For new topics, you can click on "New Posts" in the Forum or "What's New?" tab in the navigation bar at the top of the page:
This will list newly created or newly replied-to threads. I don't believe we can link to just newly created threads, but a thread's creation date is listed right under its title.
The Secret Santa is listed as a separate sub-forum of the Disney Pin Discussion forum. A forum's sub-forums are listed on the forum homepage:
You can also click on a forum and any of its sub-forums will appear at the top of its thread list.
As mentioned, you can subscribe to threads using the "Thread Tools" menu near the top of any thread:
Remember, you can search for threads or posts with specific information by using the search function:
And to find posts or threads by you or another member specifically, you can use these links in found in profiles:
A featured topics section is a good idea and something we'll consider. You can also use the Icon Legend at the bottom of each forum as a guide to see which topics are "Hot" or popular:
Let us know if you have any more comments or suggestions!