FAQ
When will I…
Please consult the event schedule. In terms of pairings, you will receive them by nov. 30th. Please don’t worry if it’s the 29th and you haven’t heard from me yet, you will by the 30th guaranteed. PLEASE be patient with me about this- keep in mind I do this on my own, and it takes a while for one gal to make and distribute 100+ pairings. I also go in order based on form submissions. If you registered close to the deadline, you’re probably towards the bottom of my list.. but I’m getting to you!
How do I send you my screenshot/turn on ask/submit anonymously, etc.
Please check out the Secret Santa navigation page for a bunch of tutorials and instructions for the variety of settings/functions necessary for this event. If you have a how-to question that’s not already there, please don’t hesitate to send me a DM!
Since tumblr is hella bad at being a website, do we get any sort of confirmation from you that our submission of the settings went through/that we’ve been added to the list of participants? I don’t wanna find out after everyone has been paired up that my submission just didn’t happen to go through and thus I can’t actually take part
yes! so as i input people into the spreadsheet, you’ll get an IM from me confirming that you’re all set. similarly, if we’re approaching the deadline and I notice you’re missing a piece of it, i’ll also reach out to you.
What if my person is in a different time zone/what if I can’t send a message daily?
This is why it is crucial to send the mandatory, anonymous intro message on December 1st - these are all things your person needs to know. Send ‘em a message and tell them that like, “hey, I might get quiet towards the end of the month bc of finals” or “we seem to be in different time zones so my asks might seem late.” This keeps them in the loop. It’s especially important if your messages are gonna be sporadic, otherwise your person might worry they’ve been forgotten.
What if I AM forgotten/neglected?
If you have not heard from your person at all BY DECEMBER 7TH, let me know so I can find you an alternate. Worst-case scenario, you’ll get a gift from me instead. Last year, people whose Santas were dicks got custom icons and banners.
Are the pairings 100% random?
the matches are 100% random, but i do take certain factors into account.
within the form, there will be a free-response area where you can tell me stuff like that – “hey, I don’t want ego content” or, as a real example from last year “hey i’m a minor, i’m uncomfortable being paired with an adult” typically, there’s more than one of these kinds of responses. going off of last year’s example, i’ll separate “minors who don’t want adults” into their own little group that will get random pairs amongst themselves. still randomized, just separate from the larger participant pool.
tl;dr, yes they’re random, but i will interfere (as little as possible to keep it fair) when need be
I wanna participate sooo bad, but I’d feel bad for the person that gets me.. I don’t draw, gif, edit, write or… anything that I could gift them.
That’s TOTALLY okay – you don’t have to be a creator to participate. Instead of content, you could send them daily PMA, song recs, cute youtube videos, inspirational quotes/motivation, or even just make friends. honestly, the most fun part of the event is the ~super secret~ correspondence itself, not receiving something. If you’re worried, I made a list of example messages you could send.
I’ve never participated in secret Santa on here, how does it work and what do you do?
Check out the about page for some background info on the event. You can also browse the #secret santa 2019 tag here on the blog to get a sense of it.
After registration closes on 11/25, can I still sign up?
Because all participants will get their assigned partner by that date, no, sorry! might have any people that missed it be alternates if anyone gets cold feet, though.
Can I back out?
As mentioned in the form… you guys made a commitment and you have a person relying on you. I can’t force you not to back out, it’s not legally binding but… please tell me before 12/5 so they don’t go without a person.