology stuff and The otter lady knocked it out of the park! I got an amazing assortment of hyper-local (specific to her island) alcohols, spices, foods, shells, and even a blown bird egg which somehow survived the US Postal Service. Best of all, she somehow guessed that decorative poultry was the perfect item for me to display in order to beautify my home while simultaneously annoying my partner. Sincere thanks from both of us. Best Quonsmas Ever!
posted by agentofselection at 8:11 PM on November 16, 2017 [12 favorites]


Yay! I am glad it all got there safely! :) I had to LIE AND BREAK THE LAW to send it-- USPS doesn't want to ship alcohol or tobacco via Priority-- so I told the counter guy it was "herbal medicines and seashells" :) CLOSE ENOUGH! Happy Quonsmas!
posted by The otter lady at 9:46 PM on November 16, 2017 [17 favorites]


Oh come on! Give the rest of us a chance to even think of a present.
posted by biffa at 12:46 AM on November 17, 2017 [33 favorites]


I'm with biffa on this one. I mean, I've only just begun to form the barest rudiments of an idea, and today I came home to some very nice looking jasmine tea and some absolutely gorgeous playing cards ("inspired by Hong Kong's eccentric cuisine") from mdonley! The cards are perfect for the flight Mrs. Ghidorah and I'll be taking on Monday, which is awesome because we'll have beautiful cards to play games with on the flight, yet terrible because I haven't really even processed that quonsmas is nigh.

Thanks, mdonley, for keeping my personal streak of quonsmas gifts arriving just when I need them most. It's uncanny, every year on some horrible lousy day that makes me think "what am I even doing?" I come home to be filled with the spirit of quonsmasity. Thanks again, this is great!
posted by Ghidorah at 6:05 AM on November 17, 2017 [9 favorites]


I love these threads so much and I am looking forward to many happy weeks of this! Yay Quonsmas!
posted by mochapickle at 6:28 AM on November 17, 2017 [9 favorites]


Woo! Ghidorah, you initially had me Googling artisanal sausagemakers here until I realised that where you live may not appreciate posted-in meats! And then I happened across the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's DesignGallery that stocks all kinds of great HK-only things and I knew I'd found the perfect place to shop. There was a post office over the road and it all came together in just a few minutes! I'm so pleased you'll be able to use the cards (beware: our food is weeeeeeird sometimes) and I wish you and all the Ghidorahns a joyous Quonsmas! *confetti*
posted by mdonley at 7:32 AM on November 17, 2017 [6 favorites]


mdonley, I remember that was the very first thing I started googling the year I had Ghidorah as a secret quonsar too! My local artisan meat scene was really taking off that year so I was kind of excited about the possibilities. Then I looked at postal restrictions on sending meat and.... started over.
posted by Secretariat at 8:41 AM on November 17, 2017 [4 favorites]


My package is in the mail! The one I got for my Quonsee, I mean. I got an awesome Quonsmas gift last year, so the Quonsmas gods decided I should return the favor and when names were drawn, I drew the person who Quonsed me last year. Another Quonsmas miracle!
posted by mudpuppie at 11:23 AM on November 17, 2017 [14 favorites]


My Quonsmas package came last night! It included three (3!) awesome gifts:
--A little LED light for my dog's collar. This is super helpful because he has dark fur and loves spending time loitering around our yard on frigid Colorado evenings, and it's disconcerting when I look out my window and can't see him.
--An extremely cool looking tabletop game called "Welcome to the Dungeon"
--An assortment of ground Mexican chocolate in a variety of enticing flavors! I had never heard of, let alone tried, ground chocolate before and it turns out I love it. Hooray!

Thanks, secret quonsar, whoever you are!
posted by zeusianfog at 12:32 PM on November 17, 2017 [7 favorites]


zeusianfog, that was me! Glad you liked everything! I may have to try that chocolate for myself...
posted by cozenedindigo at 12:46 PM on November 17, 2017 [2 favorites]


I got my first Quonsmas gift today! Thank you secret quonsar, for my Cards against Humanity Geek and Fantasy packs! ("Ser Jorah Mormont's cerulean-blue balls" is my favorite card so far!) It's perfect!
posted by culfinglin at 1:53 PM on November 17, 2017 [4 favorites]


And my second Quonsmas gift just arrived! Thank you for the Treehugger soy candle! The name made me laugh out loud, and I love the way it smells, so woodsy and warm. It's on my desk right now! YAY! My partner's going to tease me mercilessly for having a "treehugger" candle because he calls me a dirty hippie all the time, it's so perfect!
posted by culfinglin at 2:31 PM on November 17, 2017 [3 favorites]


Did I miss Quonsmas? Is it too late??
posted by bunderful at 9:40 PM on November 17, 2017


Can we have Second Quonsmas for the people who missed it and those of us who wanna go again?
posted by The otter lady at 10:11 PM on November 17, 2017 [1 favorite]


[Sadly, it is too late. We're not doing a post-swap swap this year - and even if we had, we would have closed it on Tuesday at the latest. Also there's only 1 quonsar per Mefite per year.]
posted by julen at 10:17 AM on November 18, 2017


[I know some people have set up a recurring calendar item for the second or fifth day of November every year to check to see if signups are open - they usually open up on November 1 and close on the 9th or 10th, so you can plan accordingly for future years. ]
posted by julen at 11:21 AM on November 18, 2017 [2 favorites]


Oh my goodness, miles per flower brightened up a tough day so much with a delicious selection of artisinal halvah (picture taken ~30 seconds after it entered my apartment, no shame). I didn't even realize halvah came in more flavors than chocolate and vanilla and I am so delighted to have learned that (there was pistachio, y'all!). They couldn't have known this but I associate halvah with some really treasured memories of my grandparents and I'm so happy to be able to add this one to that mix.

I was also delighted to see that my gift was wrapped in a subway map from my heart's home, NYC. I miss it so much and I low-key hate New Yorkers out of jealousy but also it is wonderful and perfect and lovely to get a box from there. I will definitely be seeking out Seed + Mill on my next visit.

Also I'm sorry for taking several days to post this. It took me that long to get my picture and self and brain in the same place at the same time. It has been extremely enjoyed in the meantime!
posted by mosst at 3:52 PM on November 18, 2017 [8 favorites]


Hooray, mosst! I'm delighted the halvah struck a nice chord for you! (I love that stuff.) A key part of the gift I can now safely point out is all the halvah-related puns that I did not include with the halvah itself. Many groaners avoided. It was a close thing. Cheers, & Happy Quonsmas!
posted by miles per flower at 8:42 PM on November 18, 2017 [8 favorites]


Juso No Thankyou, yayyyyy! Thank you for the delightful Japanese tea and tea-flavored chocolate! What is better than getting an international package, I ask you?
QUONSMAS IS REAL!
posted by Lawn Beaver at 9:45 AM on November 20, 2017 [4 favorites]


Rozaine! You lovely quonsar - thank you so much for the delicious sounding teas and the ingenious tea making contraption! They will both be coming to work with me tomorrow and I can't wait to try them out.
posted by halcyonday at 12:27 PM on November 20, 2017 [3 favorites]


I just sent off an SQ package, and then a reveleatory MeMail, to my Quonsee. It's her first year, so I hope I am upholding the tradition in the way it deserves!

(Also, I got a meMail from fig, my own Quonsar, and I am as excited as a puppy to get home and see what's in my mail box from her!)
posted by wenestvedt at 12:51 PM on November 20, 2017 [4 favorites]


Package sent! Whee!
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:09 PM on November 20, 2017 [1 favorite]


My package is ready to go. Am I supposed to send a memail to my quonsee? And say what, that the package is on its way? Isn't that sort of damping the surprise?
posted by MovableBookLady at 1:29 PM on November 20, 2017 [1 favorite]


I sent the memail to wenestvedt (prematurely, because calendars are hard and I thought today was 11/21 and it is not), because I shipped his gifts directly from the suppliers, and wanted to avoid confusion when he got a random package of (surprise gift!) without any explanatory note, and even perhaps a packing slip with the buyer's info on it. It is spoilery, but I am a person who generally dislikes surprises, so ..
posted by Fig at 1:35 PM on November 20, 2017 [4 favorites]


I generally post in one of the SQ threads when I've sent out my package. If there are any delays, I'll either post about it in the thread, or send one of our mods a note, or both. I've never contacted my Quonsee directly before they've received the package, but I hate spoilers, so...
posted by MsVader at 1:39 PM on November 20, 2017 [4 favorites]


My package is ready to go. Am I supposed to send a memail to my quonsee? And say what, that the package is on its way? Isn't that sort of damping the surprise?

There are a thousand ways to quonsar (although #849 is NOT recommended). Memail ahead of time isn't common but it's not rare, either. It all comes down to logistics and comfort. Feel free to just send the package and try not to obsessively track it!
posted by julen at 2:37 PM on November 20, 2017 [6 favorites]


Good lord, the end of November crept up on me fast! I didn't realize people were already sending their secret qounsar gifts out! I thought I'd drop a note here that I'll be out of town for Thanksgiving from Wednesday to Sunday, so I won't be checking mail those days. So if my quonsar is one of the early birds getting gifts out pre-Thanksgiving, I promise I'm not ungrateful! I'm just not at home to get it just yet.

I'll likely be sending my quonsee their package tomorrow or Wednesday, and it's been so much fun putting it together!
posted by yasaman at 4:51 PM on November 20, 2017 [1 favorite]


OHMYGOSH.

Dearest Quonsmas friend Becca AKA brilliantine,

I got home from a long but untaxing day in which I worked, and then went and bought my mother's Christmas gift and then promptly lied to her about not having it, and found a gift for my partner as well. Then I dealt with the shitshow that was the local Kroger because EVERYONE needed ALL THE THINGS NOW PLEASE AND GET OUT OF MY WAY AND PARK QUICKER and I should have bought the stuff to make green bean casserole weeks ago. BUT I DIGRESS.

I got home and there on my stoop was a little Amazon box and I figured it was something I ordered a week ago but upon further inspection it was MY QUONSMAS GIFT AND I AM SO EXCITED. I like Quonsmas better than actual Christmas because it's so random.

You NAILED IT.

The caramels remind me so much of my mothers except I didn't wrap thousands of yours over the years and she never put bourbon in hers. The Dizzy Pig rub is one I've been meaning to try forever, and the granola looks super tasty.

Your little ghost hunter dude that you were so kind to gift me will promptly go on my desk tomorrow (unless I forget it), and he will make a handsome addition to a desk I haven't really had time to customize since taking earlier this year.

May you have a wonderful Quonsmas yourself, and for each and all, here's the haul!
posted by deezil at 6:12 PM on November 20, 2017 [7 favorites]


Oh wow, Quonsar! I finished my primary Quonsee item today and then came home to find a package addressed to me. What joy! I'm going to be a stickler and wait to open it, but wanted to let you know it made it safe and sound and will be first under the tree when it goes up in a week or so.
posted by miratime at 6:14 PM on November 20, 2017 [1 favorite]


I received my package from a most fantastic quonsar today! (I have an actual first name, but no MeFi name, so I am sorry that I cannot thank you personally.)

I got some really nice looking tea in a beautiful tin (I haven't had any yet, but will do tomorrow, and I am looking forward to it). My dog *looooves* the toy. I tried to take some pictures, but they looked a little dodgy considering the shape of said toy (it looks like Olive raided someone's dildo stash, which is amazing). It is her new favorite for fetch and she drops it consistently, which is a big improvement over her "no take, only throw" mentality with tennis balls. Also, I am really looking forward to settling down with Gun, with Occasional Music when I have a free afternoon. It looks so far up my street that I don't understand how I haven't read it before, but I haven't. Yay!

And the Escher anxiety gators were the perfect finishing touch. Thank you so much!
posted by minsies at 6:21 PM on November 20, 2017 [3 favorites]


Poking my head in to remind folks that WE LOVE IT WHEN YOU LINK TO PHOTOS in this thread!
posted by bookmammal at 8:36 PM on November 20, 2017 [10 favorites]


miratime: I'm going to be a stickler and wait to open it,

Wait for what? It's Quonsmas when you want it to be.

julen: There are a thousand ways to quonsar (although #849 is NOT recommended).

Oh great. NOW you tell us.
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:43 AM on November 21, 2017 [3 favorites]


Ingenious teamaking contraption in action on my desk at work. :D This will be very handy for making a dent in the loose leaf tea stash!
posted by halcyonday at 2:42 AM on November 21, 2017 [6 favorites]


I'm so glad you liked it halcyonday! And thank you for posting the picture of it here, it made my day :D
posted by rozaine at 4:40 AM on November 21, 2017 [3 favorites]


minsies! It was me! So happy you liked everything (especially the book, it's one of my favorites and we like so much of the same stuff I was amazed not to see it in your goodreads list), and I will never look at my dog's squeaky stick the same way again (he sadly is in the "no take, only throw" club with all toys).
posted by snaw at 7:24 AM on November 21, 2017 [2 favorites]


I'm going to the post office to drop off my gift today. As a first time Quonser, I'm sooo hoping my Quonsee likes her gift. I feel like if she doesn't already have it, she will love and use it - but what if she already has one?? I made sure that she can exchange it locally easily, just in case, but I feel like that would be such a let-down... *breathes deeply, shakes it off*

Either way, I'm really excited to finally be participating, and I can't wait to get wenestvedt's gift - thank you in advance! To all those lurkers out there like me, take the plunge and do it next year!
posted by widdershins at 8:32 AM on November 21, 2017 [4 favorites]


Thank you, snaw! You made my week.
posted by minsies at 8:40 AM on November 21, 2017 [2 favorites]


Yay I am at the post office *right now* and I'm so excited. I love Quonsmas!
posted by ChuraChura at 11:14 AM on November 21, 2017 [4 favorites]


I never Quons myself, but this annual thread always makes me think of one of the best Quonsar thank yous, anitanola's legacy.
Forever grateful for MeFi, during Quonsmas and all year round
posted by TravellingCari at 1:45 PM on November 21, 2017 [15 favorites]


Package shipped today!
posted by thomas j wise at 5:15 PM on November 21, 2017 [1 favorite]


OH MAN, OH MAN I JUST GOT A SACK OF FANCY-PANTS COFFEE FROM fig AND IT SMELLS SO GOOD!!!

So I have this local guy who roasts coffee, and I am semi-totally faithful to him. I buy like two or three bags of cheap-ass coffee (usually at Target, including, this week, some actual Target-brand coffee (which was just fiiiine for cold press)), and then go buy a bag of Rik's awesome coffee. So I often look at other premium coffee with lust in my heart on those one-in-three shopping trips, but then I snap back to fidelity and don't try them.

As a result, I have seen Intelligentsia coffee SO MANY times, but never dared try it. (Because of Rik, of course.)

But Rik doesn't have to know about this lovely, red bag. This bag will be my secret -- OUR secret -- a flavorful, lively secret that teaches me new things and shows me whole new worlds of....

*ahem*

*fans self*

So, uh, thanks for the coffee, fig. It'll be a late night tonight (driving an hour to pick up my out-of-town niece who's hanging out with us for the holiday weekend), and this will sure come in handy.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:54 PM on November 21, 2017 [6 favorites]


I got my very first quonsar gift off in the msil today but I did not send all the bounty of things other people seem to be sending. Hope the petdon who gets it is pleased anyway.
posted by Bella Donna at 6:38 PM on November 21, 2017 [8 favorites]


They will be! You are a person from the internet sending a present! That is the coolest! SQ isn't about making off with a bounty, it's about sharing something kind and thoughtful and fun. Don't worry!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:59 PM on November 21, 2017 [25 favorites]


Bella Donna, don't you worry about your gift: I'm sure it's wonderful because every Quonsar gift is wonderful. Some of us are just a bit more...demonstrative...than others. :7)

Anyone who is displeased by their SQ gift gets a banjo the next year, because it's way worse than coal in their stocking.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:00 PM on November 21, 2017 [5 favorites]


You are very welcome, wenestvedt! Enjoy! ☕
posted by Fig at 2:15 AM on November 22, 2017 [4 favorites]


Package sent! Quonsee, you are across an international border so it may arrive a little later than others but hopefully not!
posted by curious nu at 8:19 AM on November 22, 2017


Thank you, maurice! I was grumpily sitting at home coding some data and noticed the mail truck pull up and my mail carrier put a padded envelope into the box. "Could it be from my Secret Quonsar??" And it was!

The robot-holding-a-cupcake-and-balloon necklace is adorable, as is the little picture frame! Thanks again!

(I'm also very glad I shipped my gift yesterday so I could feel not guilty about getting mine so quickly)
posted by damayanti at 11:16 AM on November 22, 2017 [5 favorites]


I got my gift, nicely wrapped, gift today and it's fantastic! My Quonsar got me the game Dixit, which I have tried and like, but did not already have. I'm really looking forward to playing and I have people coming over tomorrow for food and games so it'll be perfect!

Thank you so much ❤️ Also my cat is jumping in and out of the box the gift came in so he's happy too.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 11:27 AM on November 22, 2017 [6 favorites]


LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco - Thank you for the most perfect first quonsmas gift anyone could ask for!

The Wende Museum postcard is hanging out with my Belka & Strelka postcard, my dog is going to be so psyched about the (excellently themed) toys and the amazing treats (he has a really sensitive stomach and I think the ones you got are going to be a-ok for him to eat!) when he gets back from his Thanksgiving exile at boarding, and, omg, the candy!! You pulled a quonsee who will eat brown sugar from the box, so it's perfect for me and I can't believe I've never had it before.

Plus, you did such a cute job wrapping everything! Thank you so much!

I am sad that I didn't know about the Wende museum when I was in LA a couple months ago, but I guess that's something to look forward to for next time. So, you've given me the gift of something fun to anticipate too!
posted by snaw at 11:45 AM on November 22, 2017 [4 favorites]


grump grump I went all the way to the Post Office only to find I'd left the package at home. Had several other errands so didn't have time to go back home to get it and return to the PO. Now it'll have to be Monday to send it off. But, I console myself, I'm still within the deadline.
posted by MovableBookLady at 3:02 PM on November 22, 2017 [1 favorite]


snaw, I'm so glad you liked the presents! I had fun picking them out. If you want to post a picture of your dog with his new interstellar friends once he gets back from his spa weekend at the boarders, I'd love to see it. I'm glad the Mexican candy was something new and yummy for you! The Wende Museum of the Cold War just opened in its new building this past weekend, so it wouldn't have been on your radar earlier this year. I don't believe you already had a postcard of Soviet space dogs. Small world, small universe!
posted by LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco at 12:13 AM on November 23, 2017 [4 favorites]


I received a giant bundle of food storage containers (which I've already put to good use storing stock and other frozen food prep things) as well as a lovely cookbook by Donna Hay, whose work I've long admired but which I've never owned. Such a treat! Thanks, oh mystery Quonsar.

Also, I just ordered the gift for my Quonsee and it should arrive by the end of next week. Hooray for Quonsmas!
posted by katie at 8:52 AM on November 24, 2017 [2 favorites]


I came home from a beer tasting to see the mailman just up the street. I'd barely settled in when he rang the doorbell and the dog did a somersault racing across the vinyl flooring in an attempt to beat me to the door. There was a box. A heavy box. From a name I didn't recognize and a Florida address. Could it be, I wondered. Was it Quonsmas already?

And it was!

With impeccable timing, PearlRose delivered the perfect gift along with a delightful letter. Two six packs of Florida beer just in time for the Quonsmas season. Thank you! Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by maurice at 11:50 AM on November 24, 2017 [9 favorites]


Nine week old baby and I made it to the post office today. She had her first public meltdown, presumably when she realized she isn’t old enough to participate in SQ. Was thrilled to get my package in the mail.
posted by CMcG at 12:10 PM on November 24, 2017 [9 favorites]


brilliantmistake -- Thank you so much for the amazing gift, and for it coming so quickly! (: I received the most beautiful pair of earrings and a lovely art postcard. Am really appreciating your eye for beauty! It was exactly what I wanted for Quonsmas.

Here's wishing you a very happy holidays as well (:

Cheers also to julen for organising my swap! (:
posted by rozaine at 1:08 PM on November 24, 2017 [2 favorites]


Dear MR YAK , as I returned home this afternoon from a partially successful Secret Quonsar Shopping expedition, I was delighted to find a sturdy, heavy box propped against my door. Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift(s). Clearly you took the time to read thru my profile and "viewed my activity." Well played, sir! I am enjoying a steaming hot mug of peppermint-cinnamon tea as I write this. And tonight I shall especially enjoy reading Allie Brosh's book. Thank you again, you have made my first Quonsmas quite special. [insert virtual hug here]
posted by pjsky at 2:54 PM on November 24, 2017 [4 favorites]


Finally sent off my SQ gifts. They should be delivered Tuesday; I hope they go over well!
posted by Superplin at 4:17 PM on November 24, 2017 [1 favorite]


My quonsee should get their main gift on Monday via Amazon. A smaller, more personal gift should arrive directly from me in a week or so. I really hope you like it!!
posted by Room 641-A at 4:21 PM on November 24, 2017 [1 favorite]


Mailed my quonsar gift, look at me pretending to have everything under control!
posted by sweetmarie at 4:42 PM on November 24, 2017 [4 favorites]


I am enjoying a steaming hot mug of peppermint-cinnamon tea as I write this.
Peppermint-cinnamon tea?! Is this a thing? It sounds confusing, but intriguing!
posted by Secretariat at 8:09 PM on November 24, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! My Quonsmas package has arrived!

I'm a bit worried, because in spite of the FRAGILE stamps, the post office has bashed in one edge of the box, but it seems OK otherwise...

Unless my quonser tells me otherwise, I plan to wait to open my gift until (a) my spouse's package also arrives (she's a first timer!) and (b) we both get our packages wrapped and sent out in the mail. Quonsmas ahoy!
posted by RedOrGreen at 9:53 AM on November 25, 2017 [3 favorites]


My gift is amazing! A cute, durable, crinkly bouquet for my baby dog! Thank you secret Quonsar; please reveal yourself! Jamie says “thank you” too!
posted by bookworm4125 at 10:21 AM on November 25, 2017 [3 favorites]


PearlRose delivered the perfect gift

Wooho!! Awesome! Pearlrose, how did you manage to send that via Priority? I was dubious about the "no alcohol or tobacco" thing myself, because I recently completed Post Office Boot Camp myself and I didn't recall that being part of the regulations, but the clerk at one office seemed pretty adamant.
posted by The otter lady at 11:53 AM on November 25, 2017


Thanks veggieboy for the lovely and serendipitous gift! I received two signed cookbooks!

I love using my cast iron skillets (I have three of various sizes) but find that I don't use them for a huge variety of stuff. Yet this week I have made a chocolate cake [1, 2] (I confess, I added strong coffee instead of water) and buttered rice* in the skillet. The kids and I thought it was all yummy :)

*When I was a kid, I often had 'burned rice' before my parents replaced their old thick-bottomed metal pot with an electric rice cooker. I use a rice cooker too, and never thought of cooking rice in the skillet to achieve the 'burned' effect. I didn't brown it too much because my kids were trying it, but they loved it and are all for more crispiness next time. Thanks so much for the idea!

And for the serendipitous part...I do not have a waffle iron BUT have been...er, waffling, on getting one. There's just too. many. options. But now I have a cookbook that essentially makes the waffle iron a multitasker, which inspires me even more to invest in one.

veggieboy, THANK YOU! My first quonsmas is awesome :)
posted by methroach at 1:17 PM on November 25, 2017 [6 favorites]


Oh and please reveal yourself so I can thank you!
posted by bookworm4125 at 2:57 PM on November 25, 2017 [1 favorite]


YAY package to my quonsee is in the mail YAY
posted by mostly vowels at 3:06 PM on November 25, 2017


I have been well and thoroughly Quonsed!

Thank you so much mudpuppie!!!

...I drew the person who Quonsed me last year. Another Quonsmas miracle!

I'm not going to lie, everyone: 2017 has been a pretty weird year and I've really been looking forward to Quonsmas and the Great Metafilter Cookie Swap. They're both annual bright spots for me personally, and I am beyond thankful to mudpuppie and the Quonczars.

In a year where it feels like nothing will ever be normal again, the continuity of having my Quonsee last year be my Quonsar this year is really special and has really helped get me in the spirit of the Winter holidays. I really love this weird corner of the internet that I've been part of for over 15 years now. (Someone must be chopping onions in here....)

I knew mudpuppie was my Quonsar this year when she sent me this awesome card.

In my guidance for my Quonsar, I said that my main hobby was Maker type stuff and mudpuppie got me a kit that builds a scale fully functional model of of a pneumatic steam engine!!!!!!! AND AND AND a few small models (including a clockwork cat!)!

Here's a fourth picture with my Quonsmas loot all splayed out.

Thanks again to the wondrous Quonczars, mudpuppie, and every single member of metafilter for making this such a special place. You are all beautiful human beings (or human being analogs, idk).
posted by OntologicalPuppy at 4:06 PM on November 25, 2017 [16 favorites]


Knownassociate took it way back, old school style with this killer Bosom Buddies T-shirt inspired by an old comment I made! Thanks so much, this has got me grinning and will for a very long time!
posted by soakimbo at 4:10 PM on November 25, 2017 [7 favorites]


In my guidance for my Quonsar, I said that my main hobby was Maker type stuff and mudpuppie got me a kit that builds a scale fully functional model of of a pneumatic steam engine!!!!!!! AND AND AND a few small models (including a clockwork cat!)!

I'm so glad your gift warranted exclamation points and italics AND multiple capital ands!! I wasn't sure the models were maker-ish enough, but they seemed pretty cool, so I gambled. :)

I am honking the crow call you sent me last year in your general direction. The fake crows say Happy Quonsmas, everyone.
posted by mudpuppie at 4:44 PM on November 25, 2017 [6 favorites]


My gift package is winging its way across some very large lakes and an ocean. The same day Chris (the best mail carrier) handed me part one of more Quonsmas parcels. My sequester Quonsar is making things even better by stretching out the gifts.
posted by Jesse the K at 4:53 PM on November 25, 2017


I posted mine yesterday and I can't remember if I put my username on it! Arrrgggh!!!
posted by essexjan at 5:52 PM on November 25, 2017 [2 favorites]


I got my quonsee gift the day before Thanksgiving but life has been so full that I only now had a chance to stop in and say THANK YOU to wenestvedt! As you clearly could tell, I love me some board games, so I was so happy to see that's what you got me! I brought them with me to Thanksgiving with the family, and we played both Mr. Toast and Bananagrams after dinner. Great choice!

And SpaceWarp13, I am so happy you liked your game! We love Dixit at our house, and when I ordered yours I found out that there are expansion packs, so I'll be ordering those for Xmas.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and wishing you all a very cozy Quonsmas!
posted by widdershins at 1:22 PM on November 26, 2017 [3 favorites]


I have been quonsed! (actually I think the package came on Wednesday). Thanks for the cute card and all the wrapping, ChuraChura! I had my husband peek inside to see if everything was wrapped and when it turned out to be so, I placed it under the tree for extra anticipation (which is, of course, half the fun of Quonsmas!) Also, I still haven't mailed my own quonsee's gift, so I don't feel right opening mine yet :) I am sending tomorrow!!!!

[Apologies in advance to my quonsee for all the tape...I just can't help myself...]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 3:45 PM on November 26, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay, I'm glad it made it all the way across Massachusetts! I'm sorry for the kind of horrifying tape - I couldn't find the Scotch tape and then I found my housemates' electrical tape, but then I couldn't find the scissors ... so I'm glad the cute paper makes up for it!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:18 PM on November 26, 2017 [2 favorites]


Heh, I think 'across' is an exaggeration; I don't think we're more than an hour apart if traffic is good :) anyway, no worries about tape - I have to say I didn't look too closely but I actually thought it was washi tape :)
posted by Tandem Affinity at 7:18 PM on November 26, 2017


And here I thought I'd sent my Quonsmas gift off early with days to spare. Oh well. It's on its way, and that's what counts. ^_^
posted by patheral at 7:45 PM on November 26, 2017


During a very special-yet-hectic Thanksgiving weekend*, I received Quonsmas on Friday and it was incredible. Along with maple syrup (which we deliciously had on French toast yesterday) and a TARDIS ornament that we've decided will top our tree this year, there was Gone with the Gin: Cocktails with a Hollywood Twist, a book I've actually considered purchasing but hadn't! But maybe even more special, there were cat treats; as the note in the linked photo assumes, I do have cats (three!), but I also like making cat friends, so this was a very good gift.

(I'm also using the vanilla and peppermint lip balm - not pictured - like it's going out of style.)

Thank you so much ilovewinter and to all the organizers.

* my sister was going to host but given that she recently accepted a job that will move her from Indiana to Georgia in the next two weeks, she could not, so my brother and I stepped in to host in Chicago even though his partner wouldn't originally be there and mine was sick with what turned out to be colitis; somehow this all worked out for a wonderful weekend with my parents, sister and brother-in-law visiting all of us and a last minute change of travel plans meaning my brother's partner was there too!
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:45 PM on November 26, 2017 [8 favorites]


Knownassociate took it way back, old school style with this killer Bosom Buddies T-shirt inspired by an old comment I made! Thanks so much, this has got me grinning and will for a very long time!

Gotta love old references and confusing the kiddos. You're welcome, soakimbo! I had a fun time digging through the site and was stoked when I found you were a fan.

(One thing soakimbo did which I thought was great, and which I'll do next year, was write "don't worry, I'm easy for gift-giving" on the form. Which, I know it's Quonsmas and it's chillllll, but it was extra reassuring to just have fun with it all! Thanks!)
posted by knownassociate at 6:58 AM on November 27, 2017 [4 favorites]


You're welcome MCMikeNamara! I'm so glad you liked everything! :-) The cat food is my cat's favorite kind. He goes wild when I give it to him. And he isn't one to go wild about anything ever. lol.
posted by ilovewinter at 9:30 AM on November 27, 2017


My package is ready for the mailman to come pick it up, so I decided to celebrate by opening my gift - a fabulous hat and colorful card to match from insectosaurus.

Thank you, Quonsar! What a lovely gift that I'm going to be making good use of here in chilly PA. My friends are going to be so envious that they didn't have a Quonsar to ensure they would face the winter with such an excellent chapeau. :)
posted by miratime at 11:08 AM on November 27, 2017 [4 favorites]


I got my gift sent off this morning. Hope she likes them. Of course, I failed to put a note inside about the things. Ah well, surely she'll figure it out. Or ask here.
posted by MovableBookLady at 12:13 PM on November 27, 2017


My Quonsar sequel -- parcel two of two -- just arrived. I am over the moon! secretariat intuited my heart's desire with a Futurist poster of the Tilikum Crossing - Bridge of the People, attractive, Calatrava-influenced, infrastructure that conveys pedestrians, bikes, and transit across the Willamette River in Portland OR. This threw all my sfnal transit-geek switches. Not content with that, she also included a nifty ring made from an Oregon quarter, which actually fits me. Plus an impressive piece of genuine hand-scavenged™ obsidian, which I'd never held in my hand before, and now I understand how people made knives out of it. Thankfully, she also provided a guide to the goods written on a wooden postcard because Portland. I am so thrilled.
posted by Jesse the K at 12:59 PM on November 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been quonsed! Am waiting for the cranky toddler to go to sleep until opening the interesting laser cut thing which I am looking forward to assembling.
posted by sciencegeek at 1:39 PM on November 27, 2017


YAY! My Quonsmas gift from Glinn was gorgeously, impeccably wrapped and was filled to the brim with notebooks, feminist texts and Golden Girls buttons and magnets. Plus, a lovely little card wishing me cheer and kindness. SO AWESOME!!! THANK YOU, GLINN!!!
posted by knownassociate at 2:30 PM on November 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


Quonsar package has been mailed, and should arrive no later than Thursday. I hope my SQ likes it!
posted by needlegrrl at 2:44 PM on November 27, 2017


Hooray hooray, so glad you like the Quonsmas things, knownassociate! And so nice of you to report receipt so promptly so nobody (me) had any need for panic. :)
posted by Glinn at 3:14 PM on November 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay miratime, I'm glad you like it! :) :) I firmly believe that more hats should have ears!
posted by insectosaurus at 3:48 PM on November 27, 2017 [2 favorites]


I've been so, so well quonsed, thanks to CMcG!! I'm kind of a pain for presents, since I don't really like most gift-y things. I'd rather have something practical that I'd buy for myself. So I put that in my guidance, along with my appreciation for the top-rated just about anything. But then, who's to know what I already have?

Having gleaned from my posts that I like baking, CMcG came through perfectly, with the measuring spoons that, as she noted, wirecutter named best. I've just gleefully read through the review, and YES, my old ones ARE too wide to fit in jars, too shallow, too disorganized in storage, and I DO often have to pause to clean them mid-recipe. Plus, what CMcG couldn't have known, they're a health hazard. But of course since I own a set, I never get around to buying another. So now I have like the Platonic ideal of measuring spoons and whoever I bake for won't ingest black mold or something. I really am as psyched about them as it may seem, and I know they're going to give me a little moment of pleasure every time I use them.

Then, to gild the lily, CMcG included a second gift, because I said that I liked things for crafting -- a beautiful range of origami papers! They're really pretty, and that's such a great idea for a craft that I haven't pursued much before, and that I definitely think I will like!

So thank you CMcG, so much! These are great presents and they brought me lots of quonsmas cheer!
posted by daisyace at 4:00 PM on November 27, 2017 [10 favorites]


Hey Glinn!
Super Merry Quonsmas surprise heading your way! Wheeeee Quonsmastime! I believe!!!!
posted by Rubydooby at 4:52 PM on November 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


Oh, hooray, Jesse the K, I'm so glad you liked it! And as a result, I just now googled and learned what "snfal" means!
posted by Secretariat at 5:20 PM on November 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


oh that is exciting news! :D
posted by Glinn at 5:27 PM on November 27, 2017


I've been quonsed from overseas! Coaticass, I was thrilled to receive your package and the contents are wonderful. I happened to have my cookie cutter box out from making some other cutout cookies so I was able to put the Australian animal cutters right in there. Echidna, kookaburra, kangaroo, emu, platypus, Tasmanian devil, opossum, and bilby. I have to admit, for several of them I was grateful for the identifying label.

Then the animal ornaments are also adorable - we don't have a tree up so for now I've hung them over the fireplace. Most of our ornaments are kid-related and it will be neat to have some that are special for me.

Finally, I am intrigued to try the lemon myrtle seasoning - not something I have ever seen before but it smells fantastic. I love that it can go either savory or sweet. Might try it in a salad dressing in addition to the suggested uses on the label. So cool!

Thank you, quonczars and Coaticass, Queen of Quonsmas!
posted by lakeroon at 6:34 PM on November 27, 2017 [5 favorites]


I was quonsed (which my phone just tried to change to "wounded") by a lovely mystery person, whose first name is only in the package because Amazon included an extra, incorrect gift note. (Unless you actually are my aunt, in which case, hello and please explain why we haven't met.) You couldn't have known that the weird and wonderful clawed gardening gloves will save me from my trowel-stealing child, or that a friend who's a cocktail aficionado has been trying to get me to come over for a game night, but your package solves both of these problems. My marriage appears to be imploding and I've basically been weeping nonstop for two and a half weeks, so the timing of a gesture of kindness couldn't have been better. Thank you for a thoughtful gift and a bright spot in a terrible week.

