I'm Not A Fan Of "Secret Santa." How About You?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
December 2, 2011 3:31pm CST
Most people know what the "Secret Santa" is but for those who don't I shall explain it.
It's usually a phenomenon that happens at work whereby names are placed in a hat, then whoever you pull out of that hat, you have to buy a present for, usually for the least amount of cash possible. Everyone pays the same for whatever present they buy.
The reason I don't like this system is the way you're practically forced into doing it. One year I tried wriggling out of it but I got that much grief that I gave in..reluctantly.
Anyway, I tried my best to buy something decent for one of the guys in the office. It was a toy that - when you pressed its belly it said something really funny..and when he opened it (not knowing it was from me of course) he laughed.
Result!
Now, I don't like opening presents in front of other people, not at work anyway. I tried wriggling out of this as well but..nope..they weren't having it, so I opened the present..and it was a pen that was more like a wand with a furry bit on the top. Something you'd give a 5 year old. My boss bought presents for everybody and for me she purchased (probably from Poundland) a bag of bobbles for my hair. Basically, bits of elastic. I couldn't believe my eyes and, judging by the looks on my colleagues' faces, they couldn't either.
So, I had to sit there and go, "Wooo, that's great!" when, in fact I just wanted to run away and hide. I did actually want to say to my boss, "Norma, I know you don't like me but don't you think you're making it obvious by buying me a load of bobbles that cost £1 tops?" The way I complained (after I'd got to my desk) was to chuck them in my bin in disgust. She humiliated me in front of everyone so I made sure she could see these same bobbles in my bin when she walked past. I know "it's the thought that counts" but, seriously, she HADN'T thought about me at all. This is why I hate "Secret Santa" so much.
This year Mum has been "advised" to buy costume jewellery for a teacher she doesn't even know..for £5. I've told her there's absolutely no way she'll be able to buy some of that for £5, unless it's made out of plastic and even then she'll be struggling.
Damn cheek. "Costume jewellery" my eye. How much money do teachers think lowly dinner-ladies get for crying out loud? Not as much as them, that's for sure.
Now, I don't like opening presents in front of other people, not at work anyway. I tried wriggling out of this as well but..nope..they weren't having it, so I opened the present..and it was a pen that was more like a wand with a furry bit on the top. Something you'd give a 5 year old. My boss bought presents for everybody and for me she purchased (probably from Poundland) a bag of bobbles for my hair. Basically, bits of elastic. I couldn't believe my eyes and, judging by the looks on my colleagues' faces, they couldn't either.
So, I had to sit there and go, "Wooo, that's great!" when, in fact I just wanted to run away and hide. I did actually want to say to my boss, "Norma, I know you don't like me but don't you think you're making it obvious by buying me a load of bobbles that cost £1 tops?" The way I complained (after I'd got to my desk) was to chuck them in my bin in disgust. She humiliated me in front of everyone so I made sure she could see these same bobbles in my bin when she walked past. I know "it's the thought that counts" but, seriously, she HADN'T thought about me at all. This is why I hate "Secret Santa" so much.
This year Mum has been "advised" to buy costume jewellery for a teacher she doesn't even know..for £5. I've told her there's absolutely no way she'll be able to buy some of that for £5, unless it's made out of plastic and even then she'll be struggling.
Damn cheek. "Costume jewellery" my eye. How much money do teachers think lowly dinner-ladies get for crying out loud? Not as much as them, that's for sure.6 people like this
28 responses
@marguicha (215389)
• Chile
2 Dec 11
When I worked, there was this Secret Santa thing, but there was a minimum and a maximum of money to spend on the present. THat would take into account that not everyone had the same money to spend so it was just a little something. Some people have bad taste and there´s nothing you can do about it. You can throw it away as soon as you reach home
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
In my case I chucked it when I was still at work lol.
@marguicha (215389)
• Chile
3 Dec 11
Wow! That was bold! Maybe the person who gave it to you thought it was beautiful
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
We had a MAXIMUM spend of £7 each I think it was, which is plenty to find something like smellies for the shower, that type of thing. The reason I was annoyed with Norma was she had an UNLIMITED spend on all her charges and it was obvious she used the opportunity to single out those she liked and those she didn't. All a bit pathetic really but that's how she was AND she got sacked eventually for bullying (denied by management but we knew the truth) so I guess that's the way she was repaid for being so nasty, not just to me but to others as well. The Secret Santa was one incident in too many to mention here.
