You're on my list, Mr. Chip Parker!

[Secret Santa]

Chip (@Cparker), I've been running in circles getting the last honey-dos in for Mrs. Claus before she'd let me focus on Christmas and you're the first name that came up! Now, I must tell you that I don't know who all these other mystery "Santas" are on this thread but I can sure tell you that you've got the original Santa Claus here. Ever since Edward Hoffman started leaving cigars and whiskey out on Christmas Eve in 1857, I've been a true fan and can appreciate your cigar fandom. Who's Edward Hoffman? Well, in 1857, Edward started E. Hoffman & Co. in Chicago in the Sherman House hotel. Today you'll know his company as Iwan Ries & Co. and it's still in Chicago 153 years later.

A lot has happened in the past year, but how are your pups doing? Mrs. Claus has decided that she needs mini highland cows this year. I get having hairballs clomping around the house. Are you still enjoying that brick and mortar over by you? I don't remember the name off the top of my head, but I know the one you're talking about. I've passed overhead, but never had the time to stop and properly enjoy a stick. And do believe I missed your 20th anniversary here on CP. Wow, congratulations are in order!

But enough about me, catch me up on your adventures since last year! I want to hear everything that you're into and doing (or wanting to do) these days. If I remember right, you're not a fan of Drew Estate, but prefer the company of Illusione, Tatuaje, and Crowned Head. You'll have to tell me if that's changed. Would hate to fill your stocking with the wrong sticks.

Mrs. Claus and I hope this letter finds you well and I look forward to hearing from you!

 

[Secret Santa]

@Cparker , you out there?

 

[CBoukal]

Chip likes long black items.. like coal...
Long walks on the beach and gurkas

 

[Cparker]

I do like long walks on the beach...sans Gurkas.

Santa, thank you for thinking of me. It is appreciated.

Not to be a downer but since you ask, I lost my soul dog in April after an extended illness. Her name was Ford (taken from Letter Kenny and the hockey slang "Fer da boys). She was a horrible puppy. Like living with a furry dinosaur on the biting but she grew into a true friend. I do miss her. But, I still have Osa who is also a Great Pyrenees. The two in my profile pic are from some years ago Sadly they have passed. They were Dixie (Corgi) and Chaser (American Collie)

On the cigars, still enjoy Tats and Illusione. Crowned Heads has really hit my pallet well lately but still do not smoke Drew Estate so don't waster those premium cigars on my. However I am open to trying anything you suggest. I prefer smaller ring gauges and generally don't smoke anything over a 50 or 52.

I have a trip to Nicaragua in January that I am looking forward to. This year I did make it to Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival again (I used to live in Denver) so that was fun. But overall this year was not that adventurous with Furda being sick the first part of the year. Did not lose that 25lbs I should have. I did make it to a few concerts, had a few nice dinners but most importantly spent time smoking with friends exaggerating accomplishments and doing my best to lie with the best of them.

Please know whatever you send will be appreciated. And it my hope that Mrs. Clause, you and those you hold deal all have a healthy and merry Christmas and a happy, wealthy 2026.