I'm preparing a package for my quonsee that makes me very happy. It will be mailed right under the wire on Wednesday and will be worth the wait. Hooray!
posted by centrifugal at 8:27 PM on November 27, 2017 [14 favorites]


I sent off my gift today!! Really excited to bring some love to another fine human.
posted by fairlynearlyready at 11:24 PM on November 27, 2017


Glad you liked it lakeroon! That was fun.

Also pleasantly surprised it only took 10 days or so to arrive, I was expecting it to be way slower.
posted by Coaticass at 12:17 AM on November 28, 2017 [1 favorite]


Ah man, I'm so pleased with how this box I'll be sending overseas is shaping up. That is all. I've bit by bit been throwing things into the box as I've thought of them or found them, and it's almost there!
posted by limeonaire at 12:37 AM on November 28, 2017


I have been anonymously quons'd with the gift of cardboard! Specifically, some Magic: the Gathering cards that are going into my various Commander decks, like, right now.
posted by The demon that lives in the air at 11:37 AM on November 28, 2017 [3 favorites]


I wrote on the sign up form this year that they could get me anything and I was secretly doubtful that this would turn out well for me. lol. But my quonsar was amazing! I have a package with:

1) A little terrarium kit that has me SUPER EXCITED because exactly one day ago I had to throw away my old tiny terrarium that I'd had a year because it became covered in a scary white mold. And now like magic a new replacement terrarium appeared on my door step that's even cuter than the one I had to toss out. YAY!

2) My favorite lush bathbomb!

3) A fuzzy blanket for my dogs Pic here. After that she ran off with the blanket dangling around her back. Blankets are her very favorite toy.

Thank you so much secret quonsar whoever you are!
posted by ilovewinter at 1:22 PM on November 28, 2017 [13 favorites]


What a great first Quonsmas!

Thanks so much to sevenyearlurk for so perfectly mashing together two of my biggest interests into one fascinating book. Really excited to dig into my copy of The Jazz of Physics!
posted by bkpiano at 1:58 PM on November 28, 2017 [4 favorites]


Quonsed! I opened up a festive red package to find:

1. dark chocolate, impeccably timed (since I'm finishing off my current stash);
2. chisel-nib calligraphy markers in various colors--v. excited to write with them;
3. a postcard ft. a quote from the Dalai Lama: "It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act."--one worth remembering (def going up on my wall to join the postcard collection);
4. and a mug, not just any mug but one which when filled with hot beverage of choice reveals CONSTELLATIONS!!! I am drinking tea from it right now. :D also haha @ "CAUTION: CONSTELLATIONS ARE FARTHER APART THAN THEY APPEAR."

Thank you so much, mostly vowels! ♥
posted by ilicet at 3:37 PM on November 28, 2017 [3 favorites]


Quonsed! I love my t-shirt. I laughed out loud when I opened the package. Thanks so much!
posted by veggieboy at 3:54 PM on November 28, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! I arrived home from vacation tonight, very bummed that I have to go back to work tomorrow. But my day was made when I got my secret quonsar package from darsh!

I literally loled at the monkey paper, and then I kept going "ooooh" for each item. The awesome Coca Cola note card with a lovely greeting. A nice handmade ornament and a gorgeous little coaster. The pretty tablecloth, the super useful spreader. Most of all the absolutely fantastic handmade cake slicer, which fits me to at T. Thank you so much, darsh! It is so lovely, I can't wait to use it!

I'm glad I already sent my quonsar package before I left, or I would have second-guessed everything to try to live up to this coolness!
posted by gemmy at 7:20 PM on November 28, 2017 [4 favorites]


Mailed mine today! To Australia, so I'm guessing it's going to take a while!
posted by lazuli at 8:44 PM on November 28, 2017 [2 favorites]


My happy box arrived yesterday! To my still secret Quonsar - Thank you sooooo much. Now that I am back in Oregon I am sure there will some chilly days soon that will suit an exotic cup of hot chocolate! ZenMajek
posted by ZenMajek at 10:21 PM on November 28, 2017


That was me ZenMajek! I’m glad you like it :)
posted by divabat at 12:08 AM on November 29, 2017 [1 favorite]


Completed the popping of my quonsar cherry with a trip to the PO today.
Full of hope that my quonsee enjoys their gift as much as I enjoyed pulling it together.
posted by MT at 1:13 AM on November 29, 2017 [1 favorite]


My quonsmas gift came wrapped in super awesome quonsmas wrapping paper!

So now I'm munching om some delicious chocolate covered almonds, and I can't wait to start crocheting my own hat! I'd been needing one, so the timing is perfect.
posted by Karmeliet at 8:19 AM on November 29, 2017


Oh, I forgot: thanks to 15L06! :)
posted by Karmeliet at 8:20 AM on November 29, 2017


I have part two all ready to go! I'll get to the post office today for sure. Part one was delivered on Sunday so I hope my quonsee received it.
posted by Room 641-A at 8:28 AM on November 29, 2017


I found out that my quonsar is the wonderful sweetmarie! She definitely lives up to her name. First, we got the amazing aforementioned toys, that Jamie loves. THEN, when I was in the middle of writing a research paper (Hi, library science school!), I went to get the mail and ANOTHER package had arrived; it turns out she thought the first box order didn't go through, but it did! So then came even MORE treats that Jamie loves, plus a sweet card and chocolate treats for us! Yay! What a great first year's gift. I mean...there's a squeaky AVOCADO! It cannot get any better. Thank you, thank you sweet Marie!
posted by bookworm4125 at 12:15 PM on November 29, 2017 [5 favorites]


I was having a miserably sick day at work, teaching for 7 hours with no break with a horrible virus. But then I got home and there was a package from my Secret Quonsar, congen!

I opened it, and I literally screeched with joy. Congen sent me these three beautiful Steven Universe stickers, and this Beverly Crusher mug that has on it my favourite line in the entirety of TNG. It might be the best thing I have ever received. It is utterly perfect. For evidence, I present these two Halloween costumes of years past, and for further evidence, I post the look on my face when I opened it. (That's a lie. The look was of even more crazed joy, but I toned it down so as not to scare y'all.)

Congen wins my eternal affection and gratitude. These gifts made my day/week approximately 1000 times better. I now have the energy to go review theatre tonight.

(Rest assured SQuonsee: I have 90% of your gift and vow to send it off by deadline!)
posted by ilana at 3:52 PM on November 29, 2017 [14 favorites]


I had all my Quonsar gifts gathered and ready to assemble this evening. And what did I find when I got home? A box from One Smart Monkey, containing coffee and treats from Washington State. I am so looking forward to opening my snack drawer at work and selecting just what looks good to me that day. Thanks!

And the final gift was that the box perfectly fit my gifts to be mailed off, and I even got to reuse the wrapping paper, which warmed my recycle-y heart! So when my quonsee gets his gifts, it will be the combined work of TWO Mefites!
posted by Liesl at 5:42 PM on November 29, 2017 [3 favorites]


Thank you Gin and Broadband for the wonderful Quonsmas gift! I came home from work and you couldn't have picked a better day for an exciting packaged bedazzled with stickers (Santa rex!) and festive tape and wonderful drawings all the way from across the pond. I also love that the customs content declaration says "Quonsar." Everything arrived safe and delightfully wrapped.

You picked such thoughtful gifts and I can't wait to try my new spice mix (allergen safe!), roll out my deep tissues with a massage ball (I've always wanted to try these!), and you can only imagine how much more scientific my cooking is going to get with my official periodic tea towel (less carbon, more neon.)

Thanks for brightening my holiday with such delightful presents and for spreading the Quonsar cheer!
posted by Mr Yak at 7:57 PM on November 29, 2017 [3 favorites]


I have received my gift from yasaman, and while I am certainly delighted at the assortment of dark chocolates, I am also... apprehensive. You see, yasaman didn't just include a variety of 80% and 85% chocolates. She also included... this. Something which I literally did not know existed. I mean, how much more dark could it be? And the answer is: none. None more dark.

So, now I sit with this incredible thing, this handheld Monolith, and ponder my fate. Do I dare open it and confront it in all its obsidian glamour? Who am I kidding--how dare I not? It is my fate; it is my destiny. Gazing into the abyss is just the warm-up act; I will eat the abyss.

Or maybe I'll warm up with one of the 80%ers first. Baby steps.

Seriously, though, thanks hugely, yasaman.
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:03 PM on November 29, 2017 [23 favorites]


Well, wow, I believe I've just been most thoroughly quonsed!

Thank you so, so much, essexjan, it's all just perfect! Candy to munch on, beautiful music to listen to (London Grammar), lovage seeds for our garden, a tweed hat just like my dad used to wear them all the time and, last but most certainly not least, a key chain representing cis-3-Methyl-4-octanolide, a key aromatic molecule in my favorite liquid of them all, whisky!

Here's a picture of all this amazing Quonsmas loot!

All of it is making me miss my time in London back in the 90s when I lived in the UK for a couple of years.

Again, thank you so much. I love it all!

And, of course, obligatory shout out and many thanks to the Quonsczars and their various helpers who make all of this possible every year. You are the best! My SQ's package will be mailed out next week. Not quite finished yet!
posted by Hairy Lobster at 9:06 PM on November 29, 2017 [6 favorites]


I just got home from seeing Marshall (highly recommended) and came home to discover my secret quonsar gift from eleanna! It included a set of 8 nifty pens in great colors, a beautiful zippered small bag with a turtle on the outside and candy inside, and–the best item of a whole bunch of great items–a pair of socks that say “Fuck off, I’m reading” on one side and have a cat on the other. (That is so me, however did you know?) I'm sorry I can't post a pic at the moment but thanks, eleanna! It's a wonderful gift and I am bobbing atop waves of delight. My first quonsar has been wonderful!
posted by Bella Donna at 10:00 PM on November 29, 2017 [5 favorites]


Oh yay, I'm glad it all arrived okay, Halloween Jack! I started getting a little apprehensive about sending chocolate in the mail when it hit 90 degrees here in SoCal last week. Anyway, you're very welcome, and I hope you enjoy all the chocolate, even the darkest chocolate of all! I couldn't resist buying that one: he said he likes dark chocolate, I thought to myself. What better than the darkest possible chocolate???
posted by yasaman at 10:11 PM on November 29, 2017 [4 favorites]


Hairy Lobster, I am so glad it all arrived safely. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by essexjan at 6:58 AM on November 30, 2017 [1 favorite]


My package is out, waiting for the letter carrier and will be winging its way to the frosty north very soon!
posted by ApathyGirl at 10:03 AM on November 30, 2017


I got back from a Thanksgiving away to a copy of William Gibson's Archangel in the mailbox! Considering all I told my quonsar about my literary tastes was that I liked graphic novels, I'm very impressed by how many of my boxes it ticks- sci fi, female protagonist, beautiful art, and an author whose work I've been meaning to read for forever but haven't yet. I'm about a third of the way through and really loving it. Thank you so much, a non mouse, a cow herd!
posted by perplexion at 10:19 AM on November 30, 2017 [2 favorites]


I *think* I've been quonsed -- a package arrived with something hilariously appropriate for the upcoming winter. If that was you, quonser, thanks!!
posted by JanetLand at 11:25 AM on November 30, 2017 [1 favorite]


Came home today to a little package from the US, filled with an adorably thoughtful selection of stitch markers! (it's a knitting thing :) )

Thank you Jesse the K, they're lovely and I'll be able to use all of them. The wood ones are pretty original, had never seen stitch markers for bulky yarn before! No more plastic stitch markers yaaaay
posted by fraula at 11:26 AM on November 30, 2017 [8 favorites]


Thank you to my Quonsar for the lovely cross stitch pattern from Ink Circles! I'm not sure if my person IS Tracy the designer, or if Tracy just wrote me the nice note accompanying the order, but either way I love the design and I'm excited to pick my colors and get started. Thank you!!
posted by CheeseLouise at 12:55 PM on November 30, 2017 [1 favorite]


My initial taste of this year's Quonsar is already amazing.

Thank you, SQ!
posted by RhysPenbras at 2:52 PM on November 30, 2017 [9 favorites]


Ooh, those patterns at Ink Circles are beautiful!
posted by Secretariat at 3:07 PM on November 30, 2017


Hello MetaFilter... this is my very first post and my first Quonsmas with you all! And it has been a blast - I never knew how much fun putting together a gift box for a complete stranger could be! The box was mailed today, and I hope the gifts will spark a little joy for my Quonsee :-)
posted by Dibbery at 5:33 PM on November 30, 2017 [14 favorites]


Simultaneous thank you and shipping notice:
whitehall - thank you ever so much for the thoughtful gifts! The markers and the labels are already in use (see shipping notice), and we'll be testing cat toys this weekend. I do love Quonsmas!!
My SQ gift will be in tomorrow's post - right on the deadline, winging it's way to the opposite (but still left) coast.
posted by dbmcd at 5:33 PM on November 30, 2017


Welcome, Dibbery—and a happy, happy Quonsmas to you! Hopefully the first of many!
posted by bookmammal at 5:42 PM on November 30, 2017 [2 favorites]


CAUTION: CONSTELLATIONS ARE FARTHER APART THAN THEY APPEAR.

Awesome! I'm so happy it got there OK :)
posted by mostly vowels at 6:06 PM on November 30, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thanks to my Quonsar for the awesome books! I’m going to read The Velveteen Rabbit to my son tonight.
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 6:13 PM on November 30, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been anonymously quons'd with the gift of cardboard! Specifically, some Magic: the Gathering cards that are going into my various Commander decks, like, right now.

Hooray! I wish you happy magicking :)
posted by thomas j wise at 6:15 PM on November 30, 2017


Thanks so much to fairlynearlyready for the impeccably timed package! It's been a ridiculous and exhausting month culminating in unexpected car repairs and company layoffs just announced. But then I came home to this wonderful assortment of gifts: And a bonus: this didn't come in the package, but here is a cat plotting revenge against me for shooing her away from the stickers.

P.S. I'm dropping off my Quonsee's gift at the post office tomorrow - destined for a different MeFite in the same part of the world. :)
posted by kiripin at 9:46 PM on November 30, 2017 [8 favorites]


Oops, I read the ingredients on the drinking chocolate again and there is milk. But it sounds totally worth taking a lactaid for!
posted by kiripin at 9:53 PM on November 30, 2017 [2 favorites]


I just dropped my quonsee's parcel at the postie, I've caught up in this lovely thread, and I'm going to put my kid down for a nap in a minute and make a dent in tidying in preparation for putting up our tree tomorrow. So excited for the quonsmas season!
posted by catch as catch can at 3:36 AM on December 1, 2017 [3 favorites]


I just received my Quonsmas gift - a beautiful etching of three keys all wrapped in lovely gold paper. I also received a card - complete with the name of the Mefite who sent it my way - but the card has disappeared! I am going to look for it as I clean today, but I wanted to make sure to say THANK YOU etching Mefite! It's beautiful! I'm going to frame it and put it up next to the door. :^)
posted by Elly Vortex at 6:47 AM on December 1, 2017 [4 favorites]


Mailing mine today! EEEE something nice to do and look forward to!
posted by bibliogrrl at 6:52 AM on December 1, 2017 [2 favorites]


Gemmy, so glad you liked your quonsmas gifts! I had fun picking them out
posted by darsh at 9:23 AM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


I've been quonsed by tooloudinhere! Everyone in my family opens one present on Christmas Eve, and I've taken to saving my quonsmas gift for that. I see that it's tea so it should be okay (and it makes my office smell so good!) Especially can't wait to try the green chai tea.

I haven't been feeling this holiday as of yet, but your gift and card have put a smile on my face.
posted by lyssabee at 9:26 AM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


My obsessive fanfare lurking has paid off! I'm so happy you like your gift, ilana :) It didn't hurt that I too have star trek and SU obsessions.

I myself was very happily quonsed yesterday with an arty magnet and several delightful cards from Montréal, including one with a knock knock joke that I've learned just enough French to understand. I am particularly pleased by this gift because I am going to visit Montréal for the first time this month and the alphabet card appears to be an excellent guide to what to do and see in the city.

Merry quonsmas everyone!!!
posted by congen at 9:36 AM on December 1, 2017 [2 favorites]


Oh, and a picture of my delightful quonsmas gifts!
posted by congen at 9:39 AM on December 1, 2017 [3 favorites]


Agh! so I assembled and posted my Quansmas package today, thinking maybe I was forgetting something? But it's been a busy week/month/year, and figured I had covered everything. And then starting to read over the Thank Yous, I realized I had definitely left an item out of the package, and now I'll need to forward that along. So Quansee in CA, you're going to get two packages in the mail next week!

My package is sitting on the kitchen table now. Little Purr wanted to open it immediately yesterday, but it's been a busy week. Maybe tonight!
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 10:24 AM on December 1, 2017 [3 favorites]


Two things I'm glad of:

- I finally bought a waffle iron and made my first-ever batch of Belgian waffles :) Soon I will be trying the delicious recipes in veggieboy's "Will It Waffle". (Thanks again!)
- I mailed my over-taped box to my quonsee at lunchtime today. Canada Post tracking says it'll arrive in 1 week. Yay!

This is fun and exciting. Why didn't I do this before??
posted by methroach at 11:42 AM on December 1, 2017 [6 favorites]


Elly Vortex, that was me! I'm so glad you enjoyed your gift and in case you can't find the card, I'll PM you with the artist's name in a bit. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by merriment at 11:46 AM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got my package yesterday! I got some funky colorful notebooks and a neat, brown sugar-themed cookbook that covers a broad and interesting repertoire :) looking forward to experimenting in the kitchen this quonsmas season. Thank you!
posted by gemutlichkeit at 1:19 PM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


*finally* made time to go to the post office today. 4-5 days quonsee. I hope you like it!
posted by DigDoug at 1:27 PM on December 1, 2017


My gift is in the mail. Should arrive in 6-10 days in Denmark. I hope you enjoy because it was the most expensive package I have ever mailed in my life. It did provide some comic relief to the long line in the PO. So for creating a little joy in that long line and the joy I hope it brings to you, it is worth every penny.
posted by cairnoflore at 1:55 PM on December 1, 2017 [2 favorites]


Thanks to my Secret Quonsar! The gift arrived in the mail today and because I have no willpower at all I opened it right away. :D The shower gel and body conditioner look (and smell!) absolutely wonderful, and my dry callused climber hands will thank you with special enthusiasm. The bath bomb looks super fun, too. I also can't wait to use the bookmarks (why yes, I am reading three books at once, how did you know), and "sometimes plan, sometimes wing it" feels like my motto for life.

I couldn't find your mefi handle anywhere, so I'm hoping you see this message! :) Sending you warm wishes from my corner of the country.
posted by invokeuse at 2:05 PM on December 1, 2017 [2 favorites]


Quonsee, my package is in the mail to you RIGHT NOW!
posted by sarcasticah at 2:30 PM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


I hope you enjoy because it was the most expensive package I have ever mailed in my life.

Yeah, I normally love being in the international group, but my budget this year couldn't handle the $30-60 shipping fees for. That's ok, my country has cool mefites too :)
posted by congen at 3:00 PM on December 1, 2017 [3 favorites]


Omg, Miratime, your gift is hilarious! Little purr immediately found a big hunk of chocolate caramel corn to chow down. We haven't had dinner yet, of course. The card mentions that it is based on the reason why I joined, which was this AMAZING POST ABOUT PIE. So it is, amazing, and immediately brought a smile to my face. Little purr keeps pretending to eat and make more pie with the embroidery, and Big purr shakes his head that people on the internet send each other gifts.

Thank you! :D
posted by Hermeowne Grangepurr at 4:13 PM on December 1, 2017 [5 favorites]


Sorry my precious Quonsee, it'll be Monday before I get your package in the post. An order from Etsy is delayed - apparently treacherous roads in Carlisle are hindering the Postie, I'm not even sure where Carlisle is - so the maker said to give it another couple of days. I'm posting on Monday no matter what so hopefully it'll make it into the package and not be offered up as a sacrifice to the Quonsmas Marmosets. Hold tight!
posted by billiebee at 4:22 PM on December 1, 2017


Just back from the post office to mail off my package. It should arrive in a week.
posted by janell at 4:24 PM on December 1, 2017


Ha ha!!! I win all the things!!!

I ran to the post office to get my quonsee's package in the mail by December 1st (how the fuck did it get to be December 1st already???????) and I came home to my package! YAY!!!

OK. So, the story is, I put in my note of likes and dislikes that if I happened to get Mrs. Pterodactyl, I wouldn't mind a crocheted octopus. Well, I did not get Mrs. Pterodactyl, but I did get beaning who got me the cutest damn crocheted octopus anyway!!! That I freaking LOVE!!! Also, these socks that I am totally going to wear to the next protest I attend!

I love quonsmas! Thank you so, so much beaning!!! I love my quonsmas gifts!
posted by Sophie1 at 4:31 PM on December 1, 2017 [10 favorites]


You guessed right invokeuse! So glad you enjoyed the package!
posted by angiep at 5:38 PM on December 1, 2017


I've received a mysterious box that shows all signs of being SQ-related! But I will be opening it Monday night while we decorate our tree, in accordance with time-honored tradition.

I also have my Quonsmas box ready but had a slight set of issues last week that prevented me getting to the PO on time. It will go out Monday.
posted by Miko at 6:00 PM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Big thanks to ocherdraco for the lovely Quonsmas package and envelope that arrived today. The package from Amazon contained an assortment of LEDs packaged in a cute little divided container, a Hello Kitty wall calendar (practical & adorable, my favorite!) and some delicious chocolate almonds. The envelope contained a lovely collection of postcards, art, activity sheets and ephemera — just the sort of thing I was hoping for. Thank you Margaret!
posted by metaphorever at 6:31 PM on December 1, 2017 [4 favorites]


Also on Team Issues but I'll get mine out tomorrow or Monday.
posted by soakimbo at 7:56 PM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Quonsared! Or possibly Q'onsared, thank you very much, I shall boldly go to seek out new life and new hairstyles.
posted by Coaticass at 11:13 PM on December 1, 2017 [3 favorites]


Aww, yay! I was debating what floss to use for the filling when I realized that I had the site colors so I had to go for it. Glad it brought a smile to your day!
posted by miratime at 11:58 PM on December 1, 2017 [1 favorite]


Bookwibble sent me chocolate, Bookwibble sent me chocolate! Yay! A beautiful sampler of dark chocolate that will have me buzzing all through the Quonsar season. I really like this game, will play again!

Thank you, Bookwibble!
posted by halfbuckaroo at 4:27 AM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! My package from pjsky arrived today! It was a fun-filled box with lots of little goodies. I love the little notebook and the seashells and magnets and chocolate. "Dark times" pin going onto my work bag right away, and the magnets are already on the fridge.
posted by easternblot at 4:47 AM on December 2, 2017 [2 favorites]


I received my gift yesterday, and once again it was perfect. I give next to zero guidance in my form, but somehow every year I've participated people have given me things that I love. Anyway, I promised my Quansarrer so more specific gushing this weekend, I think that they deserve to be recognized in public for just how great at gifting they are.

So, every year we display our holiday cards, and the first card always gets a place of honor. This year, that card is a beautiful pencil sketch done by Homo Neanderthalenis.

I also received not one, but two, books about cool science and history of science things! I read a fair bit of non-fiction, and have a particular love of that genre of books. I had to force myself to leave them at home rather than take them to work to get me through a boring phone conference I had to sit through. I almost didn't have the will power.

And, somehow, even though it's not something I recall ever having mentioned on Metafilter, they knew that I love puzzles, so the last part of my gift is an awesome 3d puzzle of a famous landmark. I should point out that, until recently I hadn't done puzzles in years, but just started back up, and to my joy discovered that least one of my kids shares my love of them, and the other one enjoys them to a lesser extent. So, now we have a fun project for their upcoming winter break.
posted by Gygesringtone at 7:30 AM on December 2, 2017 [6 favorites]


I'm taking a second crack at my quonsar thank-you because I neglected to include a photo of the gift. Voilà. It's a coffee-themed t-shirt that pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject. Thanks again :)
posted by veggieboy at 7:52 AM on December 2, 2017 [11 favorites]


Thank you so much to meggan. I love love my quonsmas gift!

She has so generously given me coffee beans (possibly roasted by her husband--a lovely skill to have in a spouse!), an oven mitt (how did you know that mine are old and gross and I keep forgetting to replace them?), treats, and a button with my mefi name on it. It was a wonderful package to open.
posted by chaoticgood at 8:15 AM on December 2, 2017 [3 favorites]


I do apologize, but I only got the last thing for my package last night, then had some confusion about boxes and postal rates (long, boring tale, as stories of boxes and post offices both tend to be), so I'm not going to be able to send my overseas package out until Monday. But I hope the awesomeness of this box makes up for the slight delay! I'm really enjoying seeing the photos everyone's posted so far, too.
posted by limeonaire at 10:21 AM on December 2, 2017


Thank you marfa, texas for my gift! The candy canes, caramels and maple sugar candy (all favorites of mine) will be enjoyed and I adore the ornaments! The pink one looks just like ME!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:25 AM on December 2, 2017 [3 favorites]


Yesterday was Quonsmas for me - yippee! Thank you, thank you, thank you advicepig for the perfect gift: some lovely handmade cards as well as the production materials needed to make my own! Little did you know I have somewhat of a card (and handmade card at that) fetish... Here you can see not only my awesome Quonsmas gift (top) but also a peek into just one of my desk drawers filled with cards (bottom). I might have just a wee problem with collecting cards... Thank you again, so much!
posted by hapax_legomenon at 10:32 AM on December 2, 2017 [3 favorites]


Oh, and Quonsmas Elves, my package to my Quonsee went in the mail today! One day late - sorry...
posted by hapax_legomenon at 10:34 AM on December 2, 2017


Oh wow, I was just Quonsed spectacularly by apoch! He sent me local-to-him chocolate in the flavor Coffee Toffee Crunch, which sounds ridiculously good and which I'm making myself wait to try until after I've posted a thank you for it, and a skein of local yarn, spun and dyed in such a way that no two skeins are identical, in an absolutely perfect colorway - and even thought to include all of the yardage/fiber/use information! Apoch, it's like you've known me for years, your gifts were so perfect. Thank you so much.
posted by SeedStitch at 12:32 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


Oooh, anticipation builds. I just checked the tracking # on the package I sent, and it shows a status of "delivered" today.

Fingers crossed that everything in the box survived the journey! (No, I didn't send any marmosets....)
posted by Annabelle74 at 12:57 PM on December 2, 2017


I just got back from the post office... My Quonsar gift is on its way, although I am annoyed with myself that I mailed it one day late and, so, added a weekend to the shipping time. I hope I wrapped the gift well enough, and that my Quonsee likes it. Happy Quonsmas to one and all!
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 12:58 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


Halfbuckaroo thank you! I was so excited when I saw a package from Key West, I visited years ago and loved it. So I was even more excited when I read your note and realized you got me Key West gifts! The shell and starfish now have a proud place on my curiosities shelf, joined by a little turtle. You had no way of knowing I had some swim with me this year, it's a perfect gift for me and I don't know how you did it. Once the holidays are over a glittery mermaid will be joining them because she'd too nice not to be on display year round. I can't wait to brew that tea and use the scrub, and I already started on the fudge and am unlikely to stop until it's gone. The postcard is going up with the holiday cards and it adds a nice bit of variety :)

Thank you!
posted by lepus at 1:56 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


123fakestreet, the tracking on your package says it was delivered yesterday morning, so I hope it is safely in your hands, but let me know if not! Quonsmas will not be stopped by package-stealing grinches.
posted by lakeroon at 2:34 PM on December 2, 2017


I've been wonderfully Quonsed by ThePinkSuperhero!! Almost forgot to get the mail today, so when I finally made it down to the mailbox, there was a wonderful package full of wonderful things!

Besides the aforementioned Art, there are a variety of candies, a wonderful holiday card from the whole family (those boys are adorable!), a pouch of Honey Vanilla Chai loose leaf (that okayokayigive has already threatened to steal), and a bottle of Cabernet Infused Sea Salt, called 'Vampire's Tease'. All wrapped up in fantastic wintery paper, complete with hedgehogs in santa hats.

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH! There are already devilish plans for the sea salt, involving steak and mushrooms, and the tea is going with some shortbread tonight. Happy Quonsmas one and all!
posted by RhysPenbras at 3:05 PM on December 2, 2017 [5 favorites]


I was quonsed today! Thank you samthemander for my package of goodies! Picture! The chocolates are delicious! I can’t wait to try the caramels. You’ve made this sweet tooth haver very happy. The beans are intriguing! And face masks! I’ve never used one but have been curious. Thanks again!
posted by cozenedindigo at 3:36 PM on December 2, 2017 [3 favorites]


Thanks so much MovableBookLady for the goodies from NC! I am the recipient of a jar of intriguingly dark coloured honey, a Raleigh NC magnet, and these super nifty glass earrings which are both awesome and totally not something I would have picked out for myself -- aka, the perfect gift.

Thank you!
posted by quaking fajita at 3:49 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


My package went into the mail today (shame, shame, shame). Should be there by Tuesday!
posted by Ragini at 5:12 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


123fakestreet's package is safely arrived. He's not yet had a chance to get on here and tell you how awesome it is.
I will remark on the deliciousness of the cookies and how the kid and the cats are enjoying the box greatly. The inflatable antlers are on top of the fridge until such time as the kid no longer tries to chew on them.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:48 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Statistics-o-rama - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
all numbers are to our best knowledge, and our best knowledge is swiss cheese.

381 People are Participating
212 Gifts are a complete mystery for me
077 Gifts have Arrived
068 Gifts have Been Sent or Are Being Sent Today
018 Gifts have Notes but No Sending Status
005 Gifts Have Probably Arrived (Tracking says Yes!) but we are awaiting confirmation
001 Second Chancing is in the works

038 Animals Represented
016 Packages Contain Books
011 Known Pokey Vendors
005 People Who Are Waiting/Did Wait To Open Their Gifts
003 Number of People Who Drew The Same Person as Last Year
002 Different Types of Nuts
002 Superheroes
001 Robot
posted by julen at 8:09 PM on December 2, 2017 [14 favorites]


Also the gavlebocken is up! (Here's a picture of him mid-construction on twitter)

GavleBockenCam
posted by julen at 8:12 PM on December 2, 2017 [2 favorites]


Glad it arrived, RhysPenbras! I can now safely credit the Captain America artwork to my 5-year old.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:21 PM on December 2, 2017 [4 favorites]


Every year I am just overwhelmed by the magic of quonsmas, and this year is no exception! Annabelle74, thank you so much for all of the fabulous goodies—a scary novel (add another book to the stats, julen!), an adorable armadillo ornament, some of my favorite chocolates, cozy socks (something I am constantly in need of), some zesty flavor (my huge spice collection is no longer short on Creole seasoning!), and a spectacularly beautiful notebook & card.

And to top it all off, as if the above wasn't already above and beyond, omg, a coloring book from my fave fandom that I have never seen before! I LOVE IT. Thank you again, Annabelle. Quonsmas really helps me kick off the holiday season with gratitude and excitement—it truly feels like the Most Wonderful Time of the Year today.
posted by obloquy at 9:23 PM on December 2, 2017 [1 favorite]


Quonsed by Adridne, with art and ink and sugar and verve! In addition to two excellent red pens (which I love) and some maple candy (all now gobbled up), Adridne made made me some art based on things from my comment history--two framed original paintings that are are gutpunchingly lovely and thoughtful. (Warning: this all gets a little meta.)

First off: I posted an Ask earlier this year with a ridiculous number of caveats: I was looking for a kitchen witch that steered between lascivious & cutesy, that matched our other decor, that wasn’t folksy but still hinted at this old Swedish folk tradition. A fussy sort of problem--which Adridne solved by just making such a witch for me. It's a small painting of a witch in a very Ed Emberley style--both adorable and minimalist, a massing of black triangles & circles with a few geometric blocks of bilious witchy green for the face and striped socks. It was The Thing That I Was Looking for But That Didn't Exist Yet. How magical is that?! (A: darkly magical.)

The other painting picks up on the first comment I made on MeFi that wasn't a book recommendation or an involuntary terrible pun. It’s a painting of a semicolon floating above a soft spattery cloud of green and blue (my favorite colors) (also very MeFi colors, come to think of it). It’s flat-out gorgeous. When I opened it & realized what it was I made an involuntary "oh!" sound and almost dropped it.

The comment Adridne picked up on & turned into art was about my having some discomfort with others making assumptions about my semicolon tattoo, and also explaining a bit about why I got it. Describing this to internet strangers--sharing something deeply personal--was kind of a new thing for me. I have had pretty severe social anxiety in online places where I'm visible--I get so self-conscious it's hard for me to think clearly, and it's utterly exhausting. This isn't the case for me on metafilter, turns out. Which I know because making that semicolon comment felt good, & quietly important for me. For another Mefite to have picked up on that feels quite surprising and wonderful. This is likely a larger response than was intended but: I feel honored.

All of which is to say: my quonsmas gifts touch on pretty deep stuff, things I feel deeply and think hard about: deaths of family and friends; language as ornament; trying to figure out what traditions I have a right to; my visibility online and in the world; making a home more homey; moving through sorrow; memorializing difficult things. As Adridne pointed out, it's risky to make art for a stranger! And they hit the nail right on the head with these; receiving these paintings made me incredibly happy. Thanks again.

Thanks too, as ever, to quonczars and marmoset wranglers for making this cornucopia possible.
posted by miles per flower at 10:10 PM on December 2, 2017 [32 favorites]


I’ve been Quonsed by Zephyrial!

It must be all the board game IRL’s I go to that was the tip-off, and I am now the proud owner of Codenames, a game I’ve played and loved. Not only did I not have it, this is actually the first board game I’ve owned that isn’t at least 40 years old! To make it even better, I was just talking to a friend today about getting some people together to play games, and now I have something to bring.

It was just perfect, thank you!
posted by Room 641-A at 10:34 PM on December 2, 2017 [2 favorites]


I have been most wonderfully Quonsed by fraula all the way from France! Thank you so much for the haul including: a teensy white chocolate tea, cute lil Paris keychain, a lip balm which Mona Lisa herself used if I'm to believe the implication of her smile on the tin, and the beautiful handmade scarf-shawl, which I shall indeed wear with great flair on a No Fucks Friday to come! Merry Quonsmas to me, indeed.
posted by fairlynearlyready at 11:20 PM on December 2, 2017 [5 favorites]


Oh Quonsee, your gift will be a couple days late :(

It's not me, its my post office insisting on only being open for five minutes every third day, basically. Your gift has been happily wrapped and ready to go for several days now but the post office keeps thwarting me. I promise this gift is going out tomorrow no matter what.
posted by silverstatue at 6:12 AM on December 3, 2017


Thank you so much, Secret Quonsar! I love my yo yo and yo yo tricks book. A very fun one-handed gift as requested to account for a new baby being in the other hand/arm! I know you revealed yourself in the note (which I read), but my husband cleaned up the kitchen last night and seems to have thrown out the note. Please reveal yourself, if so inclined! Happy Quonsar!
posted by CMcG at 6:25 AM on December 3, 2017


Thank you Room 641-A for giving me a wonderful first Quonsmas experience! I am so excited to make sourdough bread with my new cookbook and sourdough starter, as well as enjoying your other perfectly-chosen treats. I am blown away by your thoughtfulness.

