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

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

By: Maybelle

Maybelle — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:56:04 +0000

to add to double journey’s definition: The white elephant gift exchange (also called Yankee Swap, Scottish Gift Exchange, Thieving Secret Santa, Dirty Santa, Nasty Christmas[1], Chinese Gift Exchange, or Thieving Elves) is a popular party game usually played during the Christmas season in the United States. The premise of the game is that each guest contributes one gift to the game, and ultimately each guest walks away with one different gift from the game. The type of gift is sometimes decided ahead of time (e.g., “something less than $10,” “a used item from home,” “a gag gift,” etc.).

I usually play it as a used item from the home or a gag gift. It’s really fun that way.

By: Double Journey

Double Journey — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:37:09 +0000

A white elephant gift exchange is one where everybody buys gifts and puts it in the “pot”. Than one by one, people choose gifts and open them. The twist is that on your turn, you are allowed to either take from the “pot” or take someone else’s gift.

If your gift is stolen, it is your turn to choose. You can choose to steal (except the gift that was just stolen from you) or choose from the pot.

It turns into a lot of fun because people get upset about who is stealing from them.

I realize the imbalance makes it no fun anymore MoneyNing, but that’s why I say you shouldn’t worry about it. Buy what you want, and if you get a great gift, so be it. You didn’t ask for it and if someone wants to do something extra nice, great for you. I wouldn’t feel guilty about buying someone something less. There should be no expectation that you give outside the rules, no should there be guilt on your part for doing so.