Secret Santa 2020?

                             

As many of you know, this about the time that we usually get the sign-ups going for the annual blogger Secret Santa. However, as the host of this event for the last two years, I can't help but wonder if we should take a rain check (snow check?) this year, what with all of the turmoil that has already occurred, and will most likely continue to occur.

I know that this is very popular event (I've already received three emails asking about it), and thought of canceling it, especially now five years in, might not sit well with some, so I thought I'd try to get some feedback from past participants, or anyone else who would've been looking to participate this year?

From my perspective, I have a couple of concerns about running it this year, some of which are: 

1). I know that a few of our past participants have had some financial woes this year, and I don't want them to feel like they have to join, and possibly spend money that could've been used better elsewhere. Conversely, I don't want anyone to feel bad for having to sit out because they couldn't afford to participate this year. Our $10 spending limit might not seem like a lot to some, but this year in particular it could be quite a bit for others.

2). I know for a fact that many of our past participants have been much busier than normal with work this year, and just might not have the time, or energy, to play along this year.

3). A number of people probably live in areas that still have various restrictions in place, meaning that they could potentially be very limited in where they can look for, and purchase, their giftee's present. I know that a lot of shows still aren't up and running, and there's even some shops that are still closed. Pretty much everyone knows of the problems over at COMC, so they won't be an option this year. Which for some, sort of just leaves eBay and Sportlots. eBay's had it's share of problems this year too, so depending on the seller, this might not be the best option either. It also doesn't help that a large contingent of people have taken up 'collecting' again, which has driven up prices, and caused demand that has been greater than the supply.

4). We all know that the USPS has had issues this year, and with more people likely shopping online this season, these problems may intensify as we get closer to Christmas. To my knowledge, there's never been a lost package during the Secret Santa. I know for a fact that it has happened in the last two years, and I don't recall hearing about it happening during the previous two years under Matt's watch. This is probably my biggest concern for this year, as a lost/stolen package or two could really derail what has traditionally been a relatively problem-free event, and I really dislike the thought of taking a chance on such a thing.

So, like I said, I'd very much like to hear the thoughts/opinions of the rest of you. Are my concerns valid, or am I just being overly cautious? And of course too, if anyone thinks that I am wrong for not wanting to run it this year, they are more than welcome to take over the hosting duties, and if wanted, I will be happy to assist in any way possible. I've seen that a few Secret Santa's are going to happen on Twitter, so it is entirely possible that any and all of my concerns are unfounded, or unjust, but I can't know this unless someone says otherwise.

Thanks for taking a moment to look at my page.