And thank you to all of you for creating this beautiful tradition! Happy Quonsmas, everyone!
posted by kayram at 6:45 AM on December 3, 2017 [2 favorites]


381 People are Participating

Have we ever talked about the math of Quonsaring loops? Like if I drew myself as a Quonsar, that would be a loop of 1, but I bet that's prevented. If you and I draw each other, that's a loop of 2. If I draw you, you draw cortex, and cortex draws me, that's 3. I started wondering what distributions of what loop sizes are probable in our pool of 381. Anyone care to fill in the math?
posted by daisyace at 6:55 AM on December 3, 2017 [3 favorites]


a lip balm which Mona Lisa herself used if I'm to believe the implication of her smile on the tin

It's from the Louvre :) I had just taken a visiting friend there – we did indeed see the Mona Lisa, first time for her – and we thought the lip balm was fun.
posted by fraula at 7:02 AM on December 3, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you to capricorn (from someone who is one day away from being a Capricorn herself). Getting my Secret Quonsar package in the mail yesterday was a great start to my day! My favorite is the Pusheen pencil case -- it will give me a dose of cuteness every time I use it. Thanks again!

(And general note for my Secret Quonsing: I really meant to get my package sent by the deadline, but it will definitely be going out Monday! It won't take long to get there because it's going just a few states away.)
posted by trillian at 8:16 AM on December 3, 2017 [2 favorites]


Have we ever talked about the math of Quonsaring loops?


We Have!
A Little Bit
And Here
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 8:19 AM on December 3, 2017 [5 favorites]


For those keeping track, USPS tracking says the gift I sent was delivered yesterday!
posted by centrifugal at 11:15 AM on December 3, 2017


I have been Quonsed by lydhre! On a Sunday? What is USPS up to?

I opened my front door to find a package that was bulging with all the goodness inside, tied up in the happiest red yarn. First, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard. I only recently became familiar with Annie Dillard this summer, when her essay on the solar eclipse (which I loved) was re-printed by the Atlantic. I'm so looking forward to reading this. I've spent the last year finishing graduate school and starting a new job, and haven't read one book in the past 12 months. This feels like such a tremendous luxury.

And then, a book of hikes in and around New York City, all of which are dog-friendly! There is a whole chapter on hikes in my area, none of which I am familiar with, having just moved here. I cannot wait to curl up with these books and plan adventures for the spring. Thank you so so much, lydhre.

Dear Quonsmas elves, I mailed my Quonsee's gift on 12/1, and the anticipated delivery date is 12/5. Thank you for organizing one of my favorite parts of the season.
posted by MrBobinski at 1:24 PM on December 3, 2017 [4 favorites]


Munching Langolier - Thanks for the excuse to go into the 'local stuff here' store and wallow in looking at things! (And yeah, the indoor snowballs are awesome.)

I'm really glad the variety of things appealed, and that it arrived when you needed a pick me up. I don't even wear socks much (weird quirk) but those made me go "This is a thing that would make me happy just to have them in a sock drawer and know I could put them on if I wanted."

The person working at the store said the ginger syrup makes great ginger ale, but is also good over ice cream and other applications...
posted by modernhypatia at 3:04 PM on December 3, 2017 [1 favorite]


Wow, a large and heartfelt thank you to my secret Quonsar! Oyéah kindly sent me a box filled with comfort, sparkle, and warmth: wooly socks, a beautiful cut-glass bowl, and a vintage embroidered tablecloth/napkin set that legit had me in tears, it was so reminiscent of the kind of work my grandmother used to make (virtually none of it surviving.) Thank you so much, Oyéah--I'm totally blown away.

Also, a note of thanks to my Quonsee for her patience. I got my outgoing parcel all set to go, then was felled by some awful bug on Thursday/Friday/Saturday--I could barely get out of bed, and going to the post office was right out. I am returning to the land of the living today and will get the package out in the mail on Monday. I dithered about spoiling the surprise but figured it was better to warn my Quonsee than to have her think she'd been forgotten, which is so not the case!
posted by Sublimity at 3:05 PM on December 3, 2017 [5 favorites]


I was quonsed by Katie! She sent me a great Lucha libre shirt and I look forward to wearing it to a show sometime hopefully in the not too distant future. Thank you Katie, it was perfect.
posted by Tesseractive at 3:06 PM on December 3, 2017 [1 favorite]


My favorite is the Pusheen pencil case -- it will give me a dose of cuteness every time I use it. Thanks again!

Pusheen is basically the cutest thing ever.
posted by holborne at 3:23 PM on December 3, 2017 [6 favorites]


Thank you NorthernLite, I was able to open my gift today, and its always so much fun to open a gift -early -from a stranger -on the internet! I don't know how you knew my favorite color was green but I got camping gadgets including a collapsible travel cup with lid, a paracord bracelet, that also has a compass, a whistle, and a cutting edge on it, and some peppermint tea thats actually picked right near where I live. I'm thankful for the kindness of strangers, of the loveliness of the Quonsmas tradition, and Metafiler.
posted by sweetmarie at 4:02 PM on December 3, 2017 [2 favorites]


Well, the great day of Quonsmas has arrived and I must thank vespabelle for an astoundingly thoughtful and beautiful set of surprises! First, I had to pause to appreciate her wrapping game - beautiful papers and all mixed! There's a gorgeous card enclosed featuring a charming bear woodcut from this artist. Then, one after the other, came some seriously delightful book choices: 33 Days by Leon Werth - which has a really interesting backstory - The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton, an author I love! (though this'll be a new book for me!) - and I'm Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi which looks both funny and pointed and serious. To cap it all off, some glorious-looking roasted and seasoned hazelnuts from Albina City Nuts - perfect to much on while reading, and also a terrific way to taste a local speciality from across the country.

Thanks so much, vespabelle. I really love these gifts. It's so hard to pick out books to suit someone's taste even when you are around them all the time - I'm in awe that you found such perfect picks for a fellow MeFite. I am already envisioning long lazy afternoons lounging over the holiday break with these delicious new reads. Wonderful and thoughtful gifts - I am so appreciative! PS I already have plans to recycle this great paper...
posted by Miko at 5:20 PM on December 3, 2017 [4 favorites]


I was quonsed! Thank you so much, hansbrough! The gift was amazingly perfect for me. I had to post the goodies to my Insta. Cat 1 instantly took over the catnip toy. Cat 2 decided the bubble wrap was more fun, anyway.
posted by MaritaCov at 5:22 PM on December 3, 2017 [3 favorites]


Dear Secret Quonsar, I have received my package and I will be setting it out under the twinkle lights and I am going to be good and to WAIT! I just wanted you to know that its safe and sound and in my hot little hands...I will return to this thread and to spill details...its great that it has a return address from my local area! Thank you!
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 6:52 PM on December 3, 2017


I've gotten so many neat gift ideas for my family from reading this thread! Also, according to USPS, the gift I sent was delivered yesterday. Barely got it out in the mail on time, oops!
posted by cp311 at 8:16 PM on December 3, 2017


Quaking Fajita: so glad you like the goodies. Some info, as I failed to put anything in the package itself: the magnet is a North Carolina magnet just showing Raleigh because it's the capital (I couldn't find one showing Asheville, where I live). The honey is made in Swannanoa, a very small community just east of Asheville. The earrings (which look great on you) are handblown glass from the Penland School of Crafts up near Spruce Pine. Enjoy it all. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by MovableBookLady at 9:14 PM on December 3, 2017 [2 favorites]


agentofselection has sent me a box of assorted homemade jams, jellies, and marmalades. There's some very exotic flavors among them, such as cardamom-loquat and pomegranate-orange. A tasting is being arranged among housemates and friends. Such fun. Thanks so much.
posted by MovableBookLady at 9:26 PM on December 3, 2017 [1 favorite]


Quonsmas joy to all! I’m currently enjoying my present from killaseal, a fabulous Steven Universe mug which is providing lots of joy as I’m trying to caffeinate myself for my 5AM start time in the hospital. I love it!
posted by ocherdraco at 1:31 AM on December 4, 2017 [3 favorites]


Oh yayz! I received my lovely quonsar gift yesterday from a SECRET QUONSAR! All I know is that they sure hit the bulls-eye with perfect candy choices (including Sarris chocolates and Jolly Rancher candy canes!), some perfect girly accouterments and an awesome felted lump of coal who will be keeping me company for the days and weeks to come. I have christened him Lumpy McGee.

In a neat aside, my secret quonsar lives about 4 miles as the crow flies from the house I grew up in, about 250 miles away from where I live now. Small (metafilter) world!

Thank you!
posted by kinsey at 4:41 AM on December 4, 2017


I always seem to be traveling during SQ season. Mrs. Philbo has informed me that I have a mysterious package - so thank you Quonsar Quentin or Quonsar Quaneisha! Better and more specific thanks will come next week when I return.
posted by Philbo at 4:59 AM on December 4, 2017


That's me, kinsey!
I'm glad you like your stuff!
posted by Mister Moofoo at 5:05 AM on December 4, 2017


My Quonsar was fantastic, the cookies where great. I think that my toddler and cats where most pleased with the box but that is how it goes. The cog coasters have become a toddler toy and the mini tool is in my wallet. Thank you very much.
posted by 123fakestreet at 6:41 AM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I’m at home for an unexpected day off, tired from an inspection, and I was delighted by wonderful Quonsmas gifts from theseldomseenkid. Some rather nice stones, from Ilfracombe, poetry - which I am enjoying with a cup of tea, and excellent badges. We could all do with more freedom, ideas, and libraries!

Thank you for brightening a dull day, and for thoughtful gifts that give me hope for the kindness of the internet, in a time when it seems rather distant.
posted by Gilgongo at 7:54 AM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


Not only did I receive a lovely gift in the mail, I received it from MeFi legend Stynxno together with a very nice note on ridiculously luxurious personal stationery that I am not jealous of at all!

Permanent dude (PD) and I were super relieved that the cool-ly packaged scented candle was not too scented (we live in the south where people out-perfume each other on purpose) so we lit it right away to set the mood for writing out my MeFi holiday cards. And the sweet local jam you sent will be going into thumbprint cookies!

Thank you Stynxno! I promise I will try not to read your name as Styx in the future! (Although if it helps, I always pictured you as Tommy Shaw aka the cute one.)
posted by headnsouth at 8:15 AM on December 4, 2017 [3 favorites]


I just received the most wonderful package from bunnysquirrel! I asked for local goodies and mentioned my cat Chester, and what arrived today was a box full of delicious-looking snacks and spices and coffee from Maryland, plus a few goodies so Chester wouldn't feel left out!

Thank you so much, bunnysquirrel!

Here is photo evidence of everything, lined up on my bed in front of Chester, who was napping so hard even the jingling cat bell toy didn't wake him up.
posted by jessypie at 9:19 AM on December 4, 2017 [10 favorites]


RAWRBERRY!!! you are the best. we 100% took the advice from an askme and changed our vacation this summer to go to denmark instead of malmo in sweden. as the askme prophecy foretold we LOVED it. so imagine my delight when the mail lady brought me a beautiful brown paper package wrapped up in string... FROM DENMARK. full of delightful danish treats and gifts. what a wonderful memory of our trip and what a special quonsmas. thank you rawrberry for such a wonderful charming gift. it's really brought us a moment of just plain sheer joy today.
posted by chasles at 10:33 AM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got a lovely cookie-smelly candle and a lot of PIRATE stuff from my quonsar, which is great, because I'm giving my best friend only pirate-themed gifts, and these will fill in some gaps nicely. Thank you SQ!!

(I am keeping the taffy. The taffy is mine.)
posted by kostia at 10:44 AM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


Oh, and corb, your gifts should be arriving directly! Merry Quonsmas to all!
posted by kostia at 10:46 AM on December 4, 2017


I returned home after a somewhat tiring day at work to find that I had been Quonsed! A variety of candies plus a teeny dollhouse book that is now in the library--the mini library, that is. Thanks, sophie1!
posted by thomas j wise at 11:51 AM on December 4, 2017 [5 favorites]


maritacov YAY! I'm so glad you and your kitties like your presents, including the bubble wrap! Also rather relieved the yarn bowl arrived in tact. Happy quonsmas!
posted by hansbrough at 11:57 AM on December 4, 2017


hiiiiiiiii i got my quonsar package but tbh i cannot make out the username of the person who sent it to me (insert embarrassed face emoji here). but thank you for the gifts! the pin your partner picked out is super adorable and has made its way onto my bag. <3 really looking forward to destroying everyone in yahtzee.

also to MY secret quonsar, i shipped your package today. sorry it's so late, please blame congress. please enjoy the lemon bar granola (MY FAVORITE KIND) and other assorted made-in-DC gifts. couldn't fit a MAGA hat in there, sorry in advance. :)
posted by kerning at 1:07 PM on December 4, 2017 [2 favorites]


kostia, yay! You're lucky because my kid was eyeing up that Taffy, too! I figured since I was *in* a place called Treasure Island that had pirate themed stuff, I should get you pirate stuff from there!

There should be one more package coming yet. I'll check with the vendor to see if it shipped.
posted by jillithd at 1:13 PM on December 4, 2017 [3 favorites]


please enjoy the lemon bar granola (MY FAVORITE KIND) and other assorted made-in-DC gifts. couldn't fit a MAGA hat in there, sorry in advance. :)

Lemon Bar Granola? More info, please!?!
posted by ApathyGirl at 1:24 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


So for my first ever Secret Quonsar, I have the dubious distinction of being 2017’s first Second Chance recipient (whomp whomp). However, dear readers, don’t fret because the wonderful articseal gifted me cock (SFW I promise)!

Despite once studying bird flu in grad school, no one has ever gotten me a chicken themed book! I love chickens, and mentioned off-hand that my living room colours are red and black and that I love art so this is perfect! How did you know I desperately needed coffee table books after rearranging my apartment a few weeks ago?! I’m SO delighted and I have barely skimmed through the gorgeous photos!

Happy Quonsmas everyone!! I’m so glad I took the plunge and decided to sign up.

edit: despite previews and editing, I can’t get links to work and I’m too much in a rush to figure out why. But the book is Chickens by Ernest Goh
posted by carabiner at 1:29 PM on December 4, 2017 [5 favorites]


See, the attempt at links left me fluttered (bad pun not intended!) and I forgot to say THANK YOU to arcticseal (another typo I noticed in my original post. Sigh. And I wonder why I never post things! :)
posted by carabiner at 1:40 PM on December 4, 2017


I’m another first timer who is super happy I signed up! Lepus sent me some awesome loot, including a donation to their local raptor center (and I get a condor plush out of it!), a tiny book of things to draw, a face mask, a panda letter set, and a panda scarf. Everything is perfect and I love it! You also reminded me that I forgot to mail the holiday card along with my gift for my own Quonsee!

Speaking of which, I also signed up for the card swap and getting cards every day lately has really boosted my mood! Sending mine out this week (now including an extra)!
posted by oomny at 2:26 PM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


A package, a package, a package for me! Thank you, Gygesringtone! There was a short pause before posting this so I could put the kettle on and let tea steep. My lovely box contained a homemade tea blend, designed just for me. It has sumac berries (I've had them before, but not whole, and not in tea!) rose petals, star anise, lavender, and cinnamon, and it's this lovely complex comforting mix of tasty goodness.

I really like the hints of spice from the star anise and cinnamon. Sometimes those tip a tea into a 'this is a sometime thing' for me, but this has just enough spicy to be intriguing and not so much it's overwhelming everything. And roses and lavender make everything good. And it feels complete, in a way a lot of tea blends don't always quite hit.

Also in the box was a really amazing ceramic sake set of cobalt blue (my guide said "If you get me a cobalt blue thing, I will adore it." This continues to be true.) The set has a little bottle, and four small cups, and I have a perfect use for them. (I mean, besides the actual designed use. My day to day life has a deficiency of sake. Maybe I should fix that.)

Also in the package was a packet of adorable note paper with a pale blue design with an owl along the bottom (Yay interesting stationary! Yay owls!) And a nice note, with the full proportions for the tea, and a note that all the ingredients came from very local sources (some of them from Gygesringtone's backyard.)

Thank you so much! I look forward to enjoying all of these things even more over time!
posted by modernhypatia at 2:28 PM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


Guys. Guys! GUYS. I was quonsed by QUONSMAS ROYALTY. Julen herself! SQUEEEEEE!

I received a lovely note on an official Virginia "The Old Dominion State" postcard, Edna Lewis's The Taste of Country Cookbook (which I'm pretty stoked about, because I learned about her on one of the recent seasons of Top Chef, and I haven't done much southern cooking, so it's SO ON), and a really neat handmade hanging bird. He's going to be installed on my ceiling because I'm afraid using him as a tree ornament might damage him, which I wouldn't want.

Pictures here! Including my cat evaluating the bird.

Thanks so very much Julen! <3 Happy Secret Quonsar, everyone!!
posted by firei at 3:10 PM on December 4, 2017 [13 favorites]


Eeee the post office says my package was delivered today, hope my Quonsee likes it!
posted by Ragini at 3:11 PM on December 4, 2017


halcyonday, your gift arrived safe and sound and is already in use. My SO fully approves of unlimited new tea towels in the house such that we have a mini-collection and we both like Brighton so this was a very good choice all round.

Between ourselves, I was planning on packaging up my own quonsmas offering first thing tomorrow (its not going to the far side of the world, so I should be good timewise), and there is a distinct possibility of some recycling of packing material. So good choice of gift, good packing skills and very timely. Thank you!
posted by biffa at 3:27 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you to OntologicalPuppy for sending great pet costumes! My dog and cats loved* them. Here is a very good boy with a muppet hat and a slightly annoyed nurse. Unfortunately, the inflatable unicorn horn and wizard hat will not stay on cat heads long enough to take a picture, but be assured they have brought much enjoyment to our household.

Also, the package sent to my Quonsee arrived today! Yay!

* immediately worked to remove
posted by Is It Over Yet? at 3:38 PM on December 4, 2017 [11 favorites]


SeedStitch, I am so glad you liked your presents! My fiancee and I had a lot of fun trying to find just the right thing. Thanks for the great response, it really helped.

Not 20 minutes ago, UPS knocked on my door with a package from lyssabee. It was a lovely copy of Lost Cities. I can't wait to try it, it looks so fun! (and I think we'll be taking that protip)
posted by Apoch at 3:42 PM on December 4, 2017 [2 favorites]


Mod note: Fixed up carabiner's links, carry on!
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:51 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I believe that a package from my secret Quonsar arrived on Saturday! But life has been bananas, and therefore I have been forced to wait until tonight. I am so looking forward to it - it's sitting under my tree right now! An early Thank You to my Secret Quonsar! :)

Cozenedindigo - Hurray! I'm glad you got everything. Enjoy! The Rancho Gordo bean guy is truly inspiring in his passion for beans. Here's his Basic Beans recipe, which comes across as more like a love letter than a set of instructions. Beanplating about beans, a mefi classic.
posted by samthemander at 3:55 PM on December 4, 2017 [3 favorites]


Squeeeeeee! I have been Quonsed! By the wonderful Kwine!

He sent me a lovely card featuring the skyline of Seattle, along with a set of Micron pens and a small set of "green," ecologically-friendly Stabilo colored pencils.

Kwine, your choices were PERFECT. I love, love, love Micron pens and am always in need of more of them. And the Stabilo colored pencils are actually new for me -- just when I thought I had some of every brand, you've sent me a very welcome surprise! I love that they are made from responsibly harvested wood.

Thank you every so much, and Happy Quonsmas to you!
posted by Annabelle74 at 4:09 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


firei - I'm so glad the gift landed well! The woman was such a marvel! I hope it gives you hours of enjoyment. (My cat, too, immediately investigated the blue bird I made for myself, with a lot suspicious sniffing and squinty eyes. The other cat is hilariously oblivious to it).

And now for more officialish business.

We normally don't do second chancers for at least another week, but someone discovered that they had to withdraw (for very good reasons) before the send date. They were a good quonsar citizen by letting us know immediately so we could arrange to get the gap filled. So although it was a bummer there had to be a second chancer so early, everyone did the right thing.

We'll probably do the next set of stats this weekend; I really should have been tracking games in packages!
posted by julen at 4:52 PM on December 4, 2017 [5 favorites]


I didn't open my package until I sent mine off, but I have now, and AAIIEEEEE ooh is lovely; delightful notebook-and-pen hacked to add a motherboard-piece cover instead of the original probably-leather, and a pack of hacker stickers (aww yay!), and a sparkly glass wand that I'm terrified of breaking but is too gorgeous not to keep taking out of the package and looking at.

And it came wrapped in a reusable bag, the kind that stuffs into its own pocket; I LOVE those and I lost my last awesome one a while ago, so it's all wonderful.

Much purple and much teal and little sparklies; I am thrilled. :) Thank you, Too-Ticky!
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 4:58 PM on December 4, 2017


Secret quonsar, I believe your package has arrived! (printed address, hand-written name?) I'm out of town until the weekend but will dive into it then and report back with jubilant confirmation.
posted by curious nu at 5:05 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I just had an amazing quonsing! sarcasticah sent so many useful and delightful things that I'm having trouble picking my favorite. I mean, just LOOK. That's tea with strawberries and vanilla that she blended. It smells amazing, and I'm so excited to try it. And then there are the adorable teeny sheep and alpaca with their little feets. So freaking cute.

The tally counters have already been assigned to knitting projects and will save me from having to remember which folded piece of paper with numbers on it is the most recent. (One project is on row 133, the other has just enough easy rows to make me lose track if I'm not marking them down.) And then soak for washing all the things and a great and very bright little light that I can stick in my project bag.

There were also bonus penguin and snowman stickers that I forgot to take out of the card in my excitement at wanting to take a picture of everything. (omg, tiny alpaca, omg)

Thank you so much!
posted by Akhu at 5:25 PM on December 4, 2017 [9 favorites]


Thank you so much, batter_my_heart!

I've been working at The Internship from Hell this semester and I was dreading going to work today.

I opened my package before I left and it really made me smile.

I first heard about Ada back in my high school computer class. That class really lit a fire in me and I've been thinking lately about how I probably would never have wound up where I am today (graduate school! in computer science!) without it. How'd you know?

Anyway, I love her, I wore her to work today, and I'm going to show her off to all my friends in Theory of Computation tomorrow. Wishing you the best from Boston!
posted by marfa, texas at 6:02 PM on December 4, 2017 [6 favorites]


Thank you, duffell! I screamed when I had realized what had arrived, and rushed inside to open it up. (The gym can wait, especially when there is opportunity to open up Secret Quonsar gifts!)

My secret quosnar box came today, with some really fun items! Old Bay seasoning, and Old Bay potato chips, plus some wonderfully smelly champagne gummy bears, and a gorgeous postcard of the Hope Diamond and little tiny glass and marbled blue octopus from the National Museum of Natural History. I think it's some sort of paperweight, or at least, it was probably supposed to be that sort of thing. But I like to think of it as my little mascot, or totem, or something of that sort. I dunno. Maybe it can hang out next to my rainbow-colored enameled zebra on the bookshelf if I don't take it in to work to hang out on my cubicle desk.

The beau and I both already ate one of the champagne gummies, and they were lovely and fruity and tart. We had to evacuate it to a new box, because the brittle plastic one it was so lovingly wrapped it was falling apart at the seams, but otherwise, everything arrived and is wonderful!
posted by PearlRose at 6:11 PM on December 4, 2017 [2 favorites]


I hope my quonsee received their gift: my USPS tracking number says that it was delivered a week ago (I was neglectful in checking into this thread for Reasons, but I did get it in the mail well before the due date, which is unlike me).
posted by Paper rabies at 6:20 PM on December 4, 2017


I have been Secret Quonsed!
It's a day of quonsing!

This morning when I got home from work I saw my quonsee had received her gift, and shortly thereafter I went to bed.

Got up, watched the last couple episodes of Westworld, went back to bed for an hour, got back up and rolled out to go to work.

So on my way out the door I checked the mailbox for packages, found one with my name on it, shoved it in my backpack, and got on the bus for work.

Before I opened it I was hesitant to let too much quonticipation hit me because the return address said San Francisco, where my older sister lives, and the writing was kinda similar to hers.

The lack of a name in the return address and the sprig of flowers (some dried and some paper and fabric ones, it looks like) sticking out the end of the little bag it was sent in suggested otherwise.

I opened it on the bus.

I managed not to spill little flowers all over the place, and there was a little kitty taped to the interior wrapping. Mysterious...
So, or anyway, I got a card game called Dutch Blitz from my Secret Quonsar!

Thanks, Secret Quonsar! Bwock bwock!
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:44 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


That instagram link doesn't work.
Missed the edit window.
Here's the mystery kitty.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:55 PM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


I have been quonsed! Hermeowne Grangepurr has given me two little balls of pussy-hat wool (I think they're destined to become tree ornaments!), a little package of Penzey's spices, a delightful White House Pets coloring book, and all of it, including the Walt Life box (how did I not know this was a thing?!) smelled amazing thanks to the seriously delicious homemade molasses cookies (recipe included!).
And there's still something else coming? I can't even.
Thank you so very, very much and Merry Quonsmas!

PS: USPS tracking tells me that someone in Minnestoa is getting Quonsed tomorrow! EEEE!
posted by ApathyGirl at 6:59 PM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


To one person, who is my Quons recipient: Rejoice, for I have sent your package today! I realize this will be irrelevant to all but one person, and that this person has no clue I'm speaking to/about them, but if you're still awaiting your gifty, perhaps you are the person who has only a few days to wait!
posted by but no cigar at 7:23 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been quonsed! Big thanks to my SQ! (I don't _think_ your user name is the same as your real name, due to the complete lack of activity for that user, so I'm going to pretend you're anonymous so I don't tag the wrong person.) The IR thermometer is perfect - I've been meaning to pick one up, so was quite pleased to unwrap it. Thank you!
posted by Svenny at 7:52 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


I had a stressful weekend! It was capped off by a stressful Monday! Reading about other people's Quonsmas joy is the perfect anecdote to stress, and I love you all for it.

To give back, I Quonse you all with a spot-the-hidden-kitten photo. Merry Quonsmas, everyone.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:55 PM on December 4, 2017 [15 favorites]


Antidote! I meant antidote! Although "anecdote to stress" also seems somehow accurate.
posted by mudpuppie at 7:57 PM on December 4, 2017 [1 favorite]


little tiny glass and marbled blue octopus from the National Museum of Natural History

Yesssss the Secret Quonsar octopus subtheme lives on.
posted by limeonaire at 8:14 PM on December 4, 2017 [4 favorites]


Thank you, The Big Red Kitty Purs! I have been Quonsed!

I got a bunch of lovely littles from her local artisans, your travels, and your spouse (also a local artisan?). I LOVE the 3D folded paper stars - they are going on the tree. The notecards are gorgeous- I’m really big on notes so this is perfect! They will pair nicely with the French pencils and fountain pen.

photo evidence of my quonsing!
posted by samthemander at 9:33 PM on December 4, 2017 [5 favorites]


Oh goodness, I have been Quonsed, and how! Quonsczar phunniemee sent me four separate things, each with their own thoughtful note: a lovely book of short stories, a rollercoaster-building set that I am VERY excited to play with (and confuse the dog with), a kit to make dessert-shaped erasers in a language I do not read and am already furiously Google Translating, and A PROMO BOX OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES. Truly, I have experienced the miracle of Quonsmas -- experience it for yourself here! Thank you, phunniemee!
posted by Ragini at 9:44 PM on December 4, 2017 [10 favorites]


ErisLordFreedom, yay! I'm so glad that it arrived safely and that you like it. And the sparkly glass wand is apparently meant to be a dip pen, so you may be interested in digging up some ink and trying it out some time. It looks neat, doesn't it?
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:10 AM on December 5, 2017


You're welcome, jessypie! I hope Chester enjoyed his goodies upon awakening - my kitty has a bazilion fancy toys and yet those twisted pipe cleaners are her favorite.
posted by bunnysquirrel at 2:07 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


You're welcome headnsouth! I'm glad the candle wasn't too powerful. May the sweet sweet #1 jam of New Jersey bless everyone who eats your cookies. Or at least cause them to swear just a little bit more (you know, the Jersey way).
posted by Stynxno at 7:03 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


My parcel finally made it into the post this morning and should arrive by Tuesday, apparently. Sorry for being late, for the random wrapping paper, for eating part of it myself, and for using a recycled jiffy envelope from my Mum's wardrobe that may well be as old as I am. Apart from that, hope you like it!
posted by billiebee at 7:24 AM on December 5, 2017 [2 favorites]


David Snider, thank you so much for the gift! I look forward to playing with it and animating an ever-changing series of things that probably shouldn't be animated. :-D Happy Quonsmas!
posted by oblique red at 7:26 AM on December 5, 2017


QUONSMAS! I got an infrared thermometer from an undisclosed mefite. Not only can I measure surface temps, but the cats love the laser dot it sends so you know what you are measuring. Thanks undisclosed mefite!
posted by advicepig at 7:48 AM on December 5, 2017


I've received a package from dywypi and it looks very festive inside and the note says "goodies" so I am excited! But I am not opening yet until I have formulated the proper ceremony. Maybe when we decorate the tree!
posted by xo at 8:04 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


lydhre - I sent your package off a few weeks ago now. Not sure of postage timings between the UK and US, but hoping, if it hasn't reached you already, then it will be with you very shortly!

Happy secret quonsar, one and all! Loving the pictures.
posted by doornoise at 8:30 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


This is perfect. Not only did I hear back from my Quonsee today, on Saint Nicholas' day, I've also been thoroughly Quonsed myself on this selfsame day! The lovely and smart emypocu spent an outrageous amount of postage to send me a wonderful array of gifts:
- a neat pocket die game in a film container
- cards from a magical place called the City Museum which sounds like the bomb and has a cool dinosaur out in front
- an amazing book of templates for cutting paper snowflakes with botanical motives. How did you know that I like cutting snowflakes?!
- and as if that weren't enough, there is a T-shirt in one of my favourite colours with said cool dinosaur printed on it in silver. And it fits like a dream. I shall wear it with pride.

emypocu, you did everything right. Thank you so much. I hope to make it to your neck of the woods some day so we can bike around town. And a very happy Quonsmas to you, too!
posted by Too-Ticky at 8:31 AM on December 5, 2017 [4 favorites]


How did you know that I like cutting snowflakes

... and that there is a Griphon in our family's coat of arms??!! I mean, what are the odds...
It's a Quonsmas miracle, I tell you.
posted by Too-Ticky at 8:37 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


But I am not opening yet until I have formulated the proper ceremony.
In our house, the proper ceremony comprises:

Invocation: [me] Oooh, Secret Quonsar, I knew you wouldn't forget me!!
Response: [family member] It's that internet gift thing again, huh?
Litany: [me] It is Secret Quonsar and it's all mine, mine, mine.
Offeratory: [family member] Can't you wait? We're just sitting down to supper.
Recessional: [me, while ritually tearing off packaging and giftwrap] Oh look! It's wonderful! It's just what I wanted! And it's all mine, mine, mine.
Benediction: [family member] Hey! Cool! Come have supper.

Feel free to modify as needed.
posted by angiep at 8:41 AM on December 5, 2017 [23 favorites]


Woo, I've been quonsed! I opened my email today expecting to find a boring thing from work. Well, it was not a boring thing from work -- it was a Kindle book from the fabulous starlybri! She sent me a book that was on my Goodreads list of stuff I want to read, and I was very excited to get this particular one. And as it happens, I'm flying upstate tomorrow, so this will be perfect to read while I'm waiting for the plane.

Thank you so much, starlybri, for delivering such a lovely Quonsmas this year!
posted by holborne at 8:48 AM on December 5, 2017 [3 favorites]


Weeks ago, aniola sent me the card game Set and donated in my name to Heifer International for my Quonsmas. Wonderful! My partner and I tried the game last week and enjoyed it. Thanks aniola! Happy Quonsmas!

(I thanked aniola via email already, but I had forgotten about the secret quonsar thank you thread until Annabelle74 reminded me!)
posted by Kwine at 8:52 AM on December 5, 2017 [2 favorites]


In our house, the proper ceremony comprises:

MOVE CAT RIP TEAR TEAR RIP OHHHH YAY!
posted by Room 641-A at 8:52 AM on December 5, 2017 [6 favorites]


Miles per flower, I'm so glad you liked the artwork. I was a little nervous about sending it, choosing art is so personal, and I wasn't certain you'd be happy with them. I sort of thought that if nothing else, at least you could keep the frames? I'm very relieved it didn't come to that!

I myself got a package from dbmcd, containing a bounty of homemade items- knit washcloths, some beautiful notecards, blackberry jam, and a jar of honey from her own bees. This honey, you guys. OH MY GOD. I have never really liked honey. It was just this sort of okay but too sweet stuff with a weird flavor. But then I tried this, just a little bit on a spoon, and it was an amazing revelation of what honey can taste like. It's a little sour and fruity and rich and not too sweet and it's SO GOOD. I've now eaten it on apples, and pecans, and a slightly embarrassing amount straight off a spoon from the jar. When it's done I think I have to find a local apiary.
Thank you so much, dbmcd, for exposing me to the fabulousness of really good honey!
posted by Adridne at 9:03 AM on December 5, 2017 [7 favorites]


Strawberry shortcake tea update: it's delicious.
posted by Akhu at 9:12 AM on December 5, 2017


I have been Quonsed beyond my wildest dreams of Quonsmas! Quonsed to happy tears! I am so moved and delighted by my beautiful and thoughtful gift from the wonderful daisyace.

When I opened the shipping box, I found a prettily wrapped package surrounded by a festive assortment of colorful fruit candies (so thoughtful, since I have a chocolate allergy) and two crinkle toys that my kitties were immediately excited to investigate.

The box also contained an adorable card bearing a somewhat mysterious message that became clear once I'd opened the wrapped package to discover the MOST AMAZING gift. You see, my guidance note had suggested "literary interest signifiers," and daisyace took that vague suggestion and made magic with it! I am now the delighted owner of a (nickel-free!) charm bracelet with three miniature book lockets with personalized covers, all tremendous favorites of mine from different eras of my life, all gleaned from my comment history (and possibly my Amazon wishlist)! Corduroy! A Wrinkle in Time! The Richard Bagg translation of The Bakkhai! I mean, extremely personalized, which is when I started tearing up, because the thought and care and creativity of the gift just overwhelmed me.