Bullying NEVER pays in my opinion and Norma's sacking was proof of this as she was in charge and thought she was immune.
@margerydaw14 (735)
•
2 Dec 11
regarding your mum and the 'advice' given as to what she should be giving a teacher for christmas, perhaps your mum should reciprocate and hint heavily at a nice leather handbag as a gift or hohohoho , a decent christmas bonus for a hard working dinner lady!
My friends at work pull their hair out at christmas with the 'hints' coming from the school where their children attend, as to what they should be buying the teacher for christmas or contributing a large prize or donation towards the in-numerable christmas fairs or fetes held at this time of year. I have always been quite happy buying a Secret Santa for the last few years I have been in my department. There was about 30 of us, all ages, both sexes but as we all knew each other very well, it was reasonably easy thinking of a present for someone. I used to like to choose a jokey present; one year I bought one of those pull up santas with the stretchy legs and the person who got it thought it was great. The only thing that is irritating is the group of people who try and fathom out who has got which person( I NEVER tell, let them make wild guesses hahah)But this year is different. We were integrated with a bigger department, I know everyone by sight, but not enough to buy them a random prezzie so 5 of us that were moved in, have opted out. This will probably be my last christmas at work any way as our little department is going (call centre will be doing our job) so I hope to retire sometime next year. By the way,little hint for your mum, go in to Asda in the clothes and accessories department, they do some very snazzy costume jewellery for cheapo prices or Matalan, the same. Hope you and your family have a brilliant christmas. 
My friends at work pull their hair out at christmas with the 'hints' coming from the school where their children attend, as to what they should be buying the teacher for christmas or contributing a large prize or donation towards the in-numerable christmas fairs or fetes held at this time of year. I have always been quite happy buying a Secret Santa for the last few years I have been in my department. There was about 30 of us, all ages, both sexes but as we all knew each other very well, it was reasonably easy thinking of a present for someone. I used to like to choose a jokey present; one year I bought one of those pull up santas with the stretchy legs and the person who got it thought it was great. The only thing that is irritating is the group of people who try and fathom out who has got which person( I NEVER tell, let them make wild guesses hahah)But this year is different. We were integrated with a bigger department, I know everyone by sight, but not enough to buy them a random prezzie so 5 of us that were moved in, have opted out. This will probably be my last christmas at work any way as our little department is going (call centre will be doing our job) so I hope to retire sometime next year. By the way,little hint for your mum, go in to Asda in the clothes and accessories department, they do some very snazzy costume jewellery for cheapo prices or Matalan, the same. Hope you and your family have a brilliant christmas. @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
That's a great idea about ASDA or Matalan. Unfortunately, Mum isn't very good at getting to these places on her own (she relies on public transport albeit free) but she'll have finished work for Christmas by the time I'm back there..
No doubt she will come up with something..she always does.
One year someone bought her a hat and scarf set that was so obviously for a child. She couldn't even get the hat on!
You have a brilliant Christmas too my friend.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
2 Dec 11
I hate that secret Santa.. every year at Thanksgiving we draw names and all we do is pass $25 gift cards around. I just said I wasn't doing it this time. I'm so tired of it.. it all just equals out to nothing when everyone gives everyone the same thing.
This year I am giving everyone a present from my online store.. no one drew names this year since I didn't want to. It's a waste of time.
You know what? I would just tell them flat NO next year and mean it. Who cares if they give you a bad time about it.. just say NO and be done with it. Stand up for yourself.. and tell them that you aren't interested.. if you need hair bands you can buy them yourself.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
I've not worked for 3 years but I take your point. The thing with the Secret Santa happened about 8 years ago, something like that. However, Mum's Secret Santa is this year.
You're right, she should just say "no" and that's that.
@ladysilver (370)
•
2 Dec 11
I dislike opening gifts in public because people start comparing them and then you see that some gifts are cheaper than the others or worse than you expect.Personally, I prefer gift cards.I always take a gift card with happy expression and the giver is never embarrassed.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
I agree, Gift Cards are brilliant.
Welcome to MyLot.
