So. I had no intention of participating in this event. I just had too much going on in real life. Since I never clicked on the start button, the event auto started for me. I still wasn't interested.
But I came to the forum to check out the Baron's tent prizes and on the way I stopped by this thread and glanced over what I needed to do for and saw all the complaints about glitches, but also saw the cute faux reindeer and poinsettia plants. So with half a heart in it I started about a day or two after it auto started. And I was surprised. This was, by far the easiest event I have ever participated in. Because of how late I started I avoided every glitch, except the usual problems with sending and receiving requests. My sleigh is upgraded to level 10 with several hours to spare and Tiny reindeer on board. No gems spent. I have one last side goal completing- making the reindeer, crown and tiny doll and then I'm finished finished I guess. I am pretty much maxed out on all the sleigh building supplies, which was surprising!
I suppose it pays to start late!
Thank you Thank you to all the players who forge ahead and post information, tips and warnings for us. Thanks also to the hard working moderators who tirelessly go between us and the developers to have problems and issues addressed as quickly as possible. I appreciate you all.