Daisyace, my own nearest and dearest couldn't have gotten me a more perfect gift. I will treasure it always and yes, I will add to it! Wishing you and yours the most splendid Quonsmas!
posted by merriment at 9:35 AM on December 5, 2017 [22 favorites]


Adridne, I am so happy you liked everything. Mr dbmcd was especially pleased with your love of the honey, he’s the “actual”beekeeper here. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by dbmcd at 10:03 AM on December 5, 2017


Got my Quonsar gift yesterday from a mystery mefite whose real name I know but not their username! Thank you so much for the lil preserved-culinary tour of New England! Coming home last night after a long awful day of work to a mystery package full of preserved meats (etc.) really got me out of a funk and I appreciate it!
posted by griphus at 10:46 AM on December 5, 2017 [2 favorites]


I've received a wonderful parcel from catch as catch can containing an adorable card, a variety of cute stationery, some delicious salted caramels, and the most incredible needle-felted reindeer. I'm so grateful to receive such a great gift for my first Quonsmas. Thank you so much, catch as catch can!
posted by Law of Demeter at 11:28 AM on December 5, 2017


SeedStitch went a-Quonsing, and I received a welcome tub of maple cream from a family farm (as befits my New England USA heritage) for spreading on breads, crackers ... well, anything, really. (Maple could actually be my middle name and possibly my raison d'être.) Thank you, SeedStitch!
posted by initapplette at 11:34 AM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you secret, secret Quonsar! I received my fine package of jasmine teas, honey, and candies from pocky sticks, to caramels, (maybe,) ginger chews and a mix of fruit gummies! I have been delightfully and deliciously Quonsed. May the Quonsmas spirit last all year!
posted by Oyéah at 11:41 AM on December 5, 2017


I just received word that I've been Quonsed from Vancouver and my package awaits me at home. This evening we shall celebrate the Secret Quonsar ceremony!
posted by angiep at 11:50 AM on December 5, 2017


I just got in the door from a few days away and was really pleased to find a Quonsmas gift in my mailbox! Toby_ann sent me a stylish little cocktail jigger (which I may put to use with the duty-free scotch I just brought home), along with a neat silicone spoon and a button assuring me that Winnipeg is cooler than I think. It must be, to have such a wonderful mefite in it!

Photographic evidence
posted by sevenyearlurk at 12:21 PM on December 5, 2017 [3 favorites]


Dear still-Secret Quonsar, your package arrived today (all the way from a town I used to live in!), but I cannot open it yet, as I have not yet sent out my Quonsee's package. Know that it has arrived safe and sound and is not sitting out in the rain.

The anticipation is killing me, but in true Quonsmas tradition, I cannot open my gift until I have sent my own gift out. I'm hoping that will be sometime later this week - still waiting on a handmade component...
posted by MsVader at 12:33 PM on December 5, 2017 [3 favorites]


You're super-mega-extra welcome, merriment! I'm so, so glad that it delighted you, and I couldn't feel more appreciated. In fact, I may just have to retire from quonsing now, and heck, from all of gift-giving in general. But no, I'd miss too much fun!! Happy quonsmas!
posted by daisyace at 12:43 PM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


Tangaroo!! Thank you! I received an excellent Quonsmas gift today - a beautiful ceramic mug and cute little ceramic penguin (handmade perhaps? The initials on them match the ones on the return address), two cute little catnip sushi rolls (already cat-approved), and some excellent snacks. The tomato flavored ramen crackers were strange in the best way and are already gone - I have yet to try the crab chips (I think that’s what they are) or adorable gummy lollipops, but they look most excellent as well.
posted by insectosaurus at 2:54 PM on December 5, 2017 [3 favorites]


Yay! I am so happy that you like the gifts samthemander and that they made it to you safely, as I completely miscalculated the package size.

Spouse is not an artisan, just a guy who loves complicated geometric shapes and needs something to do with his hands while on sitting on phone calls for work.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:12 PM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


just a guy who loves complicated geometric shapes and needs something to do with his hands

I have made those before, up to ten sides. Each one took at least a month, hours of extreme concentration and multiple retrys. Please tell your spouse I'm extremely impressed by his talent.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:43 PM on December 5, 2017 [4 favorites]


I got an amazing quonsar gift from BobtheThief! The main excitement was the Thug Kitchen 101 cookbook, which beautifully combines my love of quick delicious vegan meals and cursing. In fact, I've already paged through the whole f*ing thing, and eaten some of my delicious dark chocolate while meal planning. I even got some cute Christmas-y socks, which are lovely given our recent "cold snap" (such as it ever is in O'ahu). Mahalo! And merry quonsmas!
posted by Paper rabies at 4:20 PM on December 5, 2017 [2 favorites]


Dear SQ -- thank you so much for the lovely card and treats! The peppermint Roca is being consumed by the household as I write, and I look forward to trying the tea and coffee this weekend! Photos here, for the interested.

Happy Quonsmas, everyone! This swap is definitely one of the highlights of my year!
posted by Stephanie Duy at 4:54 PM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'm still waiting on validation that my package sent arrived safe, and I got one at my work with some nice christmas ornaments, but if the sender put their name on it, it was covered by the packaging materials.
Anyway, thank you quonsar, and I hope my quonsee got theirs all in one piece!
posted by lkc at 4:55 PM on December 5, 2017


Okay I am a real dummy because I left the identifying information at the office. However! I have received the most STUPENDOUS quonsar EVAR!

Have a look here! I asked for the best souvenirs from my quonsar's location and would you look at this loot! I can't wait to dig into the book and learn all about St. Louis. The chocolates are, uh, almost all gone (trying to pace myself). But the very best part is the CLYDESDALE HORSESHOE which no joke weighs a ton! I started scream-cackling when I realized what it was, to the consternation of my coworkers. It will live on my desk, so I can use it to menace my adversaries.

Thank you thank you thank you! This was such a lovely surprise on a dreary Tuesday. I'll update tomorrow with your name, wonderful quonsar!
posted by orrnyereg at 5:16 PM on December 5, 2017 [7 favorites]


Folks, I need you to check your emails - we have a couple of emails out that really do need to be answered.
posted by julen at 5:30 PM on December 5, 2017


Oh holy shit Deezil really came through perfectly!

Look at this haul!

There is: A bottle of Maker's Mark BBQ sauce. You had me at "Makers Mark" and then you had me again at "BBQ" and sealed the deal at "sauce."

A couple of modjeskas. I have never heard of these before but they have chocolate and caramel and marshmallow and I have already eated one and OM NOM NOM SO GOOD!

A horseshoe. I do not own an intact live horse (I've said too much) but this will hang up in my shop in the Corner of Awesome next to the wreath Ms. Kimberussell gave me last year.

Bloom County! Two books and a DVD. Oh how I love Bloom County. And check this shit out. That guy was a total tool back in 1990, too!

Thank you, Deezil! May your Quonsmas season be filled with good things!
posted by bondcliff at 5:55 PM on December 5, 2017 [13 favorites]


Centrifugal, hello from Astoria! The neighborhood has probably gotten a lot hipper since you lived here but you'll (maybe) be pleased to know it still smells like souvlaki (+ Christmas trees this time of year). I am so excited to hit up Artist & Craftsman and the mug is indeed both beautiful and useful! Thank you so much!
posted by yeahlikethat at 6:34 PM on December 5, 2017 [2 favorites]


Mandolin Conspiracy can begin checking their post box as their gift is en route from Montreal, while the accompanying card makes its way from Australia. Thanks to Julen and helpers for the hard work organising all this.
posted by bystander at 7:01 PM on December 5, 2017 [1 favorite]


OK! Now that I've gotten the secret quonsar admin duties and work-related stuff out of the way, I can go into FULL-FLEDGED GUSH. epj sent me an awesome package - 2 mysteries I have not read that I'm going to try to a) save for Christmas holidays, and b) already have a waiting list in this house ("Oh, that looks good! Let me see the other one!") and to make it even better, a collection of brochures and tourist guides and MAPS for the areas in which the mysteries are set (Mississippi and Texas). Mississippi is one of the few states I've not been to, and I've always just passed through Texas, never staying for a while, so there's so much fodder here for a future road trip I'm sure I will take.

These tick all of my boxes as a compulsive road tripper, day dreamer, map lover, design critic (you are right, that Blues map could have been better!), and investigator-of-dozens-of-odd-side-thoughts-from-everything-I-read. It just made me so happy to get this collection of things. Thank you!
posted by julen at 7:09 PM on December 5, 2017 [6 favorites]


I have been Quonsed! I had some help unboxing - Pips claims the Otterbein's crispy chocolate chip cookies (fat chance, says me) - and there's also Berger's cookies (look like a chocolate dipped butter cookie), Old Bay flavored potato chips (very exciting), Mambo sauce (with usage suggestions), and some homemade strawberry balsamic and pepper jam (!!!!!). Thank you for the mid Atlantic treats, Amarynth!
posted by janell at 7:11 PM on December 5, 2017 [4 favorites]


Thank you, thank you alicat! Your Enquonsening is outstanding! I'm so going to enjoy the fruit teas. The card kit will make 3 very special cards (two for my husband and one for my sister). I got a big grin on my face when I saw the owl page flags. I'm doing a Presentation Thing day after tomorrow and will make liberal use of them. The little box now sits on my desk and holds an assortment of small knickknacks. I love, love, love the paper tape set. The water bottle is in my briefcase for the morning already, as are the watercolour pens. I've been eyeing and coveting watercolour pens and pencils for ages but have always thought that since I'm not in the least artistic I wouldn't get myself any. Thank you for getting me something I've been wanting for a long time but was never going to get myself!

However, I think your daughter's handmade Quonsmas card and your lovely note are really the best things in the package.

Happy Quonsmas to you and your family!

I am so envious that you're near a Miniso store. From the things you sent me it appears I could happily lose myself for weeks in there.
posted by angiep at 7:25 PM on December 5, 2017 [4 favorites]


I, too, have been delightfully and fittingly Quonsed! MrBobinski sent me this collection of very-exactly-me-ish things, including a pen that definitely passes the Dorinda-patented "is it satisfying to write with" test with flying colours, an adorable rope chew toy that Kenobi has clearly taken to already, (apologies for terrible photos...Kenobi was not interested in holding still), and a most excellent looking (and appropriately lengthy!) tome on Samuel Pepys, about whom - I shit you not - I was JUST YESTERDAY regaling Mr. Dorinda about the (horrifying) anesthetic-free bladder stone surgery which Pepys underwent, described in excruciating detail, and celebrated the anniversary of each year (and people wonder why my husband doesn't often ask me about my work..). I can't wait to get to know Sam better through Tomlinson's book!!

Last but not least, my Quonsing came complete with a hand drawn note depicting the parcel's journey from MrBobinski and pup in the northeast to me and pup in the southeast! I shall treasure it!!

Thank you so much for this slice of joy, MrBobinski!! Very, very much appreciated!
posted by Dorinda at 8:47 PM on December 5, 2017 [6 favorites]


Oh wow, that is an awesomely St. Louis collection you got there, orrneyereg! I envy you your Clydesdale horseshoe! (Also, looks like we've got a horseshoe subtheme going this year? Awesome!)

I was not your quonsar, but I can tell you something cool about your new book: The guy who designed the cover and much of the book's layout is a former colleague of mine and a good friend, one of my favorite people ever, really. I have many delightful quotes from him from over the years. Here's a handful innocuous enough to share!
• "Way to go, [limeonaire]. You blew up everything, you and your sex education..."

• "I love scarin' people."

• "She's wearing heels, and I told her her shoe was untied, and she looked. Heh heh..."

• "That's like when I lived downtown, this one time, my wife was coming down to see me, and she calls me—this was before cellphones—and she was like, 'Hey, how do you get there? I'm a little freaked out, 'cause this guy just asked me to buy some rocks.' I'm like, 'Just tell him no—a crack dealer will take no for an answer.' And she's like, 'No, he has a bag of rocks.' I'm like, 'Get the hell out of there!'"
So yeah, I was psyched to see that you got a copy of the book he worked on, for sure. I remember when he came down the hall and showed my officemate and I the cover!

Also, I passed along this update to julen, but I'm super amused. I heard from her that I'd missed delivery of my package, which is always odd since I work from home, and after looking through a big pile of mail and checking outside several times, and writing back to say I was confused, because I wasn't seeing the delivery notice, I went outside one more time, happened to look down, and saw the notice literally in the bushes in the dark, somewhat beneath the mailbox, a bit wrinkled from the damp ground. As julen noted, "Who knew your gift would come with an unplanned treasure hunt?"

I love it. This actually only makes it more exciting, somehow. Ad astra per aspera!
posted by limeonaire at 10:22 PM on December 5, 2017 [6 favorites]


I received an assortment of fancy chocolates today that look almost* too pretty to eat!

Thank you, Secret Quonsar!

*don't worry, I have already nibbled and they are as delicious as they look. :)
posted by bunnysquirrel at 11:20 PM on December 5, 2017 [3 favorites]


You're welcome, Law of Demeter! I hope everything inside brings you some small amount of joy! x
posted by catch as catch can at 12:41 AM on December 6, 2017


SIN

A tired-looking middle-aged man, who looks suspiciously like Oliver Platt, stands in line at the post office. In one hand is an Express Mail box, addressed to Buffalo. The box is late, this 5th day of December, and contains an assortment of gee-gaws.

DOUBT

This man is terribly bad at gifts. He enjoys reading the thank-yous from his fellow Quonsmas travellers, but they cannot help but to make him feel like his creator forgot to include Knowing Just The Right Thing in his brain's optional features. (It's probably on the same lost sheet as Effortless Charm, Don't Eat The Entire Bag, and Ability to Follow Through, he muses.)

DESPAIR

One of the box's artifacts is stark evidence of the fate all mortal beings face, after all, and perhaps that's not really in the Quonmas spirit. But maybe it is the Quonsmas spirit, now that 2017 has nearly run its course? His mind turns this over and over as he waits for his turn at the counter.

FATE

It is now too late, the box has been paid for, the collection is on its way, the tracking number memailed to the recipient. He thinks this must be what a bungee jump is like, the instant you leap: odds are things will be OK, but it's far too late to examine the cord or even see if it's attached to the bridge.

CONTRACT

His other hand has had a card in it this entire time, the bright yellow one the post office gives its box holders when something won't fit into their slot. As he hands it to the clerk he catches her eye, and sees that she knows what is in the box being sent cannot possibly be fair trade for the box she will be fetching from the back. She pauses with a questioning look, a last chance to make this right, but he shakes his head.

ENNUI

She sighs. One day, someone will do the right thing. Perhaps tomorrow will be that day. She retrieves the box, hands it to the man, and motions to the next sinner.

ANGEL

The box is from Los Angeles. The man's most recent memory of that city was his attempted murder there earlier in the year by his Lyft driver. The driver's chosen weapon--driving 54 miles per hour on the 5, in the left lane--was ineffective, his motives inscrutable, but it still left the man shaken as he turned over the charming reproduction vintage LA postcard with its hand-written note found within the box.

ADDICTION

It turns out the shaking was from the "BIJOU Dark Chocolate Sugar Crystals" bar (hand-made by Compartes in Los Angeles itself). The man, without shame, consumed it as if it were a helpless wallaby and he Ernest Giles--and the man suspected it was actually far superior in every possible way to a raw marsupial.

MODERATION

The man's life coach had mentioned this word to him earlier in the week, and as he finished the last of the chocolate he looked it up. The concept was as ghastly as he expected it might be, and he couldn't see how it might apply to him, in any case.

UNSEEN

The final artifact in the box was a copy of a book the man had not read, Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino. As he poked at it, he was shaken to his core (though this turned out to be the chocolate again)--it evoked memories of reading Siddartha, a book from his past which he had thoroughly enjoyed. An excellent choice by someone who had clearly received more than their share of Knowing Just The Thing. The man would have sighed, but he was still buzzing from the chocolate.

JETLAG

Many, many thanks to jetlagaddict for the wonderful Quonsmasing! The book looks really great and just the sort of thing I'd like to read at the moment. And the chocolate was really, really good.


(okayokayigive, it was your box I sent out today. I sent you a memail with tracking info. I hope you find something inside it which gives you some pleasure.)
posted by maxwelton at 1:12 AM on December 6, 2017 [26 favorites]


Thanks very much to AnhydrousLove for a delightful quonsing - two types of very fancy looking chocolate (one of which also contains FIGS!) and a very sweet notebook decorated with an elephant (and apparently made from elephant poop?) I haven't opened the wrapping yet, but as long as it doesn't smell too much like its origins, it is just the right size to be my new handbag notebook. Huzzah!
posted by Cheese Monster at 4:04 AM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! I got to open a box with festive red and green tissue paper last night! It had candy canes, which I love but never buy for myself, awesome cards with pictures of my SQ's hometown, a new game to try out and a great translated version of Tao Te Ching I haven't read before, but am very much looking forward to! Plus a feathery kitty toy that my two predator horse cats have chased around and chewed up, leaving feathery bits for my 4yo to then make potions with in the sink to see if they float. (Sorry for the terrible photos, but said 4yo was busy watching Scooby Doo on my phone and I had to interrupt him to be able to take the photos.)

A++ Quonsed! Would Quonse again!
posted by jillithd at 6:27 AM on December 6, 2017 [8 favorites]


Thank you to my Seeecret Quonsar for the lovely package that delighted both me and my 3-year-old! It was a collection of wonderful things- 2 arrowheads, postcards with Pixar characters, a book, a pack of little notebooks, chocolate, and two little Louisville Slugger wooden bats (one small, the other smaller) which appealed greatly to the 3-year-old in two ways: 1) he saw his first MLB game in August and has talked about ballgames ever since, and 2) there were two of them and they made a great noise when banged together, which he enthusiastically did for the next fifteen minutes.

Secret Quonsar, I know your name and address from the package but it doesn't seem to match up to any username on Metafilter so you'll have to Reveal Yourself here for me to thank you personally.

(Also, I am a terrible Quonsar myself and my package is not yet in the mail, but it will be by the end of the week. I was waiting on something and now I just have to get to the post office. For admins who are counting these things, that is my status and I am ashamed.)
posted by aabbbiee at 6:53 AM on December 6, 2017 [3 favorites]


Jedicus! It was jedicus!! One of my fave Mefites and now my secret quonsar! Thank you so much!
posted by orrnyereg at 7:02 AM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


I have been quonsed! The mail at our office must have come last night after I had already left for the day because it was on my desk when I walked in this morning. Thank you so much, holborne! This year in my gift guidance I asked for something that would delight my quonsar, and it turns out BOTH of us love opera! I saw Rigoletto a few years ago at Lyric but had just terrible seats and a date who kept falling asleep, so I'm really looking forward to watching this production :) And I've queued up Coronation of Poppea to listen to today per holborne's wonderful note.

Also, could you have found a more charming card? Impossible.
posted by phunniemee at 8:27 AM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got my package from Ragini! It's at my parent's house so I will be looking forward to the 25th to open it. Thanks again Ragini!!!
posted by tooloudinhere at 8:47 AM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'm so glad everything made it in one piece! I hope you enjoy the goodies, janell!

I also wanted to publicly thank my secret Quonsar, Philbo, who sent a lovely pie plate, some yummy nuts, and a fermentation kit. Thank you! I can't wait to try my hand at making sauerkraut!
posted by amarynth at 9:10 AM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


> The man's most recent memory of that city was his attempted murder there earlier in the year by his Lyft driver.

Maxwelton, I laughed, I cried, I flagged as fantastic.

(I may have had that very same Lyft driver on my last trip to LA - he turned around in his seat while driving on the freeway and pointed to his left eye to explain how he could barely see out of it after the last crash he'd been in, so he drove more carefully now.)
posted by RedOrGreen at 9:12 AM on December 6, 2017 [4 favorites]


initapplette, I'm glad you like maple! I thought it might be a bit risky to send something that apparently some people don't like, but the hint about your New England heritage led me in the right direction.
posted by SeedStitch at 9:36 AM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


My package arrived today with just the sort of things I asked for. I had a piece of the Cactus Candy as a post breakfast treat. Tried the Arizona moisturizer on my hand - it smells like a desert to me. The cactus marmalade I will try with lunch. I hope to keep the Sonaran Desert Cactus alive through the winter..we shall see.

Thanks to whoever you are.
posted by cairnoflore at 9:52 AM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


Thanks to whoever you are.

My money is on someone from Arizona.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:17 AM on December 6, 2017 [9 favorites]


My Quonsee's package was delivered yesterday, which means the post office successfully read my handwriting!
posted by culfinglin at 11:14 AM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


jillithd, I'm so glad your sabre-toothed felines enjoyed their toy, and apologetically chuckle at the fate of your formerly feather-free floors.
posted by ApathyGirl at 11:26 AM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


After a slight mix-up at the post office, I've been quonsed... Thank you to my still secret quonser for the book about medieval housekeeping . It was very thoughtful and spot on.
posted by patheral at 12:38 PM on December 6, 2017


Thank you to my Quonsar! I saw his real name but may have missed his Mefi name, so I will not say anything more than thank you, and the poster of Roman Emperors is now proudly displayed on my office door. All snacks will be hidden from my husband and consumed greedily.

I have my quonsar box addressed and ready to pop in the mail, so although I am tardy I am almost there!
posted by PussKillian at 1:52 PM on December 6, 2017


That was me, cairnoflore. And yup, I am living in AZ. It sounds like perhaps the card didn’t make it? (Alternatively it may have been illegible). Mr. Nat did the shipping since I had to fly out for a business trip, so I am glad the cactus made it in one piece.
For what it’s worth cacti were becoming a quite common decorating item in Copenhagen the last year I lived there-- if they can be kept alive there I think you should have no trouble!
posted by nat at 2:51 PM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


After a brief scare that the package had gone missing (it was just hiding in a drawer in my apartment building's front office), I received the most delightful Quonsmas package today from RedOrGreen! The box was full of lots of beautiful and shiny individually-wrapped packages, which turned out to contain handmade fair-trade earrings and a dish to put them in at the end of the day, NASA postcards including a super-sweet lenticular one of the moon's phases, a tin of Einstein mints (sorry for glare in the photo!), and a bookmark. How did you know I was looking for a little jewelry dish just like that one? I love the card too, it's on my fridge now! Thank you so much and Happy Quonsmas!
posted by capricorn at 3:09 PM on December 6, 2017 [5 favorites]


Thanks, tesseractive! Looking forward to brewing these wonderful teas. Wishing you a happy Quonsmas!
posted by obol at 3:38 PM on December 6, 2017


I forgot to thank the quonsmas elves for helping to clear up the mixup at the post office, and arranging this yearly gift-exchange in the first place. Honestly, y'all are great to do this, and I'm thankful to you. I always enjoy participating.

Happy Quonsmas, everyone!

(sorry for typos, grammar mistakes. I'm having a bad pain flare, and it makes typing hard)
posted by patheral at 4:06 PM on December 6, 2017 [2 favorites]


I know my Quonsar's name and other name, but not your Metafilter name. Thanks again, my grandson declared the caramels the best ever.
posted by Oyéah at 4:14 PM on December 6, 2017


Quonsmas joy! I couldn't wait to open my package this year, which came from lesser weasel in Tokyo, Japan! 🎌

I am very happy. Like my face hurts from smiling at the awesomeness as I've gone through everything. Here's what I got!
  • A snowy owl postcard 🦉 from Ueno Zoological Gardens (marked "Read me," which I did read first). (What's super cool is that this post from yesterday about Japanese crests, or mon, helped me recognize what I think is a crane one on the back of the postcard)
  • An adorably witchy Hamamonyo handkerchief 🌙 💠 (and in such a silky plastic bag and precise wrapping)
  • A super kawaii sushi badge 🍣 ("We're sushi" awww)
  • A Ponyo deck of cards omg! 🍜 (this is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time, which everyone should see if they haven't)
  • A photo set from the Takedao Tunnel Hike at Mukogawa Gorge in Hyogo Prefecture 🌉 🛤 🌳 . (The tunnel is really reminiscent of the one in Spirited Away!)
  • A photo set from Lake Kawaguchiko at the base of Mount Fuji 🗻 🏘🍦 (including Yamanashi Gem Museum! 📿 💎 )
  • Puffy metallic Korean Iron Man and Avengers stickers 🚀 (the Iron Man movies are among my favorites of all time as well, so this is so rad)
  • A selection of gorgeous flyers for exhibitions at Ueno Royal Museum 🏢 🎨 🖌️ 📜
  • Plus a few bags from local shops for wrapping/padding 🛍️
  • All in a Hachette Collections Japan box 📦
  • With careful annotations on Hello Kitty notepad pages 😻 (💯 on point!)
Dear lord this is awesome! And yes, as you noted, I think we really do like a lot of the same things. There are actually a couple of coincidences here that I can't even share here, 'cause they're related to other gifts in transit and/or some work stuff that's just funny. This was totally like tourism by mail of places and things you love and/or have visited, and now I have lots of new stuff for my walls, desk, pinboard...

Thank you so much, lesser weasel! 💖 🍕🐴 !
posted by limeonaire at 4:48 PM on December 6, 2017 [8 favorites]


Oh right, the third coincidence: I happened to be wearing this popular Japanese food T-shirt today when I picked up my package! 💕 🍥 🍣 🍢 🍙 🍜 🍡
posted by limeonaire at 5:01 PM on December 6, 2017


Ooh! Tracking shows my Quonsee’s gift may be arriving tomorrow, a day earlier than I thought!
(Must remember to actually complete work related tasks tomorrow rather than continually checking delivery status)
posted by bookmammal at 5:19 PM on December 6, 2017


Thanks for the cool acrylic painting book, Archipelago! I apologize for not posting immediately, as this week has been crazy. I'm going to do my best to paint every project in the book - it will be a great substitute while I wait for my painting classes to come back! Maybe I'll even do a portrait of my squirrelys, who wish you a very happy holiday season as well!
posted by Kimothy at 6:04 PM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


So I already got an amazing graphic novel last week but came home yesterday to... even more things from my SQ!

Including not one but four more books! Another William Gibson work (Zero History), and three of the Cerebus works by David Sim and Gerhard, which I had also never read but I love the art. (And I'm sure I'll love the writing, too, once I read them- I'm saving them for an upcoming flight.)

But that wasn't all- there were also hand-knit socks which seriously have to be seen* to be appreciated. I was moderately confused when I first saw them (I thought they might be puppets) but when I put them on I literally laughed out loud. They're wonderful! And so cozy on top of that.

My secret quonsar also seems to like her gifts, so this really could not have been a more perfect first quonsmas. Thank you again, a non mouse, a cow herd (and mrs. a non mouse, a cow herd)!

*(I actually thought they were slippers at first before reading the attached note, which is why I am wearing socks while wearing socks)
posted by perplexion at 6:05 PM on December 6, 2017 [10 favorites]


I'm so very glad you liked everything, limeonaire! I definitely wanted it to feel like tourism-by-mail, because there are so many amazing places outside Tokyo that I would've gone back for many goodies had I the time (or transportation device).

Akihabara really seems to like the Totoro and Spirited Away side of Ghibli, so when I saw the Ponyo deck -- since you mentioned the movie by name -- I knew I had to snag it. And unfortunately (for me) Japan doesn't do much in localized products for Marvel or Iron Man (also a huge favorite of mine), outside of the occasional movie promotional goods or imports from America, but luckily (for you!) Korea sure does!

Happy Quonsmas!
posted by lesser weasel at 6:06 PM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


Dropped by the post office to mail a couple packages, checked my box and there it was, a parcel slip when I wasn't expecting anything. A short wait in line and I was in the possesion of a lovely card and t-shirt...it's been a spectacular week in Portland, as I headed into town after a meeting today, I snapped a couple photos of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, and saw Adams heading home this afternoon. The mountains really are a big part of life here - thanks, headnsouth!
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 6:23 PM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got home from ballet this evening and found an array of packages for me! Most of them were Christmas presents I had ordered from Amazon, but there were two that were particularly puzzling. One was a fairly large Amazon box, so I opened that first. And I discovered ... a gigantic tarp. I did not order a 25' x 45' tarp, and I strongly suspected this was not ordered by my Secret Quonsar, so I called Amazon. Apparently, it was sent to me in error, and they told me I could dispose of it or keep it, they don't care and I don't have to pay for it. So if anyone is willing to drive into Boston and pick it up, they're welcome to this ENORMOUS TARP. Otherwise, I don't really know what I'll do with it.

Slightly bemused, I opened the other box! And this box was a most amazing present from Dorinda!!!!!!!!!! Dorinda sent me a great card ("There's no right way to say I googled you."), sorghum caramel apple butter, lemur tattoos, a painting made by two ring-tailed lemurs, a book that looks amazing called Monkey Beach, and a pair of warmup booties! This is all fantastic, and I'm very excited about all of it, but I am particularly excited about the warmup boots because I've just started back at class and my feet and ankles are so cramped up all the time that I was going to get myself a pair of booties anyways, and now I don't have to! And, additionally, Stephen and Cassie (whom I believe are cats) sent a catnip monkey and freeze-dried minnows for Triceratops.

Dorinda, thank you so much! I'm so happy - this is such a kind and thoughtful present!!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:55 PM on December 6, 2017 [10 favorites]


phunniemee, I’m so glad you like it! I actually had it in mind originally to send you “La Clemenza di Tito,” also a Ponnelle production, but luckily I saw that you don’t care for Mozart’s operas. Whew, mistake averted! If you get around to it, I’ll be curious to hear what you think of “Poppea”; my grandfather, who was a massively huge opera buff, thought it was hilarious that I liked it at age 14 because Renaissance opera tends to be a bit of an acquired taste. I was a weird kid. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Anyway, Happy Quonsmas!
posted by holborne at 7:00 PM on December 6, 2017 [4 favorites]


I received my package today - a vinyl record from a local band, and the story behind it. I am so incredibly touched and honored that you chose to share your story with me. I'm also looking forward to purchasing a record player, now that I finally have an excuse. Thank you so much, thereemix.
posted by wym at 7:20 PM on December 6, 2017


Thank you to Delight for the Quonsmas parcel of joy. It arrived while I was home sick on Monday and made my day. I am slowly nomming through the creamy delicious candies and enjoying teasing predator cat Bearcat with the crinkly fox toy. (Other cat Janeway is skeptical and won't sit still for a photo.) I look forward to being distracted from my next card game by OMG HIPPOS, so charming!
posted by esoterrica at 8:08 PM on December 6, 2017 [3 favorites]


I received a lovely thank you note from my Quonsee via MeFi mail this morning that made me a bit teary, and then came home to find a fantastic box from the lovely kimberussell waiting for me! It included: a beautiful scarf/shawl that is hanging by the front door, ready to be worn to work tomorrow during this chilly week in Seattle; the graphic novel Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (which is the perfect answer to this Ask I posted a few weeks ago) that I can't wait to read; and a couple fantastic additions to my postcard collection!

This is my second year participating, and it has absolutely been a light in these dark times. I love buying other people presents, and it just thrills me to send a box of lovingly chosen things to a random person on the internet, and receive one in turn. Thank you to all the folks who organize and participate, and a million thanks to kimberussell! Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:12 PM on December 6, 2017 [4 favorites]


Oh my goodness, Firei is the most fantastic secret quonsar! I've received a delight-FULL package with impeccably wrapped goodies, including music note socks (YES), a new card game I can't wait to play (I'm having people over this weekend, the timing is perfect!) and a delicious tin of homemade chocolate-caramel cookies. Not to mention cute bookmarks and a handy kitchen gadget.

Wow wow wow. Thank you so much, Firei! Your gifts and note were so lovely and thoughtful, and you're inspiring me to really up my Quonsing game next year. <3 <3 <3 A merry Quonsmas to all.
posted by Zephyrial at 10:14 PM on December 6, 2017 [1 favorite]


PS: And here's a pic so you can see why my jaw dropped! :D
posted by Zephyrial at 10:16 PM on December 6, 2017 [5 favorites]


Maxwelton, I'm delighted to hear it! And thank you for weaving a fantastic tale in its own right!
posted by jetlagaddict at 10:44 PM on December 6, 2017


I have been Quonsed, by Jamaro!

There's a marvelous card, with origami dinosaurs, and the Stegosaurus is saying to the Tyrannosaurus "Curse your sudden and inevitable betrayal", which seems correct and also makes me laugh.

There's a notebook emblazoned with "I miss my computer" and it's exactly the right size to fit into my purse. There are some really great Star Wars cookie cutters.

And! There's a Bee and Puppycat Christmas ornament! I LOVE Bee and Puppycat! I have the full-sized Puppycat plushie, but I DID NOT HAVE a spherical one suitable for tree-hanging, and now I do!

Also, I said in my what-I-want note that I am allergic to onions, and as a result Jamaro got me the single best object in relation to that allergy that I can possibly imagine: A VOODOO ONION DOLL. It is a plush onion, and you stick pins in it, and it makes me incredibly happy because the next time a restaurant poisons me, which happens not infrequently, I can come home and snarl at my voodoo onion and yesssssssssss

A lovely Quonsar box indeed, and thank you so much, Jamaro!
posted by Rush-That-Speaks at 11:21 PM on December 6, 2017 [12 favorites]


I was feeling very sorry for myself today because I have Norovirus, when the postman arrived to bestow upon me the Gift of Quonsmas!

Oblique Red, you have made me so very happy with your thoughtful and awesome gifts. Unique herbs and spices, and amazing peanut butter chocolate treats - none of which I would be able to find in the UK. And a gorgeous bumper sticker too, which I think I will stick up in my kitchen.

Here's a photo of my Quonsmas swag, which has made me very, very happy today.

Thank you Oblique Red! Merry Quonsmas everyone!
posted by essexjan at 5:51 AM on December 7, 2017 [8 favorites]


I've been quonsed! I received a beautiful (hand annotated) guide to birds in Colorado, as well as some lip balm for the dry days, and a pair of living coasters (where condensation from your glass waters a small plant). Thank you quonsar!
posted by craven_morhead at 6:06 AM on December 7, 2017 [5 favorites]


I just got back from vacation and saw that I was quonsed from California! thank you secret quonsar for the enamel pins and the nice note (I also LOVED your animal stamps and the stickers on the envelope) :)
posted by aaanastasia at 6:28 AM on December 7, 2017 [3 favorites]


There is a Quonsar! Thank you, ellieBOA! A FedEx elf just scampered up to my apartment and delivered a fantastic array of treats. I'll share them with Arcticcat just as soon as he wakes up from his nap. Did I mention there were pens, so many wonderful pens?! Truly the most Quonsical time of the year!
posted by arcticseal at 7:48 AM on December 7, 2017 [4 favorites]


I was quonsed all the way from California by the delightful hapax_legomenon! I got some fancy coffee and some fancy chocolates that both smell delicious (and the excitement of getting post from America apparently still hasn't worn off for me either). Thank you so much! I'm so excited to try them!
posted by theseldomseenkid at 8:39 AM on December 7, 2017 [3 favorites]


Yay! So glad it arrived arcticseal, especially after it got from France to Spain quickly, then took 2 days to go from Barcelona! I got some British treats last year so thought another expat would appreciate it! Snuggles to arcticcat when he wakes up!
posted by ellieBOA at 8:49 AM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you NorthernLite,

Oy, sweetmarie, I totally missed your comment while skimming the thread earlier this week.

its always so much fun to open a gift -early -from a stranger


I am not known for my promptness in most things, but the spirit of quonsmas, and all!
posted by NorthernLite at 9:19 AM on December 7, 2017


Hey, Swisstine? You're aces. Thank you!
posted by minervous at 11:00 AM on December 7, 2017 [2 favorites]


Yay Quonsmas! And YAY aaanastasia who sent me wonderful goodies that I have never even heard about! I've sampled the Spicy Buffalo Caramel Corn and the Pumpkin Habañero jerky, and now my mouth burns in a pleasant, quonsmas-y kind of way :) I might need a bite of the Goji Berry Nosh Bar or a cup of the lovely teas. Thank you aaanastasia!
posted by rawrberry at 11:15 AM on December 7, 2017 [5 favorites]


ellieBOA, he just deigned to come out of his kitty condo long enough to eat 3 of the treats off my hand and now he's gone back to napping. Hard work, being cute.
posted by arcticseal at 11:34 AM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! The incomparable janell has quonsed us!

