Season's (well nearly) greetings, and welcome to the MUMSNET SECRET SANTA 2014!

[SantaSandyMumsnet]

Sleepy reindeer are waking, Christmas elves are busy mulling wine, and we at MNHQ - and you lovely lot - need to get cracking. Yes, we know it's only October, but the Mumsnet Secret Santa waits for no one

For those of you who are new to our seasonal spreading of goodwill, the idea is that Mumsnetters nominate fellow Mumsnetters whom they feel particularly deserve some festive cheer to receive an anonymous Christmas present. We also open a thread asking for gift donations, and match these to the nominees as part of a HUGE anonymous Secret Santa operation. For more on how the whole thing works (clue: as smoothly as a rocket-powered sleigh), take a look here.

This Christmas tradition was a scheme cooked up by Mumsnetters themselves, and it has thrived over the years due to their generosity (you can find out more on how it came about over here). It generally goes without any major hitches , but there are just a few rules and regs which it's worth brushing up on.

And now, to business. The nominations page is live, and you can add your nominee's name at any time from now until 29th October, when the page will close. We'll then drop all nominees a line to ask for their addresses, the ages/sex of their DC, if they have them, and any further family details they're happy to share with us and their donor. This information needs to be with us by 7th November.

The donations thread is also live, so please pop on and let us know if you'd like to make someone's Christmas a little bit more special by showing them that they're in your thoughts. In terms of what to donate, we love vouchers because they're easy to match, but we're delighted with all sorts. Remember, nothing is too small, and please don't worry if you're thinking of donating a gift with a low cash value, because money is really not what this is about.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your awesome generosity. You amaze us every year.

It's all now in your capables, but if you have any queries we're happy to hear from you at [email protected].

'And the bells were ringing out for Christmas day.'

Have donated but can I add extras once I know details of who's receiving it?

@startwig1982

Have donated but can I add extras once I know details of who's receiving it?

Yes, you can add as much as you like to your donation once you know the details. But try not to change the origional pledge please because we will have taken this into consideration when we do the matching.

Brill, thanks!

I have finally come out of lurking to be able to donate, it is such a lovely idea!

Lovely. Nominated! And donated! Hurrah

Over the last 12 months, every time I feel down, I remember that last year a stranger took the time to think about me and nominate me for SS, and another stranger bought me a gift. This kindness really has kept me going - so thank you!!! It's been like the gift that keeps on giving! (Cheesy but true)

This is fantastic!!
I've only joined mn tonight, and don't have anyone to nominate. But I'll definitely try to donate asap :-)
This makes you remember in a world that seems so full of hate that there really is alot of good 'uns still around. Just wish more people could be like this

Welcome Gothic!

Donated without nomination only an occasional user/lurker

I've just realised in my nomination I didn't put anything about the family composition ie how many kids and their ages. Doh. Can I do that when you email me?

I think they ask about that when they email posters to say they've been nominated - but if there's something that might make the matching job easier, I guess you could always drop an extra email to [email protected]. Then it's all off your plate and Sandy has less reason to head for the Christmas gin.

Nominated and donated. It is such a lovely thing to be able to do.

@EhricLovesTheBhrothers

I've just realised in my nomination I didn't put anything about the family composition ie how many kids and their ages. Doh. Can I do that when you email me?

We ask about this when we mail the nominated MNers. We give them an opportunity to let us know any facts they're happy to share with us and their donor.

can we nominate someone who doesn't post on MN but lurks a lot? I'm guessing the answer is 'no'

and can we nominate a dad?

Are they a 6-month member, frankie ? If so, I would guess 'Yes' if you have good reason but I'd make that reason very clear in your nomination form. Happy to stand corrected on that one.

frankie a dad, no problem. Not all women on here are mums and they are ok to nominate.

I would think MNHQ might / should have an issue with a lurker who doesn't post. How can they be known to the rest of us if they aren't routinely posting advice, help and support? That's the point of Secret Santa is it not? To thank a stranger for help received, or to help someone you've noticed struggling?

It's a difficult one. If in doubt, contact [email protected] for a view, I think?

I've put myself down for donation and nominated someone. Can I nominate as many people as I like or is there a limit?

as far as I know, she isn't a member but would be an excellent candidate for a nice surprise. She doesn't post in case she's recognised but does lurk a lot.

ByeBye

Sandy said upthread

The number of nominations doesn't matter, some people get several and others just one, if there are enough donations everyone will get something.

oooh me me me I want to donate please!! MN santa's made my year when I was nominated, literally brought sunshine to me and my DSs at the end of a hideous year. I want to give that back to someone else. Where do I sign up? Is posting here enough?

frankie the point of Secret Santa, as said in the OP, is for MNers to nominate fellow MNers. The reason the six months rule was introduced was after the thread last year that I won't bring up again. I'm sure we all know someone in RL who would benefit from a surprise gift, but that's not the point of the MN Santa.

I've reported your post and hopefully MNHQ will clarify.

The links to the donation and nomination pages are in Sandy's opening post, chocoraisin - but here's the donations page again to make it easier for you.

How lovely...

I've gone all teary.