Comments on: Christmas is Coming So Time for Wealthy Secret Santa

By: DC

DC — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:11:30 +0000

We played the “White Elephant” Exchange game once and no one came away happy. Similar in style, but with more class, our group prefers the “Chinese Auction”. No (new) may cost more than $15.00. Everything has to be wrapped, preferably in newspaper, but still made to look like a Christmas gift. No calenders, lottery tickets, hand towels, or commercial advertising articles are allowed as gifts. What has gotten screams of laughter and hotly contested until the line was drawn, were things such as erotic chocolates, funny underwear, a stuffed toy gorilla – with banana, a (hand-indent) beer glass. There is a limit to how many times a gift can change hands if the group is large (3 times). Ours was 50 members so we had to limit. But such things can be a ton of fun if no one ruins it by cutting corners or bringing junk.

By: Blondie

Blondie — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:05:08 +0000

I totally agree. If you’re over 18, you can shop for yourself anytime of the year. We started buying for kids only, about 15 yrs ago. Guess what? Now we all get to buy for one child who is 3yo. HOORAY..

By: Dividends4Life

Dividends4Life — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:14:09 +0000

That sounds like what happens in a lot of offices. I prefer the white elephant gifts, that way everyone comes and leaves with “junk”.

Best Wishes,
D4L

By: MoneyNing

MoneyNing — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:12:10 +0000

Double Journey: Oh I missed the point about the limited stealing of each gift

I’m sure the game is frustrating and fun at the same time

By: Double Journey

Double Journey — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:34:08 +0000

In theory they could get the best gift, but they may not. Remember the rule that a gift may only be stolen so many times. So if the gift you really want was “stolen” too many times, you may end up with a not so good gift.

My experience has shown that someone in the middle ends up with the best gift. They get to see most of what is out there, but gifts haven’t been stolen so many times that you don’t have your pick.

By: MoneyNing

MoneyNing — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:33:38 +0000

Double Journey: So the last person on the list is actually the best then since he/she gets to steal anyone’s gift?

Danny: Yeah me too. Maybe it’s cuz I was still a kid and Christmas is nothing but fun though. I hate being an adult

By: Danny @ MarketTreasure.com

Danny @ MarketTreasure.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:00:52 +0000

Just like all the above people have said, that is what spoils all the fun out of this holiday.

People are too pre-occupied with how much money to spend, and who spends the most money that the whole holiday has just become one huge business month.

It’s not just with Christmas it’s with all holidays throughout the year.

I used to enjoy Christmas much more hehe

By: Double Journey

Double Journey — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:14:01 +0000

I explanation might be long-winded but it really is rather simple. Best way to understand it is to actually see it in action. I played with about 30 or 40 people, and it happens faster than you think. The rules break down to

1. A turn order is determined.
2. If it’s your turn, pick anything you want.
2. If someone chooses your gift it is your turn. Go to step #2.
3. Next person goes.

Maximum # of times any 1 gift can be “taken” = X (this being variable depending on time constraints)

By: MoneyNing

MoneyNing — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:44:31 +0000

Double Journey: Hmm it sounds interesting. It might be too hard for the office since we have like 50 people though since we would be playing forever

Maybelle: Can you actually end up getting your own gift if no one wants it?

Modern Worker: You forgot the socks. You gotta have the socks….

By: Modern Worker

Modern Worker — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:38:10 +0000

I’ve never done the white elephant deal, I guess it’s not too popular in this area(?) In any case, it seems to complicated to be fun. Perhaps I’m just more focused on hot chocolate and white lights