Wrapped in some amazing wrapping paper with awesome wrapping style (lovely chemistry art? check; hidden tape? check; well-tied packages? check; card written on matching stock? check!) were a cool local cookbook and recipes, some lovely-looking treats (sesame chocolate? yes please!), some really excellent oolong tea that I'm enjoying a cup of right now, and some fun local rules and news (not pictured: the two local newspapers which were used as shipping-ish material -- I had already placed them on the kitchen table for tomorrow's breakfast browsing).

I already have my eye on a parsnip-almond soup recipe for the chilly upcoming weekend. I suspect that my wife and I will break into the chocolates tomorrow after work. If this tea is any indication, we're in for another treat!

Thank you, janell!
posted by introp at 1:37 PM on December 7, 2017 [5 favorites]


Has anybody seen my socks lying about, possibly somewhere across the room? No? I only ask because metaphorever totally blew them off with their amazing box o’ Quonsmas cheer! I’ve taken a few snaps that you can find here of all that my special box contained: Some swoon-worthy Holy Basil Tea, homemade spicy ginger candy (so good! I know I’ll run out someday, but I don’t want to think of that now), a selection of cool swag from their place of employment (lip balm! Clicky pens! Other nifty stuff!), robust coffee, and, perhaps the most amazing of the amazing gifts, several handmade tea towels which metaphorever screened using photos from my Flickr account. I can’t get over how thoughtful and well done the towels are, and all the work that went into selecting the photos. They are perfect and delightful, dear metaphorever. Thank you so much for everything!
posted by but no cigar at 2:22 PM on December 7, 2017 [7 favorites]


YAY! I got a lovely Quonsmas box! It says Happy Quonsmas all over it!
If memory serves this should be from RubyDooby! Update coming soon because I have to walk dogs in the freezing cold first - but it is so nice to have this package to look forward to upon our return!
posted by Glinn at 2:24 PM on December 7, 2017 [3 favorites]


I want to apologize to my Quonsee - I had everything ready to go by deadline and got my amazing gifts from my own Quonsar early, and then I was hit by the sickest wall of sick that I've been sick with in a long time. (Since contract faculty do not get sick days, it was all I could do to drag myself in to teach and then home.) But as an update, my present was sent off Express Post today and should get to you shortly. And I got you something extra to make up for the delay. And I tried not to cough on it.
posted by ilana at 2:59 PM on December 7, 2017 [2 favorites]


introp, there's also a secret bookmark in the cookbook. You'll find it sooner or later. And cortex and secretariat helped with image processing for the orpiment wrapping paper, so you were indirectly partially quonsed by those cats as well.
I'm really glad you dig the tea.
posted by janell at 3:17 PM on December 7, 2017 [3 favorites]


Yay theseldomseenkid! I'm glad a.) that the package made it there in a (very) timely fashion - I sent it on the 2nd so five days including a weekend all the way across a continent and one very large pond is kind of amazing - go USPS; and b.) most importantly, that you like it. Yay!
posted by hapax_legomenon at 3:22 PM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been Quonsed by the amazing maxwelton! I’m horribly sick at the moment, but my husband brought the package to me in bed, and I’m so glad he did! I will post pictures and a proper square when I am feeling better, but WOW thank you thank you thank you everything in there was amazing, *especially* the science. I am blown away by the awesome.
posted by okayokayigive at 4:11 PM on December 7, 2017 [4 favorites]


Evidence. Beautiful evidence

I have been quonsed in an amazingly wonderful way. Bondcliff sent me the final panels of Calvin and Hobbes, framed in wood reclaimed from a 60 year old sled. Who knows how much exploring had been done on these slats of wood. The guitar is a model, also usable as a tree ornament, of George Harrison’s Rosewood Telecaster guitar from the rooftop concert. Made from remnant wood from the first guitar Mr. Bondcliff himself ever made. These two gifts brought a tear to my eye and reminded me why I say Metafilter is the best community on the internet.
posted by DigDoug at 4:17 PM on December 7, 2017 [30 favorites]


Oh wow, I love the stationery and the pretty box my Quonsar sent me! Can't wait to send some letters with it, and it'll hold stamps and other cards too! (Also, the wrapping was very attractive and good.)

Thank you, Secret Quonsar!
posted by asperity at 4:37 PM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


That was me, asperity. I'm so glad you like it! This is my first Quonsar (actually, my first secret [gift-giving] ever), and I'm still figuring out how the social works.
posted by hanov3r at 4:40 PM on December 7, 2017 [2 favorites]


Glad you liked the stuff, DigDoug. I had a blast making them. Here's the before and after on the frame.
posted by bondcliff at 4:49 PM on December 7, 2017 [9 favorites]


Hooray, heyho! I'm so happy there's something you like -- "hand decorated envelope" is a generous description of my crummy Sharpie doodle. I've never been involved in an internet cat video before -- even at a thousand miles of remove! The lady at the pet health food store said they were the most popular, so I'm happy your beautiful cat enjoys suspiciously batting them around.

Secret Quonsar fun fact: Most of the stuff was bought on the delightful main street in Inglewood, 2014's Best Neighbourhood in Canada. The cooking equipment is from a business I mentioned some years ago, during our 2013 flood.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 4:53 PM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay, Zephyrial, so glad that it made it's way to you safely and that you like it! I hope the game is fun - it looked entertaining! :D
posted by firei at 6:10 PM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


Hi aaanastasia! I am glad you liked everything and sorry if they are small compared with some of the other gifts on here :/. They’re from one of my favorite stores in San Francisco: gathersf.com
posted by bookworm4125 at 6:39 PM on December 7, 2017


Thank you for the fabulous Chicago chocolate, bookmammal, and for the excellent postcards to build up the suspense! I really enjoyed getting fun mail for days on end. I can't wait to make all my coworkers jealous with the el box (we work on trains). Maaaybe I will share some caramels with them since I received such a generous bounty, but no guarantees!
posted by ferret branca at 6:51 PM on December 7, 2017 [2 favorites]


Ahh, thank you so much, but no cigar! I was so delighted to open your package and see so many excellent gifts from our lovely neighbor state of Oregon! I'm looking forward to baking with the cocoa, the notebooks are gorgeous, and I have one of the caramels in my mouth right now and it is delicious. Most delightful of all is the Bigfoot magnet! It puts a smile on my face every time I look at it, I love it! LOOK AT BIGFOOT'S DOOFY HAPPY FACE! What an excellent first Quonsmas for me! Thank you again, you've made my night!
posted by yasaman at 6:57 PM on December 7, 2017 [6 favorites]


okayokayigive, I had my doubts about "the science", but I'm thrilled you like it. (I hope my effort as a ten-year-old to "repair" the bit with the twist-tie [which I added when I was wrapping it] isn't too distracting; I suspect adhesives have progressed a bit in the last 40 years.) And as to my amusement about the local item: do a google image search on the location called out on it...literally any image in the top 100 there is more dramatic and inspiring. But that's part of what makes it so amusing to me.

In any case, happy Quonsmas! (And get better right quick.)
posted by maxwelton at 8:34 PM on December 7, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been quonsed delightfully by alicat! My request for archetypal-but-not-cliché Canadiana was met with a Grey Jay mug, Bird's Custard Powder and a recipe for Nanaimo Bars. I love Nanaimo Bars and look forward to making them now that I have the crucial ingredient. And her lovely handwriting made the lovely sentiment expressed in her card even, well, lovelier. Thanks!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 12:04 AM on December 8, 2017 [6 favorites]


Ugh, dear secret quonsar, you are a butt for making me ugly cry today. I have been having a really tough fortnight (which looks set to extend until after Christmas, really), so when the postman dropped off the latest edition of QUONSMAS magazine ("an exciting new magazine from the folks that brought you other great titles like REAL MAGAZINE WEEKLY, NOT MADE UP MONTHLY, and many more!"), complete with complementary gifts, it was just what I needed. Can't wait to delve into the fish recipes! Seriously, I hope you'll out yourself, dear quonsar, because you are a gem. Thank you. <3
posted by catch as catch can at 4:33 AM on December 8, 2017 [58 favorites]


Response: [family member] It's that internet gift thing again, huh?

Every year, my family gives me weird confused looks as I assemble a gift for my Quonsee. Every year, they are vaguely bemused as I receive a gift. Every year, the season of Quonsmas perks me up even if no one I know in person understands! That is the glorious thing of it.
posted by corb at 5:28 AM on December 8, 2017 [28 favorites]


My Quonsar gifts arrived this morning.

Bettafish is a great gift giver.

I received a set of watercolor pencils, a lovely hand written card, a Fridge magnet with a picture of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, and a keyring of one of my favourite Avengers, Falcon.

Here are pics: Quonsar 2017 :)

Happy Quonsar everyone!
posted by Faintdreams at 5:58 AM on December 8, 2017 [6 favorites]


A Quonsmas magazine!?!?!?!?!

Damn.

If you care to show us more of it, I can't say I'm not intrigued.
posted by mosst at 6:01 AM on December 8, 2017 [18 favorites]


Yesterday I received the most delightful gift from initapplette! The muddler and the glass will get put to good use, believe me, and the chocolates are delicious! I love doing this every year!
posted by bookwibble at 6:54 AM on December 8, 2017 [5 favorites]


Dearest Secret Quonsar, now known to me as the wonderful ? from Brighton, thank you! What a thoughtful book, A Poet's Guide to Britain, it will keep me sweet company these long winter nights. The chocolate, alas, was so delicious that I finished it in a day.

Thank you, may there be happiness for you and yours this year and every year hence.
posted by lydhre at 7:01 AM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


yes yes , I too would be most interested in seeing more of the Quonsar magazine.
posted by Faintdreams at 7:06 AM on December 8, 2017 [3 favorites]


Trillian, how did you *know*? The lovely wooden spoon rest is perfect--we have a terrible track record of cats breaking spoon rests, and have given up on them, but this sweet little piece is perfect (and cat-proof)! And I was ogling decorated magnetic clips just last weekend; they'll be perfect for the MANY notes I leave myself. Finally, thanks for the tiny stuff bag. I switched purses this morning and thought, ugh, I really need a better way of transferring my bits and bobs from purse to purse, and this pouch will do exactly that. Useful and beautiful gifts! Thank you!
posted by MonkeyToes at 8:06 AM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


The person who created the Quonsmas magazine has Officially Won Quonsmas 2017. Also the Awesomeness Award.
posted by angiep at 8:29 AM on December 8, 2017 [5 favorites]


I would like to see more of Quonsmas magazine. That rocks!
posted by culfinglin at 8:51 AM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


Aw, I don't want to ruin the magic, but it's not an entire magazine about quonsmas, or even me - my lovely quonsar has mocked up the cover and glued it to a cake decorating magazine. I posted a photo on MeTa of a cake I made for my son's birthday earlier in the year, and noted on my guidance that I like baking, so they ran with that theme. I'm very excited to flip through it for inspiration!
posted by catch as catch can at 8:59 AM on December 8, 2017 [17 favorites]


Every year, my family gives me weird confused looks as I assemble a gift for my Quonsee. Every year, they are vaguely bemused as I receive a gift.

My wife is actively jealous because I always get to give\receive WAY better gifts for my internet gift exchange than she does for hers.
posted by Gygesringtone at 9:06 AM on December 8, 2017 [7 favorites]


Note to MonkeyToes: Your package should arrive today or possibly tomorrow!
posted by trillian at 9:28 AM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


bookwibble, you are so welcome! Your guidance was helpful, but I most enjoyed perusing your Instagram account to find just the perfect assemblage of items!
posted by initapplette at 9:35 AM on December 8, 2017


Trillian--it arrived! (Scroll up a few comments for my delight at your gifts; thank you!) Not too proud to say that I saw the package and went SQUEEEEEE! and began to sing "Because we need a little Quonsmas, need a little Qounsmas, need a little Quonsmas right now." And the monkey sticker just made me giggle. Thanks again!
posted by MonkeyToes at 9:54 AM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


Hurrah, Yasaman - I'm so happy you like your stuff! I can see my last minute decision to place the baking chocolate in a Ziploc was a wise one, (I thought "What if even a little of this powder escapes its paper bag? It would coat EVERYTHING with a fine dusting that would be very annoying!"), and I'm glad the caramels didn't melt in transit! I, too, was tickled by our pal Bigfoot's face, and I'm very glad you liked his joy de vivre! Happy first Quonsmas to you!
posted by but no cigar at 10:11 AM on December 8, 2017


"THIS IS THE BEST DAY! YAY! MY GIFT IS HERE! TODAY IS THE BEST" is what I said as soon as I saw a Quonsar gift waiting at my front door this afternoon. Possibly with more enthusiasm. My week of endless soul-sucking job hunting has ended on a wonderful note. A lovely gift from zorseshoes has arrived at the perfect time! Imgur album

There was beautiful wrapping paper, and tissue paper that our cats are SUPER EXCITED about.

I wondered why one of the kitties kept trying to get on the table... until I unwrapped two handmade catnip toys. They're perfect! Hope this link works, I couldn't get a video to upload to Imgur.

The Mexican hot cocoa mix is delicious, and perfect for the chilly weather we're having! I made a cup of it right away.

Somehow zorseshoes knew that a ceramic pie bird had been on my Amazon wishlist for ages, even though I didn't share the link. It must be the magic of Quonsmas!

And, last but not least, there was a beautiful butterfly scarf in one of my favorite colors. I can't wait to wear it.

This is my first Quonsmas and zorseshoes knocked it out of the park. Thank you so much!
posted by cp311 at 1:29 PM on December 8, 2017 [9 favorites]


Picked up my package a couple of nights ago, but haven't had time to post. JanetLand sent me a nice typewritten note (like, actually from a typewriter) and a Maine Lobster... for my dog! It is fabulous and Lexie loves it.

Thanks so much! Happy Secret Quonsar to you!
posted by Laura in Canada at 1:30 PM on December 8, 2017 [6 favorites]


I'm a tool and posted this in the signup thread and not this one. So...

I received a few boxes yesterday (um, a few days before) but I was expecting a few orders to be delivered so I didn't look closely. This morning before work I was triaging mail and YAY! I was Quonsed! And what a haul it is!

See, I had mentioned on the form that I was interested in learning to bake bread this year and I received a cookbook dedicated to bread, a baker's blade, which I didn't know existed, some goodies to munch on while I bake, a pretty card, and LOCAL NEWSPAPERS which ... I'm that strange person who loves reading newspaper pages that people use for packing material. I'm saving these for Sunday. (I worked for a local paper for many years - papers are close to my heart.)

But best of all, a personal letter from my Quonser, explaining that he bakes bread as a hobby! He took the time to explain each item in the box and tied it back to him and where he's from. He also offered up his contact info for advice and support.

Who is this generous MeFite? MeFi's own ... Clinging to the Wreckage! What else can I say but thank you? My office closes between Christmas and New Years, and I am prepared to dive into bread baking for real. Your thoughtful gift and letter brightened a gloomy 2017. You'll be hearing about my progress!

Happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by kimberussell at 1:47 PM on December 8, 2017 [9 favorites]


What a great Quonsmas bounty I have received! pierogipuppy sent me this adorable print and a 50-year calendar keychain dealie! The print is perfect for our walls, and the keychain is delightfully fidgety and the perfect blend of timeless and archaic. I have a very minimalist keychain policy, but the calendar is already on there. Happy Quonsmas to one and all!
posted by Rock Steady at 2:03 PM on December 8, 2017 [5 favorites]


I have been quonsed! Today is the day of Snowpocalypse Jr in Atlanta, and I spent two hours trying to get home. So when I heard "more packages came", I thought it was amazon and wasn't terribly excited. Until I saw a package from a return address I didn't recognize, at which point I *may* have started dancing around and saying "Is it secret quonsar?!?"

The packages were beautifully wrapped.

I ripped into them! They are so lovely. My dad's cat, Meri, will love the catnip toy (it's her first Christmas/Quonsar!). I can't wait to try the lettering book - it's the perfect mix of instruction with low pressure. The holiday kleenex even have kitties and puppies on them, and I am saving the matcha chocolate bar for a special occasion.

You knocked it out of the park, jeoc! Thank you so much!
posted by needlegrrl at 2:21 PM on December 8, 2017 [5 favorites]


oh god when i got home last night i realized i forgot to put like a third of my quonsmas gift in my original package. I'M SO SORRY, QUONSEE. i will send you a box of my homemade jams shortly.
posted by kerning at 2:21 PM on December 8, 2017


(oops--originally posted in the sign up thread--I plead Quonsmas excitement as my excuse...)

I had NO IDEA that when I read this comment and then responded that I was responding to my very own Quonsee! (I admit that when I read the part about you making something, I thought "Hmmm...could it be? I know I wrote that I liked receiving handcrafted items in my Quonsmas guidelines... but I'm sure LOTS of folks are crafting things, so the odds are probably not . . .") Coincidence? I think not. I think it's just another example of the MAGIC OF QUONSMAS!!!

corb, I absolutely love everything you thoughtfully chose for me--the adorable card and your sweet note, the two books, neither of which I've read (and I'm especially intrigued by the bio of Teddy Roosevelt's second wife which matches up perfectly with my interest in Presidential families), the great quilted--and personalized!--bookmark that features fabric in my favorite color, and the incredible bounty of fine chocolates! The box of assorted Gudrun chocolates (over 1 lb--and this is only one layer!) is a work of art, and that bag of truffles is huge! Really, the only thing I enjoy more than reading is reading while eating, and the only thing better than that is reading while eating chocolate!

Thank you so much, corb--and a happy, happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by bookmammal at 2:51 PM on December 8, 2017 [8 favorites]


It's been a rollercoaster quonsmas season for me, as it seemed my original gift had been abducted by angry marmosets, and then with the invocation of the second chancer, my original quonsmas package arrived! Thank you to elly vortex for the delightfully Minnesotan flavoured present- card filled with Quonsmas cheer, local wild rice, a catnip mouse (cat is delighted), hot dish Minnesota spoon and a lovely scented pillow! I love that everything is useful and plan on making some stuffed peppers soon. Extra thanks go out to julia/julen as well as to the second chancer out there for making this all happen!
posted by tangaroo at 3:26 PM on December 8, 2017 [7 favorites]


I came home from a totally ridiculous commute (including, but the ridiculousness was not limited to, a fellow passenger urinating on the side of the bus I was on that broke down) to find a delightful package of cassia seed and mulberry leaf herbal teas from LA's Koreatown! My Secret Quonsar didn't identify themselves, but their first name maaaaay be Michelle from the address label?

Thank you!!! I am so excited to relax with these over the weekend. I briefly visited Koreatown when I was in LA this summer. And I hope, SQ, you and any local loved ones are staying safe with the wildfires in your region <3
posted by mostly vowels at 3:30 PM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you so very much for my lovely gifts, thivaia! I received them a few days agao but have just had time now to sit down and write a proper appreciation for them. I was looking for a little glass for my bathroom sink, and you provided it that very day-- I love the skunk. The kitties love the mouse and I love the dove and the candle. Everything is just lovely and I thank you for thinking of me. Have a great Quonsmas and a lovely New Year.
posted by oflinkey at 3:43 PM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]


Today, both I and the hubs were at home, struck down by food poisoning. I was curled up in a blanket when the postman knocked. It was my quonsar gift from Champagne Supernova. Not only did receiving the gift brighten my day, it is probably the probably the coolest gift I've ever received in a secret swap: pendant earrings with the Dewey Decimal number for Jane Austen. This was a thrill as I'm a librarian and I'm working on a novel that is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice--plus there was chocolate! Thank you, Champagne Supernova for the great gift. Merry Quonsar, one and all!

PS: I love that I got paired with another mefite whose handle references a song by a UK band, bonus cool.
posted by CatastropheWaitress at 4:18 PM on December 8, 2017 [6 favorites]


Headnsouth! You must be my secret Q! Packed in a previous Quons box?
posted by Oyéah at 4:23 PM on December 8, 2017


After a slightly nightmarish trip to the grocery store on my way home from work (totally forgot there's a snowstorm on the way...) I arrived home to find my mailbox stuffed with a bubble mailer from Canada! Inside was a lovely note from my secret quonsar, go banana, and an array of goodies to brighten my spirits. The ornaments are awesome, and have already made it onto the Quonsmas shrubbery. Next there was a neat wooden wall hanging that looks like a snowflake from another dimension. Last but not least was a cute little wallet with a tiny guitar pick pocket built in - what a cool idea! Now to figure out how to nonchalantly pull it out in front of my guitar-playing friends and have them fawn over it...

Thank you SO VERY MUCH go banana - and may the blessings of Quonsmas be with you all year round.
posted by amelliferae at 4:39 PM on December 8, 2017 [4 favorites]


I have been quonsed by Mosst! Thank you so much for the fancy pastilles, nifty pen (with refills!), Fancy binder clips and a neat book. And the banana wrapping paper was super cuts too.

Thank you again and merry quonsmas to you!
posted by vespabelle at 6:47 PM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]


Private thanks have preceded, but you guys should know that cellar door is an A+ Quonsmas-er. What a thrill! HAPPY QUONSMAS, EVERYONE!
posted by thivaia at 7:01 PM on December 8, 2017


Oh yeah! Today I was quonsed by exolstice! Look on their works, ye mighty, and... be delighted? I don't know. I do know that just earlier today I was ogling a photo of somebody else's coffee crisp bar, and my very own showed up, which could not be more perfect. There's also a snack pack of Montreal food magnets (I just watched an episode of The Great Canadian Baking Show with Montreal bagels the other day and was explaining to cortex- no really, they are different, I read about it on metafilter!) that are really going to brighten up my refrigerator, and a beautiful book of astronomy photography- right up my alley! Thank you!
posted by Secretariat at 7:16 PM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]


Oh man! It's kind of funny, because I posted about how every year I get amazing gifts and then when I got home and opened the mail, behold, my Quonsing had arrived!kostia has done an amazing, amazing job of Quonsing me. I have many glorious teas to try - and when I say many, I mean like, I can toss them in the air and have them fall down on me like Tea Scrooge McDuck basking in a pile of teas. Which I may or may not have done for one glorious second. *shifty eyes*

And as if that weren't enough, her mind-surveillance somehow also revealed that I like to have pots of tea with my quilting, so she has gifted me a fun, jaunty fabric that I am already envisioning projects for.

This was especially welcome today as it was a long, dreary, depressing day at work, so to return to joy was particularly fabulous. Thank you a million times!
posted by corb at 7:43 PM on December 8, 2017 [8 favorites]


I'd like to say Thank you Muchly TM to mandolin conspiracy for Wonderful Quonsing!

Ingredients for Wonderful Quonsing
1. Share the same meatspace first name as quonsee.
2. Recycle Greetings Quonsar card box as packaging to add satisfying mystery element to padded envelope.
3. Add selected high quality teas.
4. Add Reindeer tea-towel (something I've been meaning to pick up in the UK for ages, because Japan doesn't seem to understand that drying dishes is a chance for displaying high-quality designs.)
5. ENJOY!
posted by Juso No Thankyou at 7:44 PM on December 8, 2017 [2 favorites]


Juso No Thankyou - you're very welcome!

In a weird coincidence, I hit "send" on an email to secretquonsarswap about five minutes ago to let them know I sent the package two weeks ago (no tracking was available on the Canada Post service I used, and the estimate was 10 business days) so I just wanted them to know it was en route in case you inquired.

It's a quonsmas miracle!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 7:52 PM on December 8, 2017


My roommates "helpfully" put my Quonsmas package in a place that, it turns out, I wouldn't see it until I asked about it after getting an email from my SQ, the wonderful idealist. *wince*

Opening the package released the enticing aroma of black tea. Inside, a small blue bag containing an assortment of meaningful, hand-made rune stones, a frog totem, and a lovely gold pendulum, along with a whopping handful of tea bags.

Thank you so much, idealist! I'm sorry to have worried you about the arrival of the package, but this is a wonderful gift and a great end to what has otherwise been a harsh week.
posted by hanov3r at 9:05 PM on December 8, 2017 [5 favorites]


So I have received better than I have given, or, well, more promptly at any rate. I only got my outgoing package in the mail today but then I received an unexpected Quonsing with a late package delivery at home.

xo thank you so much for the lovely gifts and especially for the wonderful note - I find it really fun that you had fun finding everything. And in what is the most unusual handmade gift I've ever received I got hand-made sea salt! I'd never have though of something like that but next time I'm in Santa Cruz I'll make sure to steal a couple gallons of sea water to try it myself. (that was not the entire gift for those worried). Everything was just perfect. Thank you so much for it all.
posted by GuyZero at 9:27 PM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got quonsed! I actually just sent my gifts off today so I finally let myself open my package and it was filled with all of the best things! I've had the most fun oohing and ahhing over everything. And eating the chocolate. And coloring in my dinosaur. And I am in awe of the cactus, and how did you know I wanted that decomposition book!? Thank you thank you thank you to paper rabies!
posted by rocketing at 10:17 PM on December 8, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got quonsed early this week, by maryr :) I got the tackiest little plastic christmas trees, with glitter and false snow, a bunch of washi tapes, Reese's Pieces and a wonderful sheet of unicorn stickers, in a metal teabox! That really brightened my day, thank you!

I was super late sending my own gift, but I finally did it on Wednesday, and the post office assures me that it's only a four-day trip, so fingers crossed.
posted by snakeling at 1:23 AM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


I've been quonsed! Thank you Secret Quonsar for the hilarious solar-powered flamingo lights and fun Australian postcard and chocolate koalas! When I opened this at the office people were like wait someone you don't know from the internet sent you flamingo lights? SQUEEEEE! YAAAAAY!
posted by mdonley at 3:38 AM on December 9, 2017 [5 favorites]


Thank you to Sloth (I think) for the great book on Jimi Hendrix. A personal fave, plus I love the fuzzy cover. Happy Quonsmas!
posted by srednivashtar at 5:41 AM on December 9, 2017


Thank you gemmy for the wonderful quonsmas gift! My school had its Christmas Concert* today, so the last week or so has been really stressful getting ready for it. The package came mid-week, but I didn't have the energy to open it and properly appreciate it until tonight.

The panda gloves are super cute! It's probably going to be a cold winter here this year, and they will be perfect to wear on the playground or going to the park with my class. The magnet has already found a home on my door where I will see it every day. Reese's Pieces and Goldfish Crackers are the candy/snacks I miss the most from home, and now I have some! And I like gummies, so the Swedish Dala Horses are a bonus treat! And wani-chan is pleased to meet his new friend. Also: FOSSILIZED SHARK TEETH! AND A RAY/SKATE TOOTH! AND WOOD! Collected by gemmy herself! Sharks and dinosaurs are two of my favorite things in the world, and and and.... I am at a loss to properly describe how cool they are.

*24 toddlers performing on stage in front of their families. stressful for kids, and for teachers, and we spend two months getting ready for 15 minutes of performance. they were great! and nobody fell off the stage, which was my main concern this year!
posted by emmling at 6:28 AM on December 9, 2017 [5 favorites]


I received such a lovely and thoughtful Quonsmas box from a MeFite whose real name I now know, but whose MeFi name I don't. So, C. from Kansas City, thank you so much! There's homemade cookies and handmade art (I'll go see what the sound & video component is about later today, holy cow), and Christopher Elbow chocolates which have been on my one-of-these-days list since I heard about them, and some very cool stationery supplies for my bullet journal. Thank you, thank you!
posted by dywypi at 6:40 AM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


Cp311, your post made my day! You gave great guidance, and I looked at your Ravelry, too (because I really wanted to crochet something, but I was afraid to do so for a crocheter--hence the kitty toys).
As for the pie bird, I like baking too, so I picked something I would like and crossed my fingers.
I'm so glad you like everything.
Merry Quonsmas, and a Happy New Year!
posted by zorseshoes at 6:43 AM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


Cairnoflore, you have made my day, my weekend, my week AND my Quonsmas!!! A FANTASTIC package arrived yesterday in Copenhagen aaaaaall the way from Portland, Oregon filled with simply THE BEST things! SO thoughtful and it made me SO happy as I dug down into it. Ziplock bags, Mint cookies, COOKIE BUTTER, M&M's, Ethiopian coffee!!! these things may make others think "but why...?" - but they show me the thought and attention that went into this gift, and I am forever grateful :) Thank you SO much and I hope you have a wonderful Quonsmas and holiday season.
posted by alchemist at 6:53 AM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


I had been holding out for my spouse to get Quonsed as well, so that we could open our packages together, but it looks like there were some wayward marmoset-issues. So I went ahead and opened up my Quonsmas package...

... and it is DELICIOUS! Thank you damayanti for the beautiful card (a sketch from the riverwalk in Dover, NH) and the Old Man of the Mountain magnet with the NH state motto, and a collection of chocolatey goodness from next door in Maine: dark chocolate with sea salt, peppermint hot chocolate, and chocolate peppermint sauce. Yum, yum, yum!

We will make sure to sit by the fireplace this winter and toast the spirit of Quonsmas with our peppermint hot chocolate. Thank you!
posted by RedOrGreen at 8:47 AM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay, emmling! So happy you liked it.
posted by gemmy at 9:25 AM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


My Quons came on Tuesday!

For a multitude of reasons, I think my Quonsar gift request was something along the lines of, "Just do something good for the world. And, maybe send something neat that you think I would like without knowing me, at all."

Sure enough, my Quonsar came through.

I won't go into details, because it appears that my Quonsar and I agree that charity is simply done, not bragged about. But, they did something special and they gave me a magnet to their school which actually kind of lines up with a school very near our home, as far as number of geese.

If you are reading this, Secret Quonsar, the university I work for also has an undefeated football team. We even used to sell t-shirts bragging about it!

Oh, and I love the epony-something of having an anonmouse SQ!
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 9:37 AM on December 9, 2017 [5 favorites]


I’ve been quonsed! Every year, I ask for treats/goodies specific to my where my secret quonsar is from. I like to try new things and it’s fun. This year, my quonsar was from Wisconsin. Reader, I’M originally from Wisconsin! So I got a lovely box filled with goodies from home! They sent summer sausage, some fancy mustard from the mustard museum, and some Penzy’s spices, including the fancy Vientnamese cinnamon that I was literally just drooling over last week!

I don’t know which “Caroline” sent me such a lovely package, but thank you!!!!
posted by Weeping_angel at 11:26 AM on December 9, 2017 [6 favorites]


Many thanks to introp for the box of chocolates and honey from his family farm. There's more, but I'm saving them for later.
posted by zinon at 11:43 AM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'm glad you liked it kimberussell! I was really excited that you said you wanted to learn to bake bread because it's my favorite. The newspaper connection was just a Quonsmas Miracle. I obviously intentionally included them, but I had no idea you used to work for a paper and loved to read them. I included them because I have heard fun responses about reading them when used as packing material previous years. This year I included them intact so they'd be more readable and that's also why I included my town, city, and alt-weekly papers this time.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 11:52 AM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


I have also been Quonsed! I got a great package of DC-made goodies (and Bowie) from kerning yesterday in the mail. I don't know if you want your holiday card picture shared for all the world here, but it was really nice. I haven't seen one done quite like that before with a hand drawn pic. I have been following this thread and when I noticed this message above I was jealous because DC is one of my favorite places and I would not be sad to not get a MAGA hat. Then it was me! And there was no MAGA hat!

Thank you so much kerning! It's a fun box of goodies. I noticed you said there was more coming which is not necessary, but a double-quonsening would be pretty fun.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 12:26 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


Got mine too! An amazingly abundant* (and heavy) package from an extremely thoughtful and generous Rubydooby, including Tibetan prayer flags for much needed harmony (both in my brain and my office), two varieties of Utah fudge which I just tried and it is awesome, the most adorable tiny positive voodoo doll called The Smiler (for keeping the glums at bay!), a very charming crystal kaleidoscope with golden cats on the outside, wind-up monkey(!) AND the most giant Utah mug totally perfect for soup and days when oversize orders of hot chocolate are warranted.

A most perfect and awesome Quonsmas package which brought harmony, cheer and the means to keep the glums as bay! Huzzah! Thank you so much!

*apologies for the blurry photo!
posted by Glinn at 1:32 PM on December 9, 2017 [3 favorites]


Weeping_angel, I'm so glad you liked it! I LOVE Penzey's and they're one of my favorite things about Wisconsin. What better way to spread Quonsmas cheer? :) I hope you enjoy baking some goodies!
posted by cp311 at 1:39 PM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


Yay, zinon! Did the honey make it there in one piece? Shipping glass is always dicey but my parents insist on glass for their bee magic.
posted by introp at 1:44 PM on December 9, 2017


Zorseshoes, thanks again for a great first Quonsmas! I'm definitely going to bake a pie soon - the hard part is deciding which kind! The cat toys are perfect. They love any toy that makes noise. Happy New Year to you, too!
posted by cp311 at 1:45 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got my lovely quonsmas present from Multicellular Exothermic today, actually in the middle of my stepdaughter's birthday party. Inside was some lovely cashmere blend striped long socks, a beautiful notebook, a set of coloured pens, some amazing planet stickers.

Such a lovely surprise and all things I love but don't often buy for myself. So thank you - to Multicellular Exothermic for being a great SQ, and to all the Quonsar elves who helped make the swap happen this year. What a lovely way to end such a terrible year.
posted by guster4lovers at 2:15 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


I've been quonsed! I just got a pound of very lovely exotic coffee beans, but from whom? It is a mystery! Thanks, anonymous quonsar! (Sorry I initially left my apartment number off my address and caused delivery difficulty.)
posted by zorseshoes at 2:41 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


In a minor Quonception event, it turns out that my quonsee is also my mother's quonsar!

Even better, they both got their packages today (according to the tracking on the one I sent, it has been delivered anyway).