Welcome to MyLot.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
2 Dec 11
I think for the work place secret santa is good but you have to go to the party or what ever knowing you are going to get rubbish and it is just for the spirit of Christmas, is is a lot better than everyone buying each other real presents which can get expensive and gets a bit out of hand with work mates.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Dec 11
I know what you mean. I suppose a cheap present you don't like is better than a dear present you don't like..it's just the way it can be forced upon the workforce can be a bit much. Everyone should get a bonus and spend it on whomever they wish. You know, leave it up to THEM what they do with their extra cash?
Where my husband works there aren't many women employees and one lady is relatively new. Practically every day she's been banging on about "Secret Santa" but none of the guys is into it at all, so she's wasting her time!
Let's face it, men don't like buying presents for their nearest and dearest, never mind workmates.
Haha!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
10 Dec 11
Bugger that! I'd give the ruddy teacher a tin of sardines or cat food or something else that is definitely not costume jewellery or even christmassy. What a cheek!
I don't like Secret Santa much either. I always manage to buy something cute or useful, something I would like and be happy to receive and I receive something lame.
If I have to participate, I prefer the secret part, where one person brings one gift and they all go under the tree. Then someone hands them out...no one buys a gift for any one person specifically.
I don't like Secret Santa much either. I always manage to buy something cute or useful, something I would like and be happy to receive and I receive something lame.
If I have to participate, I prefer the secret part, where one person brings one gift and they all go under the tree. Then someone hands them out...no one buys a gift for any one person specifically.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
10 Dec 11
Mum was in Town a few days ago, went in Wallis and (amazingly) there was a £15 costume jewellery necklace reduced to..yes, you guessed it £5! If the teacher doesn't like it, well that's tough. As Mum says, jewellery is such a personal thing isn't it?
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
28 Dec 11
i've never liked the idea of buying anything for anybody at work.half the people i don't really know,and most of the time i don't like coughing up money when i need every cent.
the worst of them all have to be baby showers.
sorry lady,i don't know you personally,i didn't tell you to have kids,why should i reward you?
i sound like a terrible grinch,but being pandered at work sucks.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
1 Jan 12
I couldn't agree more and if all this stopped there would be more money around to buy presents for people we REALLY care about.
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
24 Jan 12
I actually like the Secret Santa thing. I find it easier to draw a name and buy a gift for someone based on their personality. I don’t usually buy gifts for a lot of people at Christmas, so drawing names of a few specific people to buy for makes my holiday shopping a lot easier. Once I know who I need to buy for, I can usually come up with a gift idea for them pretty quickly…
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
4 Dec 11
I guess I would base the Secret Santa experiences individually. I have had a couple of bad experiences with them before and I have had a couple of wonderful experiences. It is hard to buy something for someone you don't know very well. Your boss was very rude and certainly did not have the correct spirit. Even if she didn't like you the holidays are for joy and forgivness and appreciating other people not a time to be a jerk. We did a White Elephant exchange one year with the people we used to play cards with all the time is was an absalute riot. Some of the things people brought were so funny we were literally crying from laughter.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
11 Dec 11
I believe the white elephant exchange was like regifting?
One time in elementary school our class did the secret santa thing except it wasn't secret. I had what I thought was the good fortune to picked by a certain boy that I kind of liked. I was embarrassed when the gift he gave was shampoo and soap. It made me feel like he thought I was dirty.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
5 Dec 11
You will have to explain the White Elephant exchange as that's a new one on me.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
1 Jan 12
I remember one year (at the same workplace) I received a lovely gift off a lady that was only working there as a temp. I thought it was so sweet of her. It's always the ones I know really well that buy me crap lol.
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
7 Dec 11
Well, I was never a fan of that anyway. I always told my co-workers, leave me out of it. I always did get the boss something, but that was it. I said I will get all I need at home. I thanked them and said no thanks. I hate being put into situations that I have to do something I really do not want to do. And even when it came to my birthday, I never told anyone I worked for my birthday. I never wanted anyone getting me anything or saying anything. I like it that way.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
7 Dec 11
Yes, keeping schtum about your birthday is always a good idea at work. I tended to have the day off!
