I have found it helps to make sure the splash window is completely on screen and not partially off the screen. If your loading window (the one with the title in German) text isn't pulsing, it's hung. I "click around" until I get the "not responding", do the "close program" bit and let windows check. Then click play again. It usually loads on the next try.
i just load. got make hot cocoa or tea... etc.. come back.. all's fine.. it does take quite a while - even on a brand new laptop..
For the collectables - only 10 presents for spending a few days collecting them vs. explorers coming back with quite a few. I suggest that collectables to generate presents should be at least 100 presents, given the number of days it takes to get enough to produce them.