I have also been quonsed! Thank you, jet_pack_in_a_can, for the lovely yarn.
posted by monopas at 3:11 PM on December 9, 2017 [3 favorites]


Thank you, ilicet for the kind gift. I love the Escher book. The spices are a welcome addition to my pantry.
posted by BobtheThief at 4:36 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


kinsey, thank you so much for the wonderful gifts! I especially loved the card and it's now posted on my bulletin board as a uplifting reminder. I'm sorry it took me so long to post a thank you but I've been traveling for work and the package arrived as I was boarding my plane away from home. I'm about to go try out the tea since it's a perfect night for it, and all the paper supplies are so adorable! I have to say though, the octopus makes me so happy and I can't wait to share it with our kiddo once she arrives :)
posted by brilliantine at 4:38 PM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


It's been a very long, rough week, between finals and other end-of-semester headaches. I've been working until very late, sleeping poorly, and just generally feeling stressed. Today was another long day that started with a salsa class at 8 am, then working at the county's Democratic Party Winter Convention (which was great--Gabby Giffords & Mark Kelly, and Julian Castro, among other speakers--but exhausting), but I came home to a most excellent quonsing by nakedmolerats! A charming set of handmade gifts included a catnip mouse that was immediately bogarted by my eldest cat, to everyone else's great surprise (and which is apparently so potent that even the wrapping paper demanded immediate snuggling and/or destruction); a deliciously woodsy-scented handmade soap (and I adore bath products, which I don't think I mentioned in my note); and most delightfully, a hand-painted lightswitch cover depicting a cat and some fishies. I will be installing that in my bedroom posthaste.

It was a fantastic set of surprises that buoyed my spirits just when they needed it. Thanks so much, NMR!
posted by Superplin at 4:57 PM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


Thank you for the Quonstravaganza, decathecting!

It was so many things I liked, and brightened up a rough day, starting from the smiley guy! The Jonny Sun book is spot on -- I've only started flipping through it, but I love the entire cast, especially the expressive tree and the hedgehog! The spatulas and journal are indeed both turquoise and useful, and I love the tiny bubbles -- I think I'll take it snowshoeing tomorrow.

And marfa, texas, I'm glad you like the necklace! Ada was pretty inspirational to me too, and I knew that when you said coding + crazy necklaces, that it would be the one. Best of luck with the rest of your semester (don't pump your lemmas too hard)!
posted by batter_my_heart at 5:54 PM on December 9, 2017 [2 favorites]


CatastropheWaitress- yay, I’m so glad you like the earrings. I hope you’re on the mend now, and can enjoy the chocolates soon!
From your UK rock song moniker twin
posted by Champagne Supernova at 6:34 PM on December 9, 2017


--STATISTICS (Please, no wagering) OF THE SWAP--

381 People are Participating
228 Gifts have Arrived (59.8%)
089 Gifts are a Complete Mystery to Us (23.3%)
043 Gifts have Been Sent but no word on whether they have arrived (11.2%)
012 Gifts Have Probably Arrived (Tracking says Yes!); awaiting confirmation (3.1%)
009 Gifts have Notes but No Sending Status (2.3%)
001 Marmoset Detectives on the Case of What Happened to that Gift?
001 Second Chancing Interrupted By Original Gift Arriving
001 Second Chancing completed

065 Animals Represented
050 Packages Contain Books
019 People Who Are Waiting/Did Wait To Open Their Gifts
017 Pokey Vendors
006 Sets of Roommates/Partners/Spouses/Parent+Offspring Participated.
005 Different Types of Nuts
003 Number of People Who Drew The Same Person as Last Year
002 Superheroes
001 Inexplicable Stalling of Package Movement for Days So Far This Year
001 Number of Bushes That Tried To Eat Packaging Slips
001 Robot
001 Random Giant Tarp
posted by julen at 8:26 PM on December 9, 2017 [23 favorites]


Administrative notes:

We'll be sending out our initial email to second chancers later this week (unless we've already called on you).

We'll be sending out "Hey did you get it?" to our maybes and likely maybes earlier this week.

If you are reading this, you know how nice it is to get a thank you message, private, publically, or via the quonselves. Please make sure you've done it - every year, there's a couple of people who are SURE they've thanked their quonsar only to discover they didn't and end up feeling mortified and bad that they didn't.
posted by julen at 8:32 PM on December 9, 2017 [8 favorites]


The Quonsmas spirit has arrived Chez moi!

Today I got a wonderful large white envelope full of interesting and intriguing shapes, with a return address from a far-off city and state. Yay! Inside was a very beautiful card depicting a peaceful forest with an owl perched on a tree branch, and two classily wrapped packages. Thank you, silverstatue, for the great gifts. You achieved a perfect balance of 1)practical, needed every day object and 2)fun, pleasurable special treat. And, if julen is assigning categories, a real contender for the most disparate pair of presents. I needed a garden trowel to replace the one stolen from my community garden plot and silverstatue found an ergonomically designed one which will be a pleasure to use. She also sent one of her favorite books, which I hadn't read but now really want to -- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I liked Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, so I'm sure I'll enjoy your favorite, silverstatue. Many, many, many thanks!
posted by LeftMyHeartInSanFrancisco at 10:37 PM on December 9, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'm out of town until the weekend but will dive into it then and report back with jubilant confirmation.

Jubilation confirmed! Thank you kiripin for an absolutely perfect quonsmas box (and lovely handwritten card): sweet treats to snack on, and cooking supplies in the form of garlic oil and seasonings! These are pretty much my two favorite things, especially during the holidays, so I'm pretty excited to get into these. Thanks so much, kiripin/Rebecca!
posted by curious nu at 6:16 AM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


brilliantine - I'm so glad you liked your gifts! I was trying to stick to the "gifts for the mom as opposed to the impending kid" bit but when I saw that octopus I knew it had to be quonsed. And I think I forgot to mention that the desk calendar is from one of my favorite DC notebook companies (Appointed) that I heard about first on MeFi. Circle of life - Enjoy!
posted by kinsey at 6:57 AM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thank you so much for the adorable page markers, griphus! They are exactly what I wanted and you are outstanding because you got me so many! Literally HUNDREDS (actually, almost a thousand). So, even though they're adorable and perfect, I don't have to cherish them as a limited resource; I get to use them AS MUCH AS I WANT. Amazing quonsing of abundance! Thank you!
posted by beccasaurus at 7:57 AM on December 10, 2017 [3 favorites]


I'm like two weeks late reporting this, but I got a very lovely Quonsmas package from minsies! Fortunately I did take a little photo shoot so you can see just how much me and my kitty herd appreciated it! The kitties helped me unwrap eveything and had so much fun playing in the paper and with the gashapon and toys. For my part, I love the C-3PO keychain -- I've been using it to inspect the mailbox for spiders every night when I come home due to a prior unfortunate incident. I wish I could have gotten more pictures -- Xena (one of the cow kitties) was carrying around that Beyblade thing in her mouth for a while, but she was too excited to pose for me. Thanks so much, minsies!
posted by possibilityleft at 8:11 AM on December 10, 2017 [7 favorites]


I have been (unofficially) quonsed by stinkfoot! We both missed sign up this year so decided to buddy up for it!

I saw a package and started dancing around my kitchen singing I've been quonsed, Quonsmas is here, much to the dismay and confusion of my housemate.

Thank you thank you thank you for the chocolates and the Tamagotchi!! I'll be sitting on my couch trying not to kill the little thing as I recover from my wrist surgery! Thanks!!
posted by astapasta24 at 8:39 AM on December 10, 2017 [9 favorites]


possibilityleft, I am so glad C-3PO can help you inspect your mailbox for spiders! Thanks for the pictures - I'm super happy I could entertain your kitty herd. Merry Quonsmas!
posted by minsies at 8:44 AM on December 10, 2017 [2 favorites]


The most wonderful chaoticgood has prepared me for a fantastic spa day with grapefruit salt scrub, a very lovely-smelling lemon bath bomb, and a perfect little package of bourbon balls made with 10-year aged Kentucky bourbon whiskey! Citrus and bourbon, two of my favorites! Thanks, chaoticgood!
posted by zennie at 8:49 AM on December 10, 2017 [2 favorites]


zennie, you are so very welcome! Happy Quonsmas!
posted by chaoticgood at 8:59 AM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


Here’s video evidence of my youngest cat enjoying her turn at the mouse from my Quonsmas gift.
posted by Superplin at 9:12 AM on December 10, 2017 [4 favorites]


The other day when I was leaving the house, there was a mysterious package leaned against the garage. It turned out to be a lovely box of gifts (and an awesome card) from yeahlikethat! I love everything in it, and think the Metafilter pincushion/ornament/pillow thingie is SO amazing! Thank you so much!
posted by jet_pack_in_a_can at 11:44 AM on December 10, 2017 [5 favorites]


If any of you folks need a boost to your holiday season, I highly recommend getting yourself on telepanda's gift list-- this lovely little package totally made my Quonsmas! I always request baking goodies, cozy-making things, travel related finds, and/or neat organic objects from the sender's neck of the woods, and this year, I got all the things! My husband walked in to see me hugging an assortment of spices (plus Microplane!), a Putin coffee mug, sweets from Japan, and more. When I shouted at him, "Holy, holy crap-- there's a milkweed pod in here, too!" he replied, "Well, this Quonsar is practically family to you now." Truly, I can't make words about how great this is or how happy I am. Thank you so much, and happy Quonsmas to all!
posted by stardustbunny at 12:11 PM on December 10, 2017 [3 favorites]


My package from The demon that lives in the air arrived yesterday and it's amazing! A super cool cookbook that I can't wait to dive into with my son - literally, one of my goals for the new year is to impart baking/cooking knowledge to my 11-year old so this will be perfect. Thank you again!!
posted by Twicketface at 12:38 PM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


I received a terrific Quonsmas package from Theora55 and opened it yesterday. It was packed full of goodies: Maine Sea Salt, Maine Mud Mocha chocolate/coffee sauce, Nepal prayer flags, a fun string of battery-powered LED snowflake lights. I am especially thrilled with the vintage jar containing a bit of Coastal Maine. It reminds me a little of those seek and find toys, only way more personal, fun, and interesting. I am touched and teary. Although I have been in a lot of states, who knows if I will ever get to Maine?
posted by Altomentis at 1:20 PM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


My Quonsmas gift arrived yesterday. It included a beautiful set of avian prints, a hand painted cloth image of machu pichu (both from Peru) and a Texas armadillo magnet. I love it all!

In addition to the steady progression of friends who have traveled to hike the Incan roads, this year a good friend moved to Peru to pursue love and her future. I’m glad to have authentic momentos to remind me of 2017 in that light. Thank you!
posted by meinvt at 3:46 PM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


What a haul I received from Obloquy! I asked for local goodies and boy did she deliver, complete with a note (on note paper from one of my favorite movies) explaining where everything is from. I'm delighted with everything!

I'm already more than halfway through the yummy chocolate and I'll be enjoying the granola in my morning yogurt. I just started using white whole wheat flour in the baked goods I make for my toddler. I'll make him some special muffins with this fancy flour from Capay Mills. I'll also use it for our special Christmas waffles to make them extra special. Had the mustard on some sausage for lunch today (yum!) and I may have just eaten a spoon of the honey by itself. Can you believe I've never had fingerling potatoes? Well, that changes soon!

Thanks so much, Obloquy! You are a master gift giver!
posted by erloteiel at 5:40 PM on December 10, 2017 [4 favorites]


It appears I said everything except Thank you to Theora55.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful goodness.
posted by Altomentis at 6:22 PM on December 10, 2017 [1 favorite]


Y'all. Y'all. I can't even..
Altomentis is my quonsar this year. I can't even begin without a tear coming to my eye. Everything in this above and beyond package is so right. Up. My. Alley.

So I had a rough week. I had criminal jury duty in new Orleans which is nothing to sniff at. I had a bad week at work on top of that plus a couple other things. But then I got this package. I got this quonsar package. Everything was so, so, tailored to me personally that I felt amazingly understood. The fact that a perfectly lovely stranger went to the trouble to care about me just blows my mind. Thank you soooooo much Altomentis.
posted by CheeseLouise at 6:36 PM on December 10, 2017 [6 favorites]


Akhu, thank you SO much for the fantiastic gift box! The gorgeous penguin sketch will be framed to have a place of honor by my penguin memorabilia, the music is lovely and I'm very lucky the way-too-delicious cookies aren't available locally! And my daughter has claimed the knit bag.
posted by beaning at 6:41 PM on December 10, 2017


I received a box from RhysPenbras from Buffalo, NY yesterday with a variety of Buffalo, NY goodies like sponge candy and loganberry syrup (a thing I did not even know existed!). He even put a card with a bit of information about all the items he sent. Thank you, Rhys! Happy Quonsmas!
posted by saeculorum at 7:01 PM on December 10, 2017 [2 favorites]


Ha, saeculorum, I like how that link specifically notes that sponge candy is known as molasses puffs in St. Louis. Soooo good. That's basically what Violet Crumble is as well, which I had for the first time last year while plotting double-reverse-recidivist-revenge-quonsmas, or whatever we were calling it back then. I feel like I learn so much from following the thread and seeing these glimpses of quonsars' and quonsees' fascinating local stuff.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for my quonsee's box to find its way out of purgatory overseas. Ahhh!
posted by limeonaire at 7:25 PM on December 10, 2017


Mailed mine today! To Australia, so I'm guessing it's going to take a while!
posted by lazuli at 10:44 AM on November 29 [2 favorites +] [!]

Eight days! I hope a special someone in the US sees my parcel arrive soon as well...

My bountiful quonsmas treasure trove arrived last week, just as I was about to leave for work. It was a real pick-me-up after a crappy week and lazuli absolutely nailed it. My housemate and I are taking turns sharing the tub with the Sonoma wine ducky and I am luxuriating with some fancy soaps and decorating my fridge door with cool postcard prints.

I'm super grateful to everyone who agrees to post worldwide, knowing it will generally cost more than the gift. It just makes the exchange that much more quonsmassy for me, having a secret internet strager from the other side of the world participating. Thank you all!
posted by Trivia Newton John at 7:36 PM on December 10, 2017 [5 favorites]


CheeseLouise, I am so sorry you had a rough week and glad that Quonsmas could bring a bit of relief for you. You are most welcome!

A lot of the satisfaction in Quonsmas is trying to put together something that suits your Quonsee. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes not so much. I'm glad this was one of my better attempts. It was very much fun.
posted by Altomentis at 7:43 PM on December 10, 2017 [2 favorites]


Astapasta: I have been (unofficially) quonsed by stinkfoot! We both missed sign up this year so decided to buddy up for it!

Heyho: I love that this happened! Is this a first, or has this happened in previous SQ seasons?

It's been a few years since there was an ad hoc impromptu swap - this is the first year in quite a few there wasn't a post-swap swap group due to our bandwidth issues, and the last one was before that. We did have a couple of extra-swap one-way you-should-be-quonsed giftings this year (we usually have 1-2 each year, sent to different quonsees each year).

Also, I had sponge candy for the the first time this spring during a delightful roadtrip vacation along the great lakes, ending with a few days in the Finger Lakes. (I like to taste the local delicacies), and it was not at all what I was expecting but so intriguing to eat.
posted by julen at 7:51 PM on December 10, 2017 [5 favorites]


Sorry to give such piecemeal photo evidence; it’s the end of the semester and life is crazy.

Anyway, here is the amazing hand-decorated light switch cover I received, duly installed in the bedroom. I heart it so forking much!
posted by Superplin at 9:05 PM on December 10, 2017 [10 favorites]


Superplin, I'm so glad you like the switchplate! I was worried it would be, well, a little weird for some tastes... but as I said in the card, my very own walls have a Stonehenge-themed one and one with a dragon/cat hybrid talking to a cat, which the artist calls "lofty conversations". And we don't even have cats, we just think the cat art is amazing. Here is the webpage if anyone wants to see more!
posted by nakedmolerats at 9:46 PM on December 10, 2017 [3 favorites]


So sorry to my Canadian Quonsee; life is crazy here too - thanks to exams and a sudden spurt of employment I only finished getting prezzies today. Your Quonsmas package will be in the mail tomorrow and in your hands by the end of the week.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 9:56 PM on December 10, 2017


Yay saeculorum! I hope it all survived intact and you enjoy a little taste of Buffalo!
posted by RhysPenbras at 5:11 AM on December 11, 2017


Hooray meinvt! I'm so glad you like it!

(Also just realized your username is Me In Vermont, not Mein Vermont. Achtung!)
posted by orrnyereg at 6:48 AM on December 11, 2017 [1 favorite]


Mailed mine today! To Australia, so I'm guessing it's going to take a while!

>Eight days! I hope a special someone in the US sees my parcel arrive soon as well...

So I have to admit, I had a moment of forgetting the earth was round, and had originally assumed that from California, the package would need to go across the US, across the Atlantic, across Europe and/or Africa, then across the Indian Ocean... then I remembered that whole Pacific Ocean thing and realized that was likely to be quicker.

I'm glad you're enjoying the gifts, and I'm happy to have been able to send them. There's something nice on the sending side, too, in winging gifts off across the world to brighten someone's day.
posted by lazuli at 7:26 AM on December 11, 2017 [3 favorites]


I love Quonsmas so much. My Quonser and I were equally tardy sending packages, so that worked. I anticipated going to a party Saturday evening and dressed up some, but the snow was slick and my snow tires aren't on yet. I got stuck on the road in the snow; my little truck was sliding all over. I finally gunned it and got out of the bigger road, back on my residential road, and got back home safely. And noticed a package I hadn't seen when I left, yay!

And, the package was from the same town to which I sent my Seekrit Quonsar package. Not the same name, but the same street address. So, even in a group of 381, there are some not-very random results.

A hand-crocheted shawl, hand-crocheted wool scarf, hand-decorated dish towel, crocheted wash cloths and trivet, candies, adorable pins, books, and a really beautiful art pin. I can't wear earrings, so I wear pins & scarves, Win! Monopas, thank you, thank you. Handmade gifts feel so special, and I love the care you put in. I hope your holidays are joyful.
posted by theora55 at 11:55 AM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


I've been quonsed! ilana sent me a great package which includes a sour pumpkin beer jelly (which I'm told is great on brie); three bars of delicious looking local chocolate, and an aromatherapy rollerball in one of my favourite scents) that is going straight into my purse.

'tis my first quonsmas and what fun! Thanks again ilana and to all the people who make this possible!
posted by toby_ann at 12:03 PM on December 11, 2017 [3 favorites]


First of all, apologies for the late thank you. I foolishly opened my Quonsmas parcel when I got home late as I was too excited to wait until morning, and managed to slip the card under something then couldn't find it and couldn't remember the username. .. However, I just searched my kitchen and found it... ZenMajek, thank you! What a wonderful gift. I love my condor and am very happy to be a supporter of Californian condors (the fridge magnet is cool too). Also the soap smells amazing and the chocolate hazelnuts are delicious. I'm saving the jelly beans for later :)
Thanks again x
posted by KateViolet at 12:29 PM on December 11, 2017 [1 favorite]


theora55, I am so glad that you got it. I was getting worried! And I'm sorry that I couldn't send you fruitcake, but I was afraid that wheat-free, dairy-free fruitcake might be terrible.

As to the address, you drew my mom. Who adores the gifts you sent.
posted by monopas at 12:33 PM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


My awesome gifts came a few days ago - all they cheerful thanks to dizziest! I love the charming Japanese stationery items. They will brighten up the desk in my home office for sure!

Here's a picture of my cat being "soothed" by the catnip/lavender blend.

Thanks so much!
posted by jeoc at 1:03 PM on December 11, 2017 [4 favorites]


corb: This was especially welcome today as it was a long, dreary, depressing day at work, so to return to joy was particularly fabulous. Thank you a million times!

You are welcome a million times! I'm so glad you like the fabric, and when I saw that I could pick out a zillion teas without committing to one flavor, I jumped. I hope they're all fabulous.
posted by kostia at 1:54 PM on December 11, 2017 [1 favorite]


Well, what a first quonsar this has been! Yesterday I went to the local mall where the Post Office is. Even though I hadn't received a notification, I thought i'd check my PO Box anyway, and there waiting was a notice of a package.
I said to my partner "are you expecting something? Because I'm not". She said "no, but maybe its that secret quonsar thingo". I had forgotten!
Apparently my whole demeanour changed to that of a kid on Christmas morning. After a brief wait, I was presented with a 4kg package the size of a case of beer all the way from Missouri. I was excited, my partner was perplexed that an internet stranger would do something like this. Don't mention the cost of postage to/from Australia.

Anyway, I hauled that box home as we chatted about how great Metafilter and Quonsmas is.
As soon as we got home we both sat down and experienced the joy of Quonsmas. So much stuff! Thank you to my Quonsar, i loved everything and have already been hitting the chocolate. My partner has nabbed the Cardinals shirts.
I loved both the giving and receiving and will definitely be Quonsing again next year. It has brought me so much joy and my partner so much confusion! Perfect.
(if you are my Quonsar- let me know so I an say thanks directly!)
posted by MT at 2:01 PM on December 11, 2017 [4 favorites]


Haha, why would someone do this indeed? To be precise, the box is actually the size of a case of Water Joe from Beverages Direct; I get these boxes every month, and they make the perfect overstuffed Quonsmas box. Anyway, yayyyy! I'm so glad it got there OK and I could make you and your partner's first Quonsmas a bit sparkly and awesome from halfway around the world! And I'm so glad the unicorn made it there in one piece. 🦄 💖
posted by limeonaire at 2:14 PM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


So... um... er... Mr Patheral tossed, I'm sorry, misplaced the tracking number for our quonsee's package (which was heading to Australia). How will we know when it's arrived, or even if it's arrived if they don't post here?
posted by patheral at 2:18 PM on December 11, 2017


It Happened! IT HAPPENED TO ME! The Quonsmas Elephant brought tidings of joy and mellow relaxicants to encourage my enjoyment of the holiday season and the company of pleasant people of good cheer. It is delicious hot cocoa and wafers with a beautiful cup that made it through the post! Pretty elephant post cards, and a scarf that my 8 yr old (with my exact coloring and killer fashion sense) almost immediately begged to wear! Thank You ErisLordFreedom, I feel very qounsmassy and a little more willing to make it through another winter!
posted by slothhog at 2:43 PM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


I've been quonsed HARD and WELL by the immensely kind emmling, who sent me a box of JOY stuffed with the most wonderful Japanese goodies. I shuffled into work this morning having been off for a week with a terrible cold, full of dread at the daily grind and the prospect of a week's worth of unread emails and undone tasks - but all was ameliorated by the most splendid array of chocolates and snacks and calligraphy and cards and even SOCKS! THANK YOU, emmling - I love it all. You really cheered me up in my hour of need.

THREE CHEERS FOR QUONSMAS!
posted by HandfulOfDust at 2:49 PM on December 11, 2017 [4 favorites]


There has been a Quonsing! I wasn't expecting much excitement this afternoon as I snaked my way down our long driveway to check the mail—stopping, of course, to admire the fresh deer tracks in the recently fallen snow—but, lo and behold, there was an envelope from afar waiting in our mailbox! From very far, in fact, almost as far from here as one can be—from Australia, land of sheep and wool (and a great many other things, I'm sure; but some of us have one-track minds). In addition to some lovely stationary-type things—pretty paper! cards from the Civil War Preservation Trust! fantastic postcards from the London Transport Museum! (what a worldly envelope it was!)—my Quonsar has given me fiber, that most queenly of gifts.

Jadepearl, the timing was particularly wonderful, as just a few days ago my husband and in-laws gave me a spinning wheel as a (slightly early) birthday gift. I've been spinning like a madwoman ever since, and although I have not yet spun anything apart from Merino and Blue-Faced Leicester (i.e., sheep) on my spindles, the braid is just gorgeous and I absolutely cannot wait to try it out once I have a few wheel-spun skeins under my belt. Thank you so much!

Obligatory photo of our dog admiring the fiber. She insists on ramming her nose through anything sheepish in the house (which is quite a lot, considering my primary hobbies), particularly if it’s wet. This is from the post-nose-ramming-but-still-fascinated stage.

(The dog may not be the only creature in the house that regularly rams her nose into wool, but it's best not to talk about such things in polite company. Fellow wool-folk will understand the nature of my madness.)
posted by cellar door at 3:04 PM on December 11, 2017 [11 favorites]


Thank you to my mystery Quonsar for the beautiful artistic stationery and sticky notes!! Can’t wait to impress everyone with my (your) fabulous taste.
posted by exceptinsects at 3:13 PM on December 11, 2017


I just realized my face hurts again from smiling. I probably need to find reasons to do that more often, haha. Giving really is as good as receiving at Quonsmas! Also, as I just mentioned to MT, today is in fact the 1-year anniversary of my opening my very first Quonsmas box last year. The fact that this ended up being the day I got to pass along the gift of Quonsmas to another first-timer, well... It's just Quonsmas magic, that's all I can say.
posted by limeonaire at 4:01 PM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


So... um... er... Mr Patheral tossed, I'm sorry, misplaced the tracking number for our quonsee's package (which was heading to Australia). How will we know when it's arrived, or even if it's arrived if they don't post here?

If you have a sense of when it will arrive, we can always follow up on your behalf a few days after that date and see if it got there. If you don't, you can always email us with the date you sent it, and we'll figure out a likely timeframe, and then way a few days and send an email. In other words, we'll try to keep on top of it!

...

Also, as I informed one of you lovely quonsees today, this year's random side-destination to spend a few days doing absolutely nothing is in Maryland (is the quonsar in Maryland? No. Is the quonsee in Maryland? No. What about adjoining states/districts? Hahahahahaah. No) rather close to the nation's capital. Don't blame us if the package FINALLY arrives humming the Eastern Motors ad jingle.
posted by julen at 4:25 PM on December 11, 2017 [5 favorites]


YES!!! Quonsmas has made it's way to me!! A big MAHALO to machinecraig, who sent me an awesome smelling Submission Soap by Gold BJJ, with Tea Tree and Eaucalyptus...can't wait to use it after rolling on the mats at practice today! I also received some Gator Hammock hot sauce, all the way from Felda, Florida. Needless to say, I will be putting some of that on whatever I eat tonight! Receiving my package made my day...Happy Quonsmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
posted by KillaSeal at 5:32 PM on December 11, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been most merrily quonsed by Laura in Canada!!! I received a puns book that has already made me cackle with amusement and delight; postcards and coasters featuring 4 of my favorite animals: a particularly girthy-necked bison, a Quebecois moose wearing socks, a California-esque bear, and a howling wolf; AND soothing gel eye pads that can be warm or cool - both awesome options because FYI your girl really needs to get her relaxation on! Thank you SOOOOO much - I love everything!!!! :) :) And thanks to everyone who participates in quonsmas and especially to the coordinators for bringing such joy to my holiday season lo these past several years!
posted by hansbrough at 5:34 PM on December 11, 2017 [5 favorites]


Mr. Fig warned me that he ordered a lot of stuff from Amazon, but every time I saw a package, I thought "ooh, is today Quonsmas?!!?", and was unvariably let down. Until tonight!!! I got a lovely package from The Elusive Architeuthis! It had a tote and sticker from an independent bookstore in Denver. It also had the most amazing toffee I have ever seen and tasted in my life. And, a pretty card with deer, and a little note explaining the gifts. Here's some pictures of everything. thank you, thank you, thank you ,TEA !
posted by Fig at 5:55 PM on December 11, 2017 [4 favorites]


I have received my gifts from the lovely Weeping_angel! A silly (I love silly) coaster, some lovely manatee socks, and a lovely book on the Archaeological site of Paquime! It was a rough day today slogging through the last of my Osteology lab so I can finish this class, coming home to some nice gifts was just what today needed! Thanks so much!
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 6:19 PM on December 11, 2017 [2 favorites]


I received a lovely Treasure Island themed package yesterday from chaslas! Really excited about the olive oil and savory jam and the magnets are making my fridge brighter! Saving the chocolate for work tomorrow. Also, I adore the bubble wrap which I am using for stress relief as I grade....ugh. Thanks again! Awesome to learn about things relatively close by that I didn't know about and I love that the olive oil is sustainably farmed. Will be eating with my new hobby of sourdough bread..
posted by eleanna at 6:33 PM on December 11, 2017


I was quonsed upon returning from vacation. Details and sumptuous pictures forthcoming...
posted by lharmon at 6:59 PM on December 11, 2017


At Quonsar Motors,
your quon's your credit
At Quonsar Motors,
your quon's your credit
owls, lobsters, weasels, squirrels, and mini bears,
Over 380 givers and getters, are you quonsing, man?
Let Quonsar Motors
Put your gift in the mail today!
Let Quonsar Motors
Parcel post it all the way!
posted by drlith at 8:48 PM on December 11, 2017 [5 favorites]


The wonderful and fabulous Miko has bestowed upon me a lovely package filled with nicely wrapped goodies for my next board game night:
- mini cutting boards for snacks
- not one, but two games - Set and Hypno Match Memory Game
- delicious spicy pecans (sorry, these won't last!)
- and a Christmas CD (probably only for December game nights)

What's cool is that she lives in a town I used to live in that's only about a half an hour away. The Quonsar World is a small world indeed.

Thank you so, so much, Miko. I was delighted by your thoughtful gifts and can't wait to play these new games.
posted by MsVader at 9:12 PM on December 11, 2017 [3 favorites]


So glad you liked it all, MsVader! A special pleasure to send to someone no more than "20 minutes away" [Jersey time - where if you call something 20 minutes away, it's either 20 minutes away or an hour and 20 minutes away]. I love the game Set, and it's great for all ages - hope you enjoy it. We should compare notes on NNJ towns sometime! It was a hoot to realize how small the Quons Universe can be. Happy Quonsmas.
posted by Miko at 9:23 PM on December 11, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been quonsed for the very first time! The first piece of guidance I gave was that I love to read & like book recommendations, but can't handle anything depressing lately (because, world) etc. Lo & behold, my secret quonsar is a book reviewer & sent 2 books that they think will tick my boxes of uplifting but not fluffy. Pic here. The lovely note is on a New Year's red envelope for luck. :-)

I'm so looking forward to reading the books. I think I'll have to take one on holidays. Thank you to Rush-That-Speaks! And thanks also to the organizers.

On the giving end of things, my national postal service says that my package was delivered to MA on Saturday. Hope my quonsee received it. Will wait a couple days before raising a search party.
posted by My Kryptonite is Worry at 9:44 PM on December 11, 2017 [6 favorites]


thank you so much infini for this lovely soft and light scarf, I love it! And just the right colours too. It arrived today as I am having a somewhat unpleasant day at work, and it makes me smile and just lifts my mood to have received your gift. Thank you!
posted by 15L06 at 4:14 AM on December 12, 2017


My Kryptonite is Worry: I have been quonsed for the very first time!

First time, first Quonse
All the sweetness I feel
So mysterious yet
So incredibly real
It's an uncharted sea
It's an unopened box
Is it books or a shawl
is it chocolate or lox?
Even though you're not sure
Till the moment arrives
There it is and you know you've been Quonsed

For the very first time
For the very first time

And baby when I Quonsed you
The wrapping paper I used was new
I don't think there are words
To describe Quonsenation...
posted by Too-Ticky at 4:30 AM on December 12, 2017 [4 favorites]


I am absolutely delighted and have been in constant smiles for the past twenty minutes. Last night, I came home to find a missed package slip (two of them, actually!) and as I was only expecting the one, I had a pretty decent--and hopeful--idea of what the second one would turn out to be. So I signed up for redelivery online, set a time I knew I would be home, and then proceeded to think about it all day today.

Result: A very warm thanks to saeculorum, my secret quonsar! I mentioned that I enjoy getting local tea and honey from places I visit, and I was gifted items from not just one, but two different places, spanning two countries (US and Canada). I may have made a small "ooo" when I saw that it was local blackberry honey, and the black teas have all of my favorites--I'm pretty excited to try the CBC Radio Blend, with its ceylon (!) and jasmine (!!) flavors.

The big thing, though--which in cursory research has turned out to be a very amazing surprise and right up an alley I did not know existed behind my mental house--was a copy of Gödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter. Initially, I had never heard of it. The author was a mystery. The back to the book was a further mystery, because it was just blurbs from various sources of how much they enjoyed the book, and what a cultural icon it was. So I opened to the preface, where two paragraphs down I read the sentence, "A scientist argues that reality is a system of interconnected braids," and immediately said out loud, "Oh my god, yes?!" (The author then goes on to protest this watered down summary, but buddy, I'm already on board 1000%)

I then quick Wiki the page for the book, read about some challenges in its translation, proceed to find out the author has written a book on his "ruminations on the art of translation," and I think I have some new reading material to bring in the new year.

In my quonsar guidance I mentioned "philosophical hard science (fiction)" as one of the more recent genres I've been reading (see: Greg Egan). I just want to say thank you to saeculorum again, for taking a chance on this massive book, and hitting it out of the park before I made it even two pages in.

First Quonsmas feels like a huge success.
posted by lesser weasel at 4:44 AM on December 12, 2017 [10 favorites]


I'm so glad you like everything hansbrough. I didn't have tracking on the package so I was getting a little worried.

And I think we were able to add a few unique animals to the running Quonsar tally. Cool!
posted by Laura in Canada at 6:06 AM on December 12, 2017


Look at these tiny spoons! Look at them! Each one unique, in its own unique way. And delicious fragrant tea. ochenk really tapped into my quest (destiny? inexorable descent?) to turn into my own grandma.
posted by drlith at 7:21 AM on December 12, 2017 [8 favorites]


I have been quonsed in the loveliest way!

I was late to work this morning because when I opened the front door to leave, there was a box on the doormat. Not just any box. A steam-iron box. It was presented exactly the way it is in that photo -- no shipping label visible -- so my first thought was that my duplex neighbors noticed that I pretty much never iron my clothes, then charitably assumed that it's because I don't own an iron (I do), and then resolved to very graciously gift me a spare. After a moment of staring at the box on the doormat with the righteous indignation of a fully functional adult who refuses to iron her clothes, I picked it up and only then noticed that it had been sent to me from Tacoma. And then it clicked. TODAY IS QUONSMAS!!!

I stashed all of my work stuff in the car and then raced back inside to open the package. I will admit to a little bit of dread as I searched for the scissors, because I realized that there was, in fact, a chance that my Quonsmas gift was a steam iron. And I will admit that as thoughtful and well-intended as that gift might have been, receiving a steam iron for Quonsmas would have been like receiving underwear for Christmas -- a wretched disappointment. But guess what! As verified by my in-house postal inspector, there was no steam iron in that steam-iron box!

There was, however, a lovely note on a beautiful note card. (Did my Quonser know that I like sunflowers? Apparently!) There were also two delicious-looking chocolate bars: One from Ecuador and one from Seattle. The chocolate is both a blessing and a curse as lately I've been eating ALL OF THE CHOCOLATE. But anyway.

Here is a cardboard-munching interlude.

Also in said box was a totally awesome pinback button with a Handmaid's Tale quote and a "Plant Science Root Growth Observation Experiment" -- it's a grow-a-sunflower kit! Do I like stuff like that? Yes! Yes I do! (Even made a post about it way back in 2009.)