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
10 Dec 11
Well, I never got my birthday off, but that was fine with me, since everyone did not know my birthday. Even at home, especially these days, I really do not want anything or any kind of party. Things are just not the same without my kids. But this year, I have to say, both my son and daughter wanted to be with me on my birthday. I left all the details up to my son and he decided to go out to eat. Now, he is only 10, but he acts like a little man. We had a good time. If it weren't for them being there, I would not have had anything.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
3 Dec 11
Hi Janey! 
We also have this in the office. What we do is we write out our favorite cartoon character and that character will represent us. Then whoever we get will be our "baby" Of course, nobody knows who the person behind the character is. But to make life easier for everyone, we included a wishlist underneath our characters so it would be easier to buy a present plus we would not have to guess if we picked a guy or a girl.
I am so excited by this
We also have this in the office. What we do is we write out our favorite cartoon character and that character will represent us. Then whoever we get will be our "baby" Of course, nobody knows who the person behind the character is. But to make life easier for everyone, we included a wishlist underneath our characters so it would be easier to buy a present plus we would not have to guess if we picked a guy or a girl.
I am so excited by this @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Dec 11
At least your version has come thought gone into it. I'm not surprised you're excited, I would be too!
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
4 Dec 11
Hello Janey! Actually what I was telling you yesterday is not finished. I was about to type more but I got distracted by something. At least there was a smiley to end my sentence
Now, I already forgot what I was supposed to tell you more... Anyway, I already got my pick. I picked "Winnie D Pooh", I think she is a girl because her handwriting looks girlish. And you know who I wrote for myself? I am "Betty" of Archie (comics) 
Now, I already forgot what I was supposed to tell you more... Anyway, I already got my pick. I picked "Winnie D Pooh", I think she is a girl because her handwriting looks girlish. And you know who I wrote for myself? I am "Betty" of Archie (comics) 
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
4 Dec 11
I don't either, but one year I pulled the big boss and she had a book on her list, that was easy - such a hardship for me to go the bookstore... And actually, I was going to one to wrap presents for our church anyway - so I also got it wrapped!
But they weren't exactly Secret Santa because we knew who got them after the fact.
The year I gave spa baskets (mugs or cups anyway) I got a gal at work, and she LOVED her spa gift. I gave little soap dishes and some soap I made to my co-workers, we always gave little gifts inside our little unit as well as being part of the larger one.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
1 Jan 12
I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve either although it's a bit better having someone by my side rather than some idiot (stranger) saying "All the best" and planting a slobbery kiss on me at midnight.
Glad I don't have to go through all that anymore! Just hubby and that's it!
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
5 Dec 11
I think that it is a rather silly concept. For one, I hate buying gifts without knowing who I am buying gifts for. Obviously, a bad gift is going to lead to a rather uncomfortable atmosphere. One person might enjoy a gift for the thought but there are just a lot of selfish people out in the world. That fact cannot be denied all that much.
And naturally, I think that a lot of people buy the cheapest, most tacky thing for these things. Granted, I think that it is out of protest more often than not for having to participate in such things. Still, it is hard to enjoy such a gift, even though the thought does count. Still I'll save my false enthusiasm for my family thank you very much. Seriously though, Secret Santa might be amusing to some but not so much to me.
@CTHanum (8234)
• Malaysia
3 Dec 11
'we are practically forced into doing it.'
Oh, that is really true. I don't celebrate Christmas but here there are also similar thing like 'secret santa' but it usually works at the end of the year or when we celebrate anniversary of company/class etc. The method is just like what you mentioned above. Sometimes they put fixed price for the presents but recently at my niece school, slightly different way which she draw name and the person will tell her what she should buy for her. And it surprised me and my sister when she was told to buy for her friend such and such things which cost more than $10 and it really make me say', what the...??' and my sister bought it for my niece to give it to her friend. This secret santa is just a ridiculous and nonsense thing.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Dec 11
It's all so stressful isn't it. Can do without it to be honest. Fortunately (if you can call it that) I don't work at the moment and I'm glad because Christmas was always my least favourite time of the year.
@glowin100 (124)
•
3 Dec 11
I am not a fan of Secret Santa, either. When I became a Christian, I found out that adults have been telling kids these lies for centuries instead of telling them just what Christmas is all about.
It is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes, they want to take Christ our of Christmas. That does not make sense.
Thanks so much.
glowin100
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Dec 11
I know what you mean about Santa taking Christ out of Christmas, as you put it.