And! A cat toy. Whose sole purpose, my quonser noted in her card, is to vex my cats! I assume it need not be said that I love vexing my cats. There was also a sticker from my quonser's recent wedding. [The note and the sticker contain some backstory about the wedding which I hope my quonser will share with you all, because it's very touching and it made me weepy and she hasn't posted much on Metafilter and I want to encourage her to do more of that.]

And, penultimately, wrapped in bubble wrap (which oh god Mrs. Beasley has now discovered and I think I'm doomed for life), there was a very large, very neat ocean bulb. What's that, you say? AN OCEAN BULB. "What's an 'ocean bulb,?'" you clarify. Well duh. An OCEAN BULB is a giant light bulb that washed ashore -- from the ocean! Do I like things like that? Found things? Why yes. Yes I do. As evidenced by this display on the wall opposite the ocean bulb's permanent home.

While probably intended as the main Quonsmas gift, I listed the ocean bulb penultimately because the real kicker, for me, was the very sweet note that came in the steam-iron box along with the other goodies. It really touched me. It closes with "I wish you a new delicious dish you've never tried, a big hug when you most need it, and something so silly at a random moment to make you laugh out loud." I mean, what better gift than those things, and that sentiment?

So in closing, I want to say thanks and ❤️❤️❤️❤️ to Mefite rocketing. The thoughtfulness of your gift(s) and your note not only made for a wonderful Quonsmas, they truly made my year. Mazel tov on your wedding. I wish you more joy, peace, and happiness than you know what to do with.

In the end -- and I say this without irony or sarcasm -- it really is all about the friends we made along the way, even if we've never been in the same room with them.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:08 AM on December 12, 2017 [17 favorites]


I was quonsed yesterday, to great delight.

GuyZero, thank you so very much for the wonderful gifts. It was only with great effort that I stopped myself from eating everything within minutes of opening the box.

patheral, I was your quonsar, and I apologize profusely for the address label mixup. I was thinking of someone else who shares your first name when I filled it out, and I was deeply embarrassed and saddened when the quons-elves let me know that my error caused a delay in your quonsing. :-( I'm glad the issue was resolved and happy that you like the gift.

Many thanks to everyone at MeFi who helps makes this into the most wonderful time of the year!
posted by lord_wolf at 1:35 PM on December 12, 2017


Woo hoo! Just got home from work and there was a package waiting.

Inside the package - good wishes from Australia and a nifty locally-themed gift. I now have a very awesome art print map of Toronto to hang up. There's actually a spot on the wall that I was thinking needs a little something - and this is just the thing.

Thank you bystander for this very thoughtful gift! It's great.

And I didn't see your comment until I popped into this thread just now to post this.

Thank you again!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 1:56 PM on December 12, 2017


It was only with great effort that I stopped myself from eating everything within minutes of opening the box.

So one of the gifts was non-edible so... good. Good you did not do that.
posted by GuyZero at 1:59 PM on December 12, 2017 [9 favorites]


patheral, I was your quonsar, and I apologize profusely for the address label mixup. I was thinking of someone else who shares your first name when I filled it out, and I was deeply embarrassed and saddened when the quons-elves let me know that my error caused a delay in your quonsing. :-( I'm glad the issue was resolved and happy that you like the gift.

No worries, I have done the same myself. ^_^ Thank you for the book, it's very interesting.
posted by patheral at 4:08 PM on December 12, 2017 [1 favorite]


Update: My cats have been successfully vexed!
posted by mudpuppie at 6:25 PM on December 12, 2017 [4 favorites]


We have a bunch of emails sent to the addresses you folks provided when you signed up out there, waiting answers (especially since I just emailed our Maybe - Tracking Says Yes - Needs Confirmation folks for said confirmation).
posted by julen at 6:44 PM on December 12, 2017 [3 favorites]


Dear quonsee I am so sorry for my quonsmas delinquency, I'll chalk it up to a mix of work utterly kicking my ass and less-forgiveable inertia. I just sent your package on its way tonight, and I am hoping it will make its way across the US by the end of the week.
posted by ActionPopulated at 8:28 PM on December 12, 2017 [1 favorite]


After a small snafu with my mail delivery service, Quonsmas finally arrived today! My request was for my secret quonsar to surprise me with something local, and they did! mochapickle sent me honey, tea, soap, and other lovely things from local artisans plus a very nice note with details about where each item came from. It was thoughtfully put together and just perfect. Thank you mochapickle!
posted by rakaidan at 10:41 PM on December 12, 2017 [1 favorite]


I received my Quonsmas Gift ! Thank you quonsee from Vermont who sent me wonderful, artisanal glass ornaments - they look wonderful, and I can report that they arrived all in one piece ! Merry Quonsmas to all
posted by motdiem2 at 2:22 AM on December 13, 2017 [1 favorite]


Okay, I was quonsed for real!! (I now suspect it was my brother who sent the other thing.) Thank you very much not_the_water!! I love the stuff inside the package (letterhead, cat stickers, cat candle), and there's also the coolest collage on the outside; I'm sorry I don't have a way to upload a picture, but this is one box I'm not recycling!
posted by JanetLand at 6:26 AM on December 13, 2017 [1 favorite]


Happy to report that Team Stollen has heaped me in deliciousness! Thanks, everyone!
posted by miratime at 11:48 AM on December 13, 2017


athenasbanquet sent a pair of fantastic prints from this artist! They achieve the rare comics + medieval stuff + original art trifecta.
posted by jedicus at 12:16 PM on December 13, 2017 [4 favorites]


Killaseal - I’m so glad you like the soap (okay I know that’s kind of weird!) and hot sauce! There is one more small item that should land on your island around the 19th. :-) Happy Quonsmas!
posted by machinecraig at 2:10 PM on December 13, 2017


Massive massive thank you to my lovely quonsar t0astie -

This is just to say
I have eaten
The chocolate frog
That was in
Your parcel

So many lovely thingsssss... fab koala socks, bright zingy Adelaide tea towel, a Shit Adelaide colouring book, local magazine filled with coolness that makes me want to visit, brilliant shopping bag decorated with strange cake type objects that look a bit like penises (I love it most). Froggie lasted less than two minutes. So exciting. Thank you so so much!
posted by doornoise at 2:25 PM on December 13, 2017 [2 favorites]


Hi!

We've started reaching out to folks for whom we have no status (So far: USA only, Canada Only, Aus/Nz, and Europe). This means that over the next few days, we'll also be reaching out to those people's quonsars if the packages have not arrived. We'll also be reaching out to our international swappers (although there is a higher percentage of packages that are more-than-reasonably still-in-transit in that group).

In short: if you have not MeTa'ed or emailed us that your package has arrived, you'll probably get an email from us in the next few days AT THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU PROVIDED when you signed up.
posted by julen at 3:26 PM on December 13, 2017 [1 favorite]


Anonymous quonsar, thank you, thank you, thank you. First, I was sent the awesomest cat sticker. As everyone knows, cats are the best and stickers are also the best, so this was all of the best bestestness.

I was additionally sent a pin of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, (heretofore referred to as Ruth Bader Pinsburg) which says "I dissent." It is an unbelievably perfect gift. I'm a newly minted federal employee, and the political climate has made me feel as if I'm walking around with a heavy weight. I got a little emotional when I opened it. It is exactly the talisman I need. I keep her pinned inside my jacket at work where folks can't see. I know she's there, and it's exactly the boost I didn't even know I needed. It helps to give me the strength to do the good I can and make the difference I can while surrounded by fear and bitterness.

Again, thank you.
posted by batbat at 4:58 PM on December 13, 2017 [25 favorites]


I have been very nicely quonsed, indeed, by a secret Quonsar. I have a name, but not a nickname... I hope I haven't thrown away some vital piece of information in the packaging. I received bourbon-barrel aged coffee, peppermint cremes coated with dark chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, and chocolate truffles filled with tasty, tasty liquor! Which is especially timely, given that I finished all the chocolate truffle whisky ice cream to celebrate the Alabama senate election yesterday. As well, there is an intrepid retro-futuristic robot who sharpens pencils!

Thank you very very much to my Secret Quonsar. Your gift is delightful. Thank you, as well, to arcticseal, phunniemee, and julen for all the untold work that you must have put in to bring about this year's Quonsmas. And thank everyone in the MetaFilter community for providing such a humane forum of intelligence, humour, and wisdom.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:38 PM on December 13, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been wonderfully Quonsed by the lovely erloteiel! (Actually she Quonsed me like a week ago, but I was out of town and had to wait.) Delectable-smelling coffee from a local roaster, Shakespearean post-it notes that will make even my dumbest self-reminders seem like poetry ("Go thou on winged feet to Trader Joe's/ and fetch a box of cookies and some wine") and ALSO crocheted with her very own hands the cutest green catnip mousie for my grumpy but beloved cat Annabelle. The green will complement Annie's orange fur very nicely. I can't wait to get up tomorrow and try the coffee!
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 8:07 PM on December 13, 2017 [1 favorite]


Great morning to work from home, I have been Quonsed by biffa! Delicious smelling Cornish soap and a candle, thank you so much!
posted by ellieBOA at 1:40 AM on December 14, 2017


omg you all, I got a second issue of QUONSMAS magazine! With more cookie cutters! It arrived today lovingly wrapped in a Royal Mail "sorry we destroyed the bubble mailer" plastic bag, so I'm not sure if it was sent simultaneously with issue 1 or subsequently, but nonetheless, thank you so much again, secret quonsar! I really hope you'll at least memail me so I can thank you personally, even if you don't want to out yourself here.
posted by catch as catch can at 2:51 AM on December 14, 2017 [7 favorites]


I just went to the PO and picked up my Quonsmas box from Faintdreams!! Inside were a bar of Green & Black's chocolate, a crossword dictionary (which will come in really handy on this weekend's transatlantic flight as I work my way through my crossword book without the help of the internet [don't @ me]), a cool rock polishing kit, and a salad growing kit complete with seed packets, including a variety of cucumber that was on my list to try out next year! Thank you so much, you're a wonderful Quonsar!
posted by lollymccatburglar at 5:12 AM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


Many thanks to my secret quonsar - the lovely salts and spices have already been in heavy rotation in our kitchen. I now put scorpion salt into everything we make for guests because, when they ask what's in it, it sounds cool af.
posted by notorious medium at 6:30 AM on December 14, 2017


Yay, batbat! I am so unbelievably happy to have made another internet stranger happy!

(BTW, I thought I put a card in the package with my username, but 1. my username could have been interpreted as a question and 2. maybe it got lost?! Maybe that's why it sat for several days at the USPS distribution center? I was so worried it was just going to sit there that I almost me-mailed you and the quonsar elves!)
posted by Is It Over Yet? at 9:16 AM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank all the Quonsar elves and volunteers who allow this glorious stranger gift exchange to happen every year.

Each year I get stressed (the good kind) over who I shall be matched with, what to get that person to make them smile, sourcing the things, wrapping the things, the obstacle course of my local post office, posting the things, then the infuriatingly long (or so it seems) wait to see if the package arrived and what the recipient thinks!

It's all glorious.

Gawd bless Quonsar and all th Mefi's who take part.
posted by Faintdreams at 9:33 AM on December 14, 2017 [15 favorites]


Coming in late because even though I made an initial TY upthread, I falied mention the second part of my gift from 100%-awesome MeFite fig: a snout-o-graphed photo of My Best Friend Hank (as seen here (though that's not mine, which was inscribed directly to my mefi username))!

Things are crazy and weird at work, but I hung up the picture so that it's eye-level when I stand up. Also, when someone says something dispiriting, I can simply point to the picture and say, "At least Hank likes me," and my spirit soars.

Thank you again, fig -- I smile every time I look at this picture! Heck, I'm going to take it home during our Christmas break so I don't miss out on the Good Feelings for a single day. :7)
posted by wenestvedt at 10:34 AM on December 14, 2017 [5 favorites]


A HUGE thank you to my wonderful, no-longer-secret Secret Quonsar, jessypie, for my gifts! I hid it from myself to open yesterday on the first day of Hanukkah (but also in case I needed a lift after the Alabama election, but it ended up just making everything even more sparkly)! Jessypie created the perfect gift box to match my personality -- a glorious notebook in which to write, fun music to brighten the winter days, reading accessories to make every day more colorful, and some geographically themed goodies to get to know her. I suddenly have the urge to travel to jessypie and meet for ice cream! THANK YOU! Happy Quonsmas to all!

(Jessypie, there's an actual paper-and-envelope-and-stamp thank you note coming your way, like in olden times.)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 11:45 AM on December 14, 2017 [3 favorites]


MERRYHAPPY QUONSMAS TO ME! Thank you, emjaybee!! :D :D :D

I got home from a dog sitting gig to find an absolutely ENORMOUS package waiting! And on inspection, gave a whoop of glee-- A Quonsmas gift all the way from TEXAS! And containing a truly wonderful variety of things to delight and amuse-- A big jar of delicious gen-u-wine Texas peach salsa, and a big glass BOOTFULL of real Texas wildflower honey! A pair of adorable owl salt&pepper shakers (very fitting, as I have been hearing owls calling a lot lately, and thinking owl-related thoughts)-- a keychain with my very own SASQUATCH on it, useful for drawing on its power of being elusive! And a wonderful sturdy mug featuring a speckledy chicken and egg! GREAT stuff, all deeply enjoyed and appreciated! Thank you so much, and a most joyous Quonsmas to all!! :D
posted by The otter lady at 11:49 AM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


AHHHHHHHH LIESL!!!!!!!!!!!

Which wrapping paper was recycled? I loved the colourful wrapping paper, and zomgzomgzomg the light up marquee is amazing! It must have all cost you a pretty penny, and I appreciate it very much. The first thing I'm doing is to send this irritating picture to my colleagues at work https://imgur.com/a/G41LI which is very apt because we just had a round of Secret Santa in our library (yes I work for the library in Singapore, so the NYPL notepad was amazingly apt)

AHHHHH!!!!! AHHHH!!! AHHHH!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
posted by appleses at 12:07 PM on December 14, 2017 [4 favorites]


Just got an awesome box from Hairy Lobster, the comic looks awesome and the cookies are yummy. Thanks so much!
posted by signal at 12:14 PM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yay! Glad you got your Quonsmas gifts, signal! Hope the cookies weren't all crushed... It was a bit of a tight fit.
posted by Hairy Lobster at 1:05 PM on December 14, 2017


Hermeowne Grangepurr divined the things that would delight my soul with a deceptively light box stuffed with pure TREASURE. Friends, she decorated the package with washi tape. Elegant sandhill(ish) crane mobile! I didn't even say I liked mobiles but she knew. Manila folder decorated with vintage birds stuffed with train tickets, old photos, dictionary pages, and postcards! OK, I said I like ephemera but this is the highest grade stuff that you don't just find laying around, you have to collect it over time and (yes it's overused, but) curate. Handmade feather ornament fit for all seasons! How did you know my weakness for magnets? You have brought joy that will extend far beyond the season and I appreciate it.
Thank the Quonsmas marmosets and beknighted julen for making this holiday so, so good!
posted by mrcrow at 3:10 PM on December 14, 2017 [3 favorites]


To follow up on my above post, I returned home from vacation to find a package waiting from bibliogrrl. Inside was an appropriately-themed collection of Chicago goodies, focusing on coffee. Of course, the coffee itself from a Chicago roaster. To make the consumption of the coffee less problematic, a Chicago mug was included. As an added bonus, a collection of 3 Chicago Field Notebooks. The first of these was put to use this morning to record time and distance of a morning hike.

Thank you! The coffee is very good and was eagerly consumed.
posted by lharmon at 3:36 PM on December 14, 2017 [3 favorites]


I have been Quonsed!! Thank you, MsVader, for the Jersey foods, and the gorgeous yarn!! I'm contemplating a nice warm hat, or maybe a squishy cowl... the box of goodies was a lovely surprise today!!
posted by sarcasticah at 3:46 PM on December 14, 2017 [2 favorites]


Hairy Lobster: Yay! Glad you got your Quonsmas gifts, signal! Hope the cookies weren't all crushed... It was a bit of a tight fit.

No, they were in good shape! Me, my son and wife are enjoying trying them while reading the descriptions you kindly included. Your grandma's Janselchen recipe is a favorite, so far!
posted by signal at 4:12 PM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


I'm late to the thank you party because I've been finding Christmas super hard, my dad died in July and he was completely obsessed with christmas. Managing two small people and their grief and my own has knocked me for six. In the middle of that arrived a beautiful package of pencils and cards with Danish treats and Christmas badges. My girls were so delighted, and it made me feel excited and just brighter, like Muppet Christmas carol brighter, to have had such a lovely gift from someone whose MF name I don't know - but thank you my secret quonsar - for bringing some light in a very difficult year.
posted by Augenblick at 6:08 PM on December 14, 2017 [13 favorites]


I have been most wonderfully quonsed! I'm taking the time to type out this Receiving Comment to my (currently unknown as I type) quonsar as I write, because I have a very short attention span and I figure otherwise I won't give you the reactions the gifts really merit.

Because I am a philistine, I opened the little bit that said "BONUS" first and when mx. sciatrix bemusedly remarked that it looked like a bullet and I saw the tiny little LED for the flashlight, I may have blurted out "LOOK IT LOOKS LIKE IT MAKES FIRE." (I love tiny useful things for keys beyond reason, so this made me very happy indeed.)

Then I gathered spouse, roommate, and BEGAN LOOKING AT CONTENTS.

I did get the instructions in the note, and they went very nicely indeed as I fended off not one but two cats and a very helpful dog to open the contents. (Look, I would have read the note first under normal circumstances, but Peter kept trying to steal the packing pellets and play with the package, so the excuse to wait a minute was fine by me! He kept trying to bat at the BONUS packaging.)

The postcards are lovely! I was going "ooh, pretty sunsets" right up until I hit the merpug and then I started squeaking hysterically and fell over slightly. MERPUG. MERPUG FOREVER.

mahahahahaha, there's a multitool and another flashlight and I've been eyeing tiny flashlights and yearning but not wanting to spend the money and have mx sciatrix laugh at me for like months now and you can never have too many multitools and small useful knives but for some reason my spouse disagrees

omg DNA earrings I have wanted/been meaning to get me some of those since I got my ears pierced in 2013, now I finally have them! HOORAY my goal to become butch ms frizzle grows EVER NEARER

SOMEONE PAINTED ME A SINGING MOUSE AND THEY DID IT FROM A PHOTO AND/OR VIDEO CREATED BY MY LAB OH MY GOD THAT IS SO COOL

[opening card]

OH MY GOD YOU PAINTED ME A SINGING MOUSE THAT IS SO MUCH COOLER, my boss is gonna be so jealous

Thank you,

Kimothy!
posted by sciatrix at 6:11 PM on December 14, 2017 [16 favorites]


It has been such a horrible day that I completely forgot to check to see if my present finally arrived. It makes me so happy to read such a great reaction post, and I'm so glad you like everything - especially the mouse, because I agonized and procrastinated and it's the first thing I've painted in over 6 months... and the fact that my reference picture was from you in the first place makes me all the more pleased that you think I made the little guy look right!

I hope I made your day, Sciatrix because you definitely made mine. :)
posted by Kimothy at 6:41 PM on December 14, 2017 [8 favorites]


Secret Quonsar: "LOOK IT LOOKS LIKE IT MAKES FIRE." 🔥 💖
posted by limeonaire at 6:45 PM on December 14, 2017 [6 favorites]


yaaaay thank you Svenny for the box of goodies! Lumberjanes 1 and 2, a Steven Universe comic, a dishtowel with someone fighting a crocodile that says "Do one thing every day that scares your family" (tbh that's my existence), a smiley face stone from Seeds of Happiness, salted caramels, and caramel glazed pecans! BTW Customs didn't even look at the box.
posted by divabat at 7:42 PM on December 14, 2017 [2 favorites]


I just want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to our emails. Our status overall is in pretty good shape, but we still have dozens of emails waiting for your answers.

(There are dozens of us! Dozens!)

One of the best things about being a quonsczar is that we get to see some of the hidden stories that never make it here ... usually. But I'm curious! One participant got an bird-shaped antique juicer (so cool!) and apparently there's a story behind it! And I want to know what the story is!
posted by julen at 9:45 PM on December 14, 2017 [8 favorites]


My gift appeared a few days ago, but I can't figure out the signature, as it was written with a ballpoint pen on the rear of a photograph, so was a bit smudged. But anyways, thank you Still-Secret Quonsar from Oxford for the nice note written on the back of the picture (my daughter squeed when she saw your cat) and the cool stuff otherwise in the box. Especially the nice wooden pen with the cool background.
posted by Harald74 at 11:47 PM on December 14, 2017 [1 favorite]


(I'll add in the user name later if I can decipher it)
posted by Harald74 at 11:47 PM on December 14, 2017


Cellar Door, you are welcome! I threw myself on mefite, kjs, who provided the wool and expertise on how to quonse a fiber person. So glad your package arrived. Auspost can be a bit leisurely about delivery.
posted by jadepearl at 2:20 AM on December 15, 2017 [1 favorite]


especially the mouse, because I agonized and procrastinated and it's the first thing I've painted in over 6 months... and the fact that my reference picture was from you in the first place makes me all the more pleased that you think I made the little guy look right!

Oh yes, the mouse was immediately recognizable and absolutely wonderful. I'm going to stick him up on my work corkboard and preen! It's common in labs in my field for people to collect art or stuffed animals or little sculptures of the species they work on, but the fact that almost no one knows what the singing mice are and the thing where they're solid dark brown all over instead of colored like a deer mouse or a house mouse means that stuff with them on is really uncommon and hard to find unless, y'know, you do it yourself. And in my lab, it's that or the prairie voles, and the voles really aren't much better. (They're such a classic species for studying monogamy that there's a little more stuff with them out there, but not too much.) So things with singing mice on them are always highly coveted.

I brought a little singing mouse ornament I made out of felt last year to the white elephant party at the lab and inadvertently made my boss so excited he stole it and then put it on the tree right then, so I'm pretty sure this one is going to make the lab totally green with envy. Seriously, it made my day, and it's going to go up right next to the Aztec Drosophila print my last mentor gave me when I left her lab.
posted by sciatrix at 10:10 AM on December 15, 2017 [6 favorites]


Thank you, julen, for your service! The story behind the bird-shaped juicer isn't actually an exciting story, alas. I picked it up in a thrift shop somewhere in Sweden many years ago and it took me ages to figure out what it was. And then I agonised about including it in the package to my secret quonsar match. What if it was too boring or too junky or too rusty? But I loved the idea that this little metal bird had flown from Stockholm to the San Francisco Bay Area and was now going to fly to the East Coast and a whole new place. And now I discover that perhaps it wasn't even an antique. Ssh, don't tell the recipient!
posted by Bella Donna at 10:40 AM on December 15, 2017 [8 favorites]


Thanks Secret Quonsar!

The dark chocolate oranges are lovely as is the amazing stationary. The multicoloured pencil is particularly magical.
posted by brilliantmistake at 1:35 PM on December 15, 2017


I have been so wonderfully quonsed! By a mefite who hails from Calgary, but whose mefi handle i couldn't decipher, to whom i send much gratitude for the amazing smelling grapefruit tonic syrup and Famous 5 tea, both from their fair (from what i saw in the post card) city, and a cute holiday card with lovely greeting. (Punctuation necessary so i can breathe). All arriving in a very glam gift bag that i will keep for my very own to travel with. Excellent first quonse, o secret quonsar!
posted by darsh at 5:08 PM on December 15, 2017 [4 favorites]


(Put this in the wrong thread, reposting here because everyonle should know how fab my quonsar is)

Shelbaroo, you are an awesome Quonsar! I came home from a very long day yesterday to find a parcel with many lovely things: a skein of the most beautifully soft dark purple yarn (a baby alpaca/merino wool blend chainette, for those who are interested in such things), a wooden shawl pin (I have never had a shawl pin and look forward to playing with it), a super-cute cat-shaped pin and teeny-tiny embroidered notebook, all from her local area (which made me even happier because i have a fondness for her state based on some lovely visits to a dear friend there). Plus a pretty card from Artists to Watch, a company I didn't know about but will be bookmarking for future use.

Thank you so much, Shelbaroo! Merry Quonsmas, everyone!
posted by une_heure_pleine at 8:54 PM on December 15, 2017 [3 favorites]


Darsh, that was me! (My printing can be pretty terrible!)

I'm so glad you received the gifts and that they please you. My city is indeed fair (if I do say so myself).

For anyone curious, the Famous 5 were a local group of Suffragettes. There's a statue of them in our downtown having tea together, but I couldn't find a postcard with that on it.
posted by My Kryptonite is Worry at 9:55 PM on December 15, 2017 [3 favorites]


And socks! So soft and in luscious chocolate and cardinal colors.

Oh my gracious, jamaro. You are the proud owner of Official CBC Socks! Lucky you!
posted by angiep at 8:00 AM on December 16, 2017


Ooooh! I have been double quonsed! What did I find in the mailbox this morning?!? I dared not even remove the outer wrapping! Under the tree it went, before my curiosity got the better of me.

Ooooh!!!
posted by tel3path at 9:36 AM on December 16, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have been quonsed! My FedEx box full of satisfyingly mysteriously shaped packages has been opened and I am trying very hard to wait until Christmas to open them, but we'll see how that goes.

Ooooooooo the temptation!
posted by athenasbanquet at 3:23 PM on December 16, 2017


I got quonsed today! Thank you to my mysterious Swedish quonsar who sent me the lovely calligraphy book with the fancy pen and ink. I'm looking forward to taking them with me over Christmas to spend some time teaching myself a new skill. There was no name or card with the package so I don't know who you are, but I hope you'll introduce yourself so I can thank you properly.
posted by ActionPopulated at 3:50 PM on December 16, 2017


I'm some kind of complete idiot because my quonsar was actually the delightful PussKillian! Please do not think me ungrateful. I promise I will never forget it again!!
Very sorry to make you nervous with the delayed acknowledgement.
posted by mrcrow at 4:36 PM on December 16, 2017 [1 favorite]


I am way late to this because I got my present last week! But things have been super hectic and I haven't had a chance to log on. But anyway! Thank you so much Katie! I have already consumed the incredibly delicious chocolate and I can't wait to use my chocolate soap and my unicorn soap! The chocolate soap definitely looked good enough to eat, so good thing you distracted me with real chocolate :) Thank you so much!
posted by silverstatue at 6:44 PM on December 16, 2017


I’ve been quonsed!!! I was given a whole box of jellybeans along with a Star Wars enamel pin that says “join the resistance!” I had indicated in my guidelines that I would love an enamel pin of some sort, as I’ve just started collecting them and there are so many good ones, and my SQ came through!

Also, I noted with some amusement that the cellophane bag the jellybeans had probably been inside appeared to have burst during transit, resulting in a very rattley box of free-range jellybeans. (Probably funnier to me than my local postal worker, but I think all the beans still made it safely to me!)

Thanks, wilbefort! I appreciate it!
posted by meggan at 7:37 PM on December 16, 2017 [3 favorites]


To chaoticgood, my quonsee: I am so pleased you enjoyed your gift! It was fun to put together for you, and I’m glad the oven mitt was just the ticket!
posted by meggan at 7:49 PM on December 16, 2017


I've been Quonsed! Yaay! Thank you methroach for the thoughtful gifts and the lovely card. I especially like the clever handmade bookmark, which you should sell online BTW - funny. It'll go well with the Edward Gorey mini-story.

I was surprised to learn from your card that one of the items was 3D-printed (the black shape, which I have named mumble-hedron, is a phone / tablet rest, right?) Nicely done. Loving the artwork on the calendar too.

The teas will be made in short order; they smell delicious even through the colourful packets. Sadly, the dark chocolate disappeared shortly after opening in a tragic dining accident. No one saw anything so there's no need to look into this any further now, is there?

Altogether a great packet of Quonsmas goodness; the giving and care is why I love this place so much. Best of the season to you and yours, methroach.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 10:21 PM on December 16, 2017 [3 favorites]


Quonsmas Photos are here.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 10:29 PM on December 16, 2017 [3 favorites]


Augenblick that was me!! so happy that the package arrived intact and that it made you and your girls so happy. I am really sorry for your loss. My best wishes were included in the package and you have them again here. Take care.
posted by alchemist at 1:00 AM on December 17, 2017 [2 favorites]


Hardcore Poser, so glad you you enjoy your gifts. :) It was a lot of fun putting together the package. There was one more thing in there which you didn't mention, but maybe it's because you're reading it? The book from your bookmooch wish list...

Alas, I was too obscure in my description of the 3D-printed object. I had the idea to print it based on the fact that you had Gödel, Escher, Bach on one of your book lists. It is actually a Penrose triangle illusion as shown here (that I am sure makes a fine phone rest too).
posted by methroach at 5:40 AM on December 17, 2017 [4 favorites]


After an unexpected detour through Maryland, my package finally arrived and boy was it worth the wait!

Thank you DinguMutt! Unwrapping each gift was such a joy! You totally nailed it! I haven't taken the headband off, it's the coziest thing ever, the dark chocolate might already be finished and the soap will be perfect on my next trip. And I love that they were all local! Thank you so much!
posted by doublenelson at 7:28 AM on December 17, 2017 [1 favorite]


_____Statistical_Quonsarian_Updated_Incidence_Data_(SQUID)_____

381 People are Participating
328 Gifts have Arrived (86.1%)
020 Gifts have Been Sent but no word on whether they have arrived (5.2%)
014 Gifts have Not Yet! arrived (3.7%)
011 Gifts are a Complete Mystery to Us (2.8%)
005 Gifts are tagged with a !!! (not sent yet, or post-send concerns about logistics) (1.3%)
003 Gifts Have Probably Arrived (Tracking says Yes!); awaiting confirmation (0.1%)
001 Packages Sent On A Weird Side Trip

027 Second Chance Volunteers (US, Canada, Australia)
001 Case of What Happened to that Gift? Solved (not by Marmoset Detectives)
001 Second Chancing Interrupted By Original Gift Arriving
001 Second Chancing completed
000 Packages CURRENTLY in the Second Chancing Zone

077 Animals Represented
063 Packages Contain Books
026 People Who Are Waiting/Did Wait To Open Their Gifts
021 Pokey Vendors
007 Sets of Roommates/Partners/Spouses/Parent+Offspring Participated.
006 Number of Notifications Lost or Never Delivered
005 Different Types of Nuts
003 Inexplicable Stalling of Package Movement for Days So Far This Year
003 Number of People Who Drew The Same Person as Last Year
002 Superheroes
002 Robots
001 Random Giant Tarp

--- Side Facts ---
Postal Service Most Likely to Get the Side-Eye: Australia Post

Side Trip Destination for Packages That Have No Business There: Maryland

Top Reason Packages are a Not Yet!: International Shipping

Number of emails out there awaiting an answer: Dozens. Still Dozens.
posted by julen at 10:24 AM on December 17, 2017 [25 favorites]


My bad, methroach; yes, thank you for the Night Vale book! And thanks for giving that shape a name; it did look familiar. Have to go re-read GEB.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 11:20 AM on December 17, 2017 [1 favorite]


So, the quonsmas elves had told me to expect a package a while ago, but there was a bit of a snafu with the package's unexpectedly flat aspect ratio and the ridiculously large amount of dumb junk mail we get (oh, but for a "nej tak" = "no thanks" to junk mail sticker in the US!).

I had been told a different package was arriving, but might be delayed, and was growing concerned because we are heading out for the holiday soon-- but I was concerned without need! For today arrived a lovely package from the distant land of Australia, containing as claimed on the customs form "notebook" and "socks".

The customs form did not, however, mention the chocolate (in the shape of Aussie coins and dollars), nor did it mention the joy and consternation contained within. Joy, because this is a lovely quonsmas package, and consternation because I have a sock problem. (All of my socks are members of unique pairs, so they each have only one possible partner).

These socks, dear reader, come in a packet of 3. Two alike and one inverted in color. I quite like the socks, but they can't make a pair. I quickly realized it's ok, and solved this dilemma (trilemma?) with only a slight mental modification: these socks are part of a threesome and must simply be united all together while in the drawer. So the consternation is over, and I have only joy: the joy of chocolate, a lovely notebook from UMelbourne, and a set of poly socks. Many thanks to TriviaNewtonJon, and also the quonsmas puppy (drawn in the card and with tail vigorously waving).
posted by nat at 12:13 PM on December 17, 2017 [5 favorites]


My bad, methroach; yes, thank you for the Night Vale book!
Whew, am relieved. Thought maybe I somehow forgot to include the book. Happy reading!

And thanks for giving that shape a name; it did look familiar. Have to go re-read GEB.
That's the official name--but yours, "mumblehedron", is much better :)
posted by methroach at 2:33 PM on December 17, 2017 [1 favorite]


Quick update. I finally made it home this last week. Thank you so much for the lovely Quonsar gift! I love all the EDC stuff from Countycomm - I've already buffed up my keychain to glow in the dark! The homemade apple butter is delicious, too!
posted by Philbo at 5:18 PM on December 17, 2017


Just so no one's panicking about me: I have not picked up my package yet, but julen let me know it's at my post office (which is more than USPS's Informed Delivery service did, as they never showed any package as having arrived). My post office is open 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm Monday through Friday only; I work 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday 30 minutes away from said post office. I did check my PO box today and got the card saying there was a package behind the desk for me, so it's there, and presumably they'll hold it until I pick it up (at least they always have in the past, and there was no deadline for pick-up). I may be able to pick it up on Wednesday, but I can definitely pick it up on Thursday, as I'm working that morning at an office closer to home and can arrive late to work.

Yay, teeny rural post offices. :/ I am kind of excited at the delay, though. I've only kind of started getting into the holiday spirit in the last day or so, and now the post office hassle feels more like holiday excitement rather than a total logistical nightmare, so I'm probably in a better headspace now than I would have been several days ago.
posted by lazuli at 5:46 PM on December 17, 2017 [1 favorite]


My gift should have arrived over a week ago but no word. International tracking was incredibly expensive and it's a lean month but now I'm really wishing I'd swallowed it, because I hate not knowing if it's lost or if I've just left someone very underwhelmed...and not actually sure which of those is worse!
posted by billiebee at 4:54 AM on December 18, 2017 [1 favorite]


billiebee, I'm sure it's the former. My (original) gift for 2016 SQ got mysteriously and silently stuck *somewhere* between South Africa and Portland and eventually showed up on February 25th!
posted by janell at 11:13 AM on December 18, 2017 [2 favorites]


Didn't know if I should post this here or the other thread.

I have a feeling my gift might be coming from another country. But whatever its origin, adding to the usual holiday (and international?) mail snafus, it turns out my neighborhood might not have had mail delivery as many as THREE days last week, for reasons unknown.

So although I've been wondering what's up, I'm also looking at it this way: I'm not expecting any other real *surprise*-type gifts "IRL." So the SQ is adding some childlike anticipation to the season.

(I would LUV to get a Xmas gift after Valentine's Day! Used to keep a fake tree up that long anyway.)
posted by NorthernLite at 11:21 AM on December 18, 2017



I've mentioned this in email a couple of times but...

Not hearing back from your quonsee does not mean they hated it. There are a lot of good reasons why someone hasn't responded yet, including:
  • They haven't wrested it out the hands of the mailroom/complex office/postman/etc yet.
  • They are saving it for a later date and want to thank you when they actually know what it is.
  • Life is incredibly hectic: work, family, illness (I think at least 10% of the quonsarbase was quite sick this quonsar season) and they are waiting for some downtime that just hasn't come
  • They seriously thought they had thanked you. Every year 4-5 people genuinely 100% believe they thanked their quonsar only to discover there's no e or memail in their sent box or a comment in the MeTa. Somehow, Thank X for my gift got checked off in their heads but they didn't actually hit the post button.
  • They don't know we (the quonsar elves) would be happy to pass along their thanks and they're too shy fort his thread.
  • The person who also lives in their dwelling put it "somewhere safe" but that never got communicated, so they wait for the package that is unknowingly 10 feet away.
posted by julen at 1:29 PM on December 18, 2017 [12 favorites]


Wow, billiebee! Thank you! I’m excited to try the tea, and the sea salt with “a decadent hint of smokiness” :). The puffin notebook and magnet are perfect; I especially like the look in the puffins’ eyes on the notebook. AND, my dentist would say you made the right call not sending the chocolate, but thank you for supporting that organization! I work with kids with special needs as well as parenting one and appreciate your thoughtfulness very much. Have a wonderful rest of the season!
posted by homelystar at 3:07 PM on December 18, 2017 [2 favorites]


What's the best way to check if a package was received without being interfering? I just don't want my personal to feel forgotten if it does hapien to have been lost or misplaced. I mailed it on November 21, in the US to the US so it should have been there by now. Apologies if this has been covered in this thread previously and I missed it.
posted by CheeseLouise at 7:03 PM on December 18, 2017


The best way to check on a package you sent (or haven't gotten yet) is to contact us via email. We can tell you what the status of your gift is, if we know it, and if we don't know it, we can ask. We can't guarantee an answer (which at this date - means we may end up trying alternate methods in another day or so), but we can be nosy for you.
posted by julen at 9:39 PM on December 18, 2017 [1 favorite]


What's this exciting package with "Happy Quonsmas" written on the outside?
Tearing with hands!
Tearing with teeth!
Slicing with scissors!
Bubble wrap!
A bag!
all rolled in tissue paper!
Another bag!
Each layer raising the anticipation to new and greater heights!

And at the heart. Several little packages swathed in fascinating far flung vestments...
First of all, what's this?
A small red tin, containing ooooh smoked paprika. The good stuff. mmm!
Inside another bag another square little tin of the fanciest looking olive oil! I love fancy olive oil!
This is "Superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means"
(I am picturing a Spanish robot jumping up and down on a pile of olives)
But there's more!
A really beautiful olivewood hand carved spoon! Which I have to decide if I'll actually cook with because it's so pretty and I'll just stain it with Spicy Spanish sauces.
(Of course I will cook with it! It wouldn't want to rob the spoon of it's purpose)
And lastly (and this is very exciting) Black Chocolate with Olive Oil and Seasalt. I have already eaten most of it, because I cannot be trusted with dark salty chocolate. It's really quite superb chocolate.

Thank you so much Quonsar! I will cook something oily and spicy and very stirrable with my lovely gift!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:42 AM on December 19, 2017 [5 favorites]


Aw yay homelystar, I'm so glad you got it! Was kicking myself for not tracking it, especially as a person who hates Not Knowing Stuff, and fearing the holiday marmosets had hijacked it en route across the ocean...you know what they're like. Hope you enjoy, and hope you and your family have a lovely holidays.

And thanks to julen and the elves for all your hard work and patience. Quonsmas hugs to all x
posted by billiebee at 4:47 AM on December 19, 2017


Got the rest of my horror-themed quonsmas gift yesterday from drlith; I was waiting to post everything at once.

I received:
- a handmade Blair Witch stick figure;
- two framed pictures of the cemetery from which the sticks were harvested;
- a Periodic Table of Horror t-shirt;
- a handwritten card.

Finally here are the decorative portions of my gift adorning my workplace wall.

I love my gifts, thanks!
posted by exolstice at 5:57 AM on December 19, 2017 [6 favorites]


Aaaaaagh! [kermit_flail] QUONSMAS magazine issue 3 has arrived! With even more cookie cutters! Still with no indication of my quonsar's identity! Now I don't know what to expect! An entire year's worth of magazines? (surely not? I'm running out of cookie cutter storage space!) Please put me out of my misery, secret quonsar - who are you?
posted by catch as catch can at 7:18 AM on December 19, 2017 [6 favorites]


Many many happy quonsar thanks to Halloween Jack, who sent an absolutely fantastic (and my goodness quite heavy!) box of amazing and awesome and delightful, thoughtful things.

There was: a bag of yummy Sirius coffee, b/w indie cartoon stickers, bright notecards for notecarding, an owl notepad for all strigiform-related notes and also shopping lists, colorful owl coasters(!!!) for drinks both hot and cold, a neat Ripley's coffee mug from Branson MO, dog treats for my dog(!!!!!) and a very sweet card that wished both me and my dog happy holidays.

Pure wonderfulness. It brought me a lot of joy.

I just moved into my first house this year and I find myself overhydrating my guests just so I have an excuse to use coasters like a proper grownup homeowner.

MP HQ is at Defcon Permasmile and holding. Thank you, Halloween Jack!
posted by mochapickle at 9:32 AM on December 19, 2017 [5 favorites]


catch as catch can, I have a message from your Secret Quonsar:

Your Secret Quonsar got you a 6 issue subscription to Quonsmas magazine, (definitely not because the quonsmas gifts they ordered are delayed in the post and they still haven't got them yet). They promise to come clean after sending the last issue.

Speaking for myself, I really need to up my SQ game next year!
posted by arcticseal at 10:10 AM on December 19, 2017 [13 favorites]


omg
posted by catch as catch can at 11:36 AM on December 19, 2017 [10 favorites]


I thought my (amazing) SQ gifts were done, but I just got a beautiful calendar from congen, with pictures from the Hope in Shadows photography contest from Megaphone Magazine, which is "open to homeless and low-income vendors" of the magazine. Surprise extra gift, which showed up yesterday right on my birthday! I am deeply impressed! Thank you!!
posted by ilana at 2:31 PM on December 19, 2017


Hi again billiebee—for future reference, your gift did just arrive on December 18 and was opened right away. My spouse says our local postal service in middle Tennessee (south central United States) is slower and more mistake-prone than the other dozen or so places he’s lived in the US. But the package was in good shape, no complaints here!
posted by homelystar at 8:25 PM on December 19, 2017 [1 favorite]


MetaFilter: I am picturing a Spanish robot jumping up and down on a pile of olives
posted by wenestvedt at 9:30 AM on December 20, 2017 [2 favorites]


If you want a picture of the future, picture a spanish robot stamping on a pile of olives forever!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 10:54 AM on December 20, 2017 [3 favorites]


Many thanks to motdiem for new music, a fascinating word book and a novel that's next on my reading list.

And best wishes and a trans-Atlantic hug to them, so the universe may accord them a great holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2018.
posted by key_of_z at 11:56 AM on December 20, 2017 [1 favorite]


I got another package from lord_wolf with teeny tiny little colored pencils that came in an adorable box with a little sailor boy that says something in Ukrainian (I'm guessing since that's where it came from) which will go great in my collection of pencils (don't judge). It was accompanied by a pretty post card with Quonsmas wishes. Thank you lord_wolf, I shall add them to my collections forthwith. ^_^
posted by patheral at 12:04 PM on December 20, 2017


Your Secret Quonsar got you a 6 issue subscription to Quonsmas magazine, (definitely not because the quonsmas gifts they ordered are delayed in the post and they still haven't got them yet). They promise to come clean after sending the last issue.

Quonsmas magazine, in a perfect world, would totally exist.
posted by culfinglin at 12:11 PM on December 20, 2017 [10 favorites]


Thank you Cheese Monster for your delicious baked goods and for your lovely letter. It got a bit dusty while I was reading it, so I consoled myself by nomming on the slice which was indeed filled with an epic amount of butter and sugar. Goodness me!

Recipe swap?? :)

Sorry for not posting earlier, but I only just got back from overseas so unfortunately, it was sitting on my desk for about a week. Still good, though!
posted by ninazer0 at 1:39 PM on December 20, 2017 [2 favorites]


Just now getting around to posting BUT astapasta24 and I agreed to be quonsmas buds after we both missed the sign-ups. She sent me some delicious Chapel Hill treats which were devoured pretty close to immediately!! Thank you Asta!!
posted by stinkfoot at 1:43 PM on December 20, 2017 [5 favorites]


Thank you Snakeling!!! The assorted goods are a great surprise. The kitty inspection prior to shipping made sure everything made it in one piece!

My kitties are enjoying the new toys and the knife and hand warmer are awesome little pieces that will always find a good use. Quansar was a success as always due to the great surprises that come with it.
posted by Nackt at 2:43 PM on December 20, 2017 [2 favorites]


Quonsmas just keeps coming this year. I checked my old email (I really need to change that, but there are reasons...) and found an email with this pattern attached. I do like Fallout 4, and Mr. Handy, and it's cute enough to make me want to try cross-stitch again. Maybe. ^_^ Thank you again, lord_wolf, it's great.
posted by patheral at 4:56 PM on December 20, 2017 [4 favorites]


A huge THANK YOU!!! to my super secret quonsar match! I don’t know who you are, but you are so thoughtful, generous, and awesome! I love, LOVE the two Lovecraft themed travel posters. Those puppies are getting framed and placed next to my bookshelves. They are so fun!
But then you also sent this really pretty wooden box, it’s the perfect size for keeping things in, I really love it! It will sit proudly on my dresser! And an intriguing book “The Ballad of Black Tom” which is right up my alley and perfectly timed as I leave on a trip in just a few days and can use the fresh reading material! The paper snowflake was just over the top, and it sits proudly on our mantel. My daughters - both semi-pro paper snowflake crafters - admired its intricacy. And finally your note, it was so nice to read and made me feel all warm and SQ inside. So you really nailed it whoever you are, and I think you are awesome, and I hope you have a beautiful holiday and a MUCH better 2018! 😊
posted by machinecraig at 5:43 AM on December 21, 2017 [4 favorites]


I'm so glad it finally arrived! :)
posted by snakeling at 6:23 AM on December 21, 2017 [1 favorite]


Yea!!!!!
I was quonsed today!!!! Off work with a terrible cold and feeling blue.... but the postman cheered me up with a package from Australia! Thank you Rob Corr for the absolutely brilliantly beautiful necklace. It is unlike anything I have and so original. It was even more fun knowing that it is from a local designer in Melbourne. I am 8,463 miles away but hope you can see me smile!
posted by Rubydooby at 11:39 AM on December 21, 2017 [3 favorites]


Very festive quonsmas thanks to ninazer0, who sent me a lovely scarf and a dot grid notebook explicitly for doodling in. It was a lovely surprise to receive in an exhausting last week at work.

The scarf will go beautifully with a few of my favourite tops, and it's nice to have explicit permission to doodle - my current notebook only grudgingly tolerates my doodling ;)

Thanks again, ninazer0!
posted by escapepod at 2:50 PM on December 21, 2017 [3 favorites]


Grits! I got grits! Thank you to guster4lovers! She sent me local-to-her Southern food, all nicely wrapped, with a brochure from the local farm/CSA where it came from, and a gorgeous bag made from a recycled sari. And there were grits! Which is immensely exciting today, of all days, because my beloved nuisance of a cat managed to get into my pantry last night and chew through a plastic bag of polenta, spilling corn meal all over my floor, and I’ve been annoyed both at the required clean up and at the loss of polenta. But now I have grits! Thank you for everything!
posted by lazuli at 6:09 PM on December 21, 2017 [6 favorites]


I came back from my pre-Christmas break to packages from sleeping bear. A choose your own adventure of Hamlet! A Pusheen Cat accessories case (which I promptly put to use corralling all my charging cables in my bag). And a really awesome tea infuser which will get a fair amount of use over the next week! Thank you!
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 10:23 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]


I have yet another thank you for my Secret Quonsar, bystander.

I've been laid up in bed with a nasty bug the last couple of days, and today was the first day I've stepped out of the house. I hadn't checked our mail in that time. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I reached into the box to find yet another envelope from Australia had made its way to what is a now-snowy Toronto (photographic proof here)!

Inside was an Oxfam donation card that will purchase a chicken for a family in Mozambique. Attached to the card are a small Metafilter button and - even better - a Metafilter button PERSONALIZED WITH MY USERNAME.

Thank you! This is amazing. I fully intend to sport those at the next meetup!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:37 AM on December 22, 2017 [6 favorites]


QUONSMAS magazine update, no. 369: you must all imagine me dancing a festive jig, because my special subscriber only BONUS FREE GIFT arrived! I am now the proud owner of a soft and supremely cuddly fox, which is microwaveable and stuffed with French lavender.

Y'all.

Y'all.

Is it strange that I'm now actually sort of looking forward to my next period because this little guy is gonna make it bearable?

I also received a super customizable cookie stamper, which basically means all the people in my life (and some who aren't) are going to start getting the most epic biscuits ever.

Thank you thank you thank you, secret quonsar. I'm actually kind of overwhelmed with the thought of all the effort you've gone to, but I hope you realise just how much it has meant to me, because life has been slightly dark and terrible recently. You're the best.
posted by catch as catch can at 1:28 PM on December 22, 2017 [13 favorites]


I never expected to be so moved by my Quonsmas present. The package arrived on Monday, but in the hustle and bustle of the pre-holiday madness, I set it aside til Tuesday evening. I waited until after I had cleaned my house, packed for travel and made my holiday cookies. In past years I have been absolutely delighted by my Quonsmas gifts, but this year I was moved to tears before I even finished reading the card accompanying my tremendous gift.

You see, I have this dog. Well, I have two dogs, but it's really just the one. We rescued her eight years ago and she is my "heart dog", my pride and joy, my sweet fur baby. She's getting long in the tooth and won't be around for much longer, and I cherish every day I have with my old farty lady dog.

And my Secret Quonsar, he realized just how much I love that goddamn dog, and found a pretty picture of her, and then used it to PAINT a picture of my beloved old doggy.

HE PAINTED HER PORTRAIT.

Y'all. It's been a long year, I don't need to tell you, you've all been there. I've been more discouraged this year than I think I have ever been. I've never been as misanthropic as I have been in the past twelve months. Humanity sucks. But then it doesn't! There are people like Rock Steady in this world, I am here to tell you. Good people like Rock Steady, who will occasionally restore your faith in humanity.

I'm crying just thinking about how moved I am by his surprising and thoughtful present.

You are fantastic, Rock Steady, you keep on with your bad self. Thank you thank you thank you.

A million times thank you.

Merry Quonsmas everybody.
posted by msali at 1:59 PM on December 22, 2017 [37 favorites]


I was excited that my Quonsmas package arrived yesterday, and it looks like I have some new coffee to try, and a quirky little journal to write in. Thank you Nestor_Makhno for the gifts!
posted by Dibbery at 5:51 PM on December 22, 2017 [3 favorites]


Here is the dog and the portrait of the dog.
posted by msali at 8:24 AM on December 23, 2017 [22 favorites]


Here is the dog and the portrait of the dog.

Squeeee! I love it. And the doggie.
posted by lazuli at 8:38 AM on December 23, 2017


Rock Steady / msali—
I am speechless. Beautful gift, beautiful dog.
The magic of Quonsmas, indeed. Thank you for sharing!
posted by bookmammal at 8:41 AM on December 23, 2017 [1 favorite]


It was a long and exhausting week, and then I checked my mailbox to find Quonsmas! A box of charmingly wrapped goods from une_heure_pleine. Thank you! Tea and lovely notebooks and a large-ish tube of vegemite. Now I’m looking forward to cheating on my beloved marmite with its Australian cousin. Thank you!!! And Happy Quonsmas!!!
posted by betweenthebars at 8:54 AM on December 23, 2017 [2 favorites]


You are so very welcome, msali. It’s something I enjoy doing and I’ve been trying to do more of it lately, so I was happy for the opportunity to paint such a cute pupper. Merry Quonsmas to one and all!
posted by Rock Steady at 11:07 AM on December 24, 2017 [6 favorites]


Happy non-Quonsaresque holiday to those who celebrate it. I hope you are variously warm, cool, festive, asleep, calm, and/or not locked up in the hoosegow for throwing a plum pudding in the face of your Uncle based on his incredibly misguided opinions on Bewitched's Darren #2.

The elves will be taking a break tomorrow, but on Tuesday, we'll try again to track down the outstanding 36 packages yet to be marked Yes! in our tracker, and will finally reach out to our second chancers. We might actually have someone who needs second chancing.

A big chunk of the folks-not-marked-Yes-yet are international senders, people who sent really really late, and some maybes. We do have a number (9, actually) of mystery rows where we have no sending info and the recipient hasn't responded to our emails asking if they got it. We also have a number of "What's Up?" messages still out to senders.

So if you haven't been thanked by your quonsee yet, and you haven't heard that their gift has arrived, please do a search on secretquonsarswap in the email you provided to us and see if we've sent you an email.

If you haven't got your gift yet and you haven't been communicating with us, please do.
posted by julen at 6:11 PM on December 24, 2017 [3 favorites]


julen and elves, we love you! thank you for bringing us all a lot of holiday joy.
posted by mochapickle at 6:20 PM on December 24, 2017 [9 favorites]


I've just received my wonderful quonsar package, but can find no trace of a name to thank. Some gorgeous notebooks (always lovely) and Everlasting Daisy seeds from the National Arboretum. Thank so much, and a merry Quonsmas to all who desire one. :)
posted by AnhydrousLove at 6:55 PM on December 24, 2017 [1 favorite]


Wow! I have been most generously quonsed by palindromic with a sackful of Michigan-specific goodies!

A box of Ford Mustang Thunderbird Car Cookies! now that’ll be a new experience!

An Oscar Mayer hot dog on a skateboard? Oh, it’s a whistle.

A Michigan shaped cookie cutter! Fun with making people guess what that is!

Organic loose-leaf peppermint tea, I love peppermint tea! Looking forward to this one!

A fridge magnet of something inexplicable, which according to the very witty and locally-historic accompanying card is Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House.

And two coasters from the Detroit Coaster Company, depicting a) a fist punching towards the viewer through a pyramid-like structure among some skyscrapers, and b) a seated statue holding an orb in one hand and a flame in the other.

And the pièce de résistance, an Ask Metafilter sticker!!!

All this speaks much more highly of Detroit and its evidently witty, generous and inventive inhabitants than anything I’ve been led to believe. Thank you palindromic!!!
posted by tel3path at 8:38 AM on December 25, 2017 [2 favorites]


Mmmm, Quonsar how did you know that pickled eggs make the best sandwiches? Thank you for the lovely scarf and goat soap and exciting jars of goodies and the glittery wrapping paper. So much fun to open and yummy treats will be had once there's room in my belly again. Thank you again and merry Quonsmas all.
posted by Hal Mumkin at 12:15 PM on December 25, 2017 [1 favorite]


Damn, that peppermint tea is great. So light and almost sweet. Grown in MICHIGAN!
posted by tel3path at 4:55 PM on December 25, 2017 [1 favorite]


I already sent my secret quonsar (quonsar-er? quonsee?) a MeMail, but I'm sliding under the wire before the thread is archived so that it can be on the public record that lollymccatburglar is a wizard who somehow, correctly, divined that my vague "I like knitting socks and hats" really meant "the gift I would like most in the world is a gradient sock yarn set, which I can't quite justify buying for myself but which none of my family is going to get for me because they're intimidated by etsy," and came through with this loveliness, complete with a set of cute stitch markers to replace the ones I had that broke. I am equal parts over the moon and kind of mad about it because I was going to take a break from knitting and catch up on other crafty pursuits after I finished my current projects and that is clearly not going to happen. Thank you, lollymccatburglar!

(Also, I already spoke to Faintdreams on MeMail but you are very welcome and I hope you enjoy the pencils.)
posted by bettafish at 7:50 PM on December 26, 2017 [3 favorites]


The good news is that we get special dispensation (an archaic MeTa category) to have this thread open longer than 1 month so we can gather all the thank yous in one place.

Second chancer mail is going out tomorrow, when I'm finally at home and not wrangling family+holidays+hotels+etc. Sorry about the fact I keep pushing it back, but stuff keeps happening.
posted by julen at 9:47 PM on December 26, 2017 [6 favorites]


I am so happy, pleased, and thankful to my SQ in Singapore who sent along this beautiful rainbow scarf. I actually received it a few days ago, and just had a moment to pause from the whirlwind of festivities I wore it to.

It's so hard to find and collect pretty fabrics for myself even though they're seriously one of my favorite things, thank you thank you thank youuuuuuuuuu
posted by idealist at 12:55 AM on December 27, 2017 [5 favorites]


An Oscar Mayer hot dog on a skateboard?

It's the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, an iconic bit of Americana! My kid ensured the whistle made it in. Glad you enjoyed everything!
posted by palindromic at 8:55 AM on December 27, 2017 [2 favorites]


I forgot to update! My secret Quonsar (who shall remain secret) had *so much fun* with her Glowforge and has shared that fun with me. I now have two cunning coasters (super useful, as I finally have a non-Ikea coffeetable #adulting) with kitties on them, a kitten fan, a dancing cat wall-art-thingie, a wee Klimt art card, a delightful tiny picture frame, and an impressive and delightful box shaped like a book but made out of wood via some eldritch process. It bends. Thank you, secret Quonsar!
posted by athenasbanquet at 9:32 AM on December 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


I managed to resist and not unwrap until yesterday when we got back from visiting distant relatives and did our 'home' gifts, but the buildup was well worth the little slothy guy who's also a tea infuser....and fancy tea!!!... and a Fiesta Cat to embroider! I loved it all, Chura chura!!! Thank you !!!!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 12:12 PM on December 27, 2017 [1 favorite]


Thanks to a comedy of errors, my delightful gift from heyho, all the way from the windy city, didn't get opened until our family had trekked all around NSW visiting family for 4 days of Xmas celebrations in a row.
The kids were already well chuffed with day after day of receiving gifts (much better than a one day dump, in terms of them appreciating what they got), but were doubly pleased when we finally returned home to a final present from America that could literally be anything!
Suffice to say, heyho picked some charming gifts including papercraft architectural models which was right up my 9 & 12yro's alley's. Plus some other nifty Chicago things including a couple of fridge magnets that are sitting alongside those from Groningen and Wyalla from past quonsar years.
It makes a nice conversation starter, "Oh, you've been to Chicago?", "No, never, but strangers on the internet send me magnets."
So a warm Quonsar thank-you from the bystander household, and best wishes to heyho, hoping she is warm and cozy away from the cold.
posted by bystander at 5:53 PM on December 27, 2017 [2 favorites]


A verrrrrrrrrry belated thank you to minervous for the Lost Words book. I've been slowly devouring it. The illustrations are amazing. Thank you thank you!
posted by not_the_water at 4:29 PM on December 29, 2017


This has gotten entirely too delightful not to mention.

I decided to start some trouble and continue last year's tradition of reverse-recidivist quonsmas, or whatever we're calling it this year. tel3path was my quonsee last year, and I sent her a set of postcards I photographed, like the ones I sent MT in Australia. She responded with this bounty of sparkly and sweet things from England! Not only that, there are octopodes, some kind of little golden octopuses or squids.

Yayyyyyy, so happy about all of this, tel3path! Much love.
posted by limeonaire at 5:34 PM on December 29, 2017 [5 favorites]


Like really, HOW DID YOU KNOW I LOVE BOXES SHAPED LIKE BOOKS FOR PUTTING THINGS INTO AND TAKING THINGS OUT OF. omg. ✨ 📘 🍫 🍬 🌺 💎 💍 🐙 💖
posted by limeonaire at 5:49 PM on December 29, 2017 [5 favorites]


Before it is too late, my Quonsmas was anonymous and provided beautiful washi tape and calligraphy pens. It was lovely and thoughtful. They are presently at the Salesforce building and waiting for my mule to deliver to me in Sydney.
posted by jadepearl at 5:53 PM on December 29, 2017


I just got home from 9 days in Maine with my family (which was very cold and very snowy and very lovely but also just very very very), and at the end of a 9 hour drive (which was also very snowy and very yowly because my cat traveled with me), I found what is apparently the first of three (!!!) quonsar packages waiting for me. And what a package it is!

MCMikeNamara MADE ME A CROSSWORD. A MURDER, SHE WROTE CROSSWORD. He also sent me a scrap of napkin from a Chicago meetup with some quonsmas doodles, and a calendar from his work (coincidentally, my insurer), where he was involved in some excellent Pride Month displays this year, a fact which makes me extra happy as a queer former Chicago-dweller.

I told him about my crossword and MSW feelings, and that I'm a queermo, but do not think I mentioned that I'm also a former Chicagoan, and I'm pretty sure we didn't meet at the one meetup I went to when I lived there. Which is all to say that I'm totally bowled over and apparently there is more to come. What an amazing gift!
posted by dizziest at 7:28 AM on December 30, 2017 [7 favorites]


My quonsmas gift has finally completed its trek from Norway to me. Thank you, Harald74 for the delightful assortment of Norwegian treats and tabletop decor! I also enjoyed the postcards of Kongsberg. My daughter is now deeply antsy that I get off the computer and share some of these vastly superior Nordic M&M analogues posthaste!
posted by palindromic at 3:59 PM on December 30, 2017 [4 favorites]


Calloo Callay! After a thrilling adventure through international post, Quonsmas has made its way to me. Thank you so much Cimrmanova for the delightful package of goodies from the Czech Republic! Your taste is impeccable and I just love everything. I pretty much live in pashmina scarves from September to April each year, and the lovely aquas and blues in the one you sent remind me of swimming in the ocean and being in one of my Happy Places. The mug and saucer are beautiful and will get endless use, and the Czech ornaments are already adding cheer to our holiday decor. May your 2018 be as uplifting as your Quonsmas gift made me feel.
posted by shelbaroo at 5:18 PM on December 30, 2017 [3 favorites]


Thankyou Law of Demeter for my lovely gifts. The bookplates are super cool and the chocolate is yum. It is being rapidly nibbled away whilst hidden away in my bag. My pet ratties are using the stocking to play hide and seek with added jump-out-and-squeak so all round success! May all quonsmasees have a prosperous and healthy 2018.
posted by RandomInconsistencies at 11:05 AM on January 1, 2018


A late update: I'm not sure if this is a resend or if the initial package finally arrived, but while we were out of town a pair of CDs showed up from overseas (including one entitled "string theories" which is good for the string theorists among us, that is, me). Thanks again to my generous quonsar, and let it be known that mr. nat and I figured out how to use the cd drive on his computer for this purpose-- we will have a listen later this week!
posted by nat at 1:26 PM on January 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I was out of town over holidays, but when I got back, what was sitting on my desk but a tempting mailing tube. Inside, there was a lovely reproduction of a vintage map and chart of the mighty Erie Canal! With the song of the same name now stuck in my head (the version from Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions), I was finally able to open the PDF that my secret quonsar, Oflinkey, had sent me. ("DON'T OPEN THIS PDF UNTIL YOU GET YOUR PACKAGE.PDF") Only to find out that she was also inspired by the same song and her history of living along the Erie Canal to send me the gift. Hooray!

Merry Quonsmas one and all!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 2:54 PM on January 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Just realized to my horror that I haven't yet thanked my Quonser - Snarl Furillo, thank you so much for all of the awesome gifts! We'd been visiting family across the country, and had just gotten home after an all-day plane-and-driving-fest, to find your wonderful Quonsmas package waiting for me. So many fun Hawaiian goodies! The dried apples disappeared especially quickly, though the mangos are nearly gone, too. And classes are starting again next week and now I'm all set with fun new lanyards, stickers, post-its, and mechanical pencils - woohoo! The facial cleanser felt especially marvelous after spending way too much time on the plane - and we're saving the dog toy for a day when our pup is being a circus while I'm trying to study, so thank you in advance from all of us for that :)

Thank you again for making Quonsmas so much fun! And doublenelson, I'm glad your gifts made it there safely and that you enjoyed them - it was a pleasure picking them out. Belated Happy Quonsmas, everyone!
posted by DingoMutt at 10:00 AM on January 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


QUONSMAS magazine issue 4 came through my door 5 minutes ago, complete with more great cookie cutters (leetle cat cookies soon to be in my belly!) and decorative tapes (yessssss, more tape for the tape god). Thank you, dear secret quonsar! I can't wait to find out who you are and fill your mailbox with biscuits!
posted by catch as catch can at 3:18 AM on January 4, 2018 [10 favorites]


WOOO. A HAPPY 12th night of Quonsmas! I received a lovely set of magnetic saints and a big magnet of Che Guevara that is totally going up in my office. I don't think I got a username - so thank you metafilter pal from Brazil!
posted by Stynxno at 3:12 PM on January 5, 2018 [1 favorite]


I am posting extremely late on this, but I am very grateful for my holiday ornament sock monkey in surf shorts and with a surfboard, as well as a vintage postcard of Redondo Beach and some cute little cards spelling out my name. I asked for a souvenir of my Quonsarer's hometown and something tacky or cute, and this was perfect. Thank you, Quonsaree!
posted by vickyverky at 11:54 AM on January 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Having been responsible and not signed up for Secret Quonsar thinking I was going to have imminent major surgery*, I have greatly enjoyed checking in on this thread for mental pick me ups.

Julen had also MeMailed me saying a Mefite wished to send me something, which also totally made my day. Not
long after, I received a gorgeous pop up card from Heyho, which totally made my day yet again.

Imagine my total surprise yesterday to find a second Quonsmas package propped up on my mailbox from Angiep. With another gorgeous pop up card, and goodies not just for me but my two munchkins.

MeFites are amazeballs. Big huge kisses to heyho and angiep.

So next year, dear Quonsmas Elves, please sign me up for two Second chancers and the normal SQ. You people rock and I’m paying it forward next go-round.

* Today is my birthday. Of course they called me today for the scheduling of the surgery.
posted by romakimmy at 11:07 AM on January 10, 2018 [8 favorites]


Dearest quonsar, QUONSMAS magazine issue 5 arrived on my doorstep last week, but I didn't have a chance to thank you until now bc I've been caught up in life (namely, making my kid's birthday cake*). Thanks a million! I'm really excited about reading this issue!

*Can you spot where I used my free gift?
posted by catch as catch can at 3:56 PM on January 14, 2018 [5 favorites]


[high-fives you while drinking my heavenly SQ coffee and sets the mug down on a cute owl coaster...]
posted by mochapickle at 5:00 PM on January 14, 2018 [1 favorite]


Mods, is there any way we could tag this thread and the past ones (both for organizing and thank-yous) "quonsmas"? I just realized I'm not the only one who's had trouble sometimes searching for this. Just an idea! Thank you for considering it!
posted by limeonaire at 12:56 PM on January 17, 2018 [2 favorites]


Sure, tagged this year's posts with that.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 12:59 PM on January 17, 2018 [3 favorites]


Awesome, thank you, LobsterMitten!
posted by limeonaire at 1:02 PM on January 17, 2018


I've been Quonsed! After my inital Quonsar disappeared my Second Chancer sent me a beautiful scarf, tea and tea infuser, bookmark, plus homemade fudge. All with a Calgary Public Library theme! Thank you so much, it was worth the wait!
posted by sgrass at 10:52 AM on January 27, 2018 [6 favorites]


🔔 Oyez, oyez, oyez! 🔔

I hereby proclaim Just this guy, y'know the official winner of Secret Quonsar 2017, maintaining his title from 2016 and just generally being super impressive in his quonsing skills.

I received the 6th and final issue of QUONSMAS Magazine today, and was supremely delighted to see that not only was he revealed as my Quonsar (twice in as many years - we gotta expand that UK group, y'all), but he'd gone to the effort of putting together an actual little magazine for me, complete with 'Quonsmas Tales' (selected comments and photos from this thread - heartwarming af), 'Quonsmas Stats' (yessss, data! surprisingly, JTGYK was one of only 3 Quonsars who drew the same person as last year), and a hilarious exposition on cupcake corers. Also more cute stationery (omg banana erasers), cookie cutters, and the aforementioned cupcake corer that started this whole thing!

So, to close, this whole experience has been enchanting from start to finish, and has made a really stressful and difficult time of year much more charming and full of wit and warm feelings. Thank you thank you thank you, Just this guy, y'know, this was all really great.
posted by catch as catch can at 2:06 PM on January 27, 2018 [9 favorites]


You're very welcome!
And thank you for all your nice notes here teaspoon and I have both really enjoyed them.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed my silliness.

The lesson here is, when choosing Quonsmas gifts you should really check the shipping time, or you'll need to invent some kind of convoluted system for distributing them slowly.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:48 PM on January 27, 2018 [3 favorites]


Thank you, lovely Quonsar, for the precious stickers which arrived today, all the way from Japan to Northern Ireland. I hope it's ok that I share (some of) them with my young nieces, because they'll love them. And the card is very cute. (I'm not sure what the penguins are saying to each other but I think I get the gist...)

The other part of your gift is much appreciated and very thoughtful, and I'm sorry finding it caused you difficulty. I don't see your MeFi name so I'd really like it if you would memail me so I can thank you personally. Wishing happiness to you in the year ahead, and to everyone here.
posted by billiebee at 12:39 PM on January 29, 2018


Quonsmas continues!

I just got a delightfully mysterious box in my post which upon aggressive hacking apart with a kitchen knife revealed a lovely tin of hand made biscuits from Catch as Catch Can!
Thanks!

I grabbed some to eat for breakfast on the way to work. But the toddler discovered them, so, it's very possible that there won't be any when I came home. They were a delicious, delightful surprise. So now I'll have to send you a Quonsmas thank you,k thank you gift.
Quonsmas need never end!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:42 AM on March 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


A Quonsmas miracle way after the fact: I recently posted an ask about mitigating the evil eye. My fabulous Quonsee yeahlikethat lives in the neighborhood where I used to live in NYC, and saw the post and mailed me a wonderful Greek glass evil eye charm from a local store and a little painting of the view from the subway train! My three-year-old chose where to hang the charm and insisted I scoop her up to hang it herself, and we're both delighted. Thank you!!!
posted by centrifugal at 9:22 AM on March 21, 2018 [3 favorites]


It's Quonsared ! wheee. I love you msali.
Posted 22 Nov delivered 23 March; North Carolina - Rio de Janeiro. But I digress all the good things are worth waiting for. Ici n'este par un chapeau
What wonderful taste you have. I asked for something vaguely related to surrealism and this is what I get. Fantastic. Big hugs.
posted by adamvasco at 5:34 AM on March 24, 2018 [4 favorites]


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