I don’t want to sound like the Christmas Grinch, but I just don’t do Secret Santa anymore.
For years I participated enthusiastically whenever Secret Santa was announced. Work – sure! Groups of friends – why not. Family – of course!
I always put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect Secret Santa gift. I’ve always loved a challenge, and to find out what my chosen person would really enjoy sometimes took some real detective work, but I just loved seeing their reactions when they opened their gift!
One fellow was a mad keen camper and caravanner, so I bought him one of those teeny, extra absorbent camping towels. Later I overheard him say “This is the only Secret Santa present I’ve ever gotten that I actually liked!”
Why I Don’t Do Secret Santa Anymore …
But over the years I realised that hardly anybody else put in as much thought and effort as I did. The gifts I received in return were usually a complete disappointment, and I hated having to pretend that I was thrilled to bits.
But the one that really took the cake was when I received a book – and it was OBVIOUSLY re-gifted. How did I know? Because not only was it signed by the author TO THE PREVIOUS RECIPIENT, but they’d also cut paper doll shapes for craft out of some of the pages inside. What the!
I do get the odd sarcastic comment when people (usually the ones doing the organising) realise that I don’t do Secret Santa anymore. But otherwise, I’m glad I kissed Santa goodbye!
So call me Scrooge if you like, but I really can’t be bothered anymore. It’s one less thing I have to worry about at Christmas, I don’t get disappointed by getting a token piece of rubbish, and money is saved all around – not only for me, but also people don’t have to waste their money on a gift I really don’t want.
Bah Humbug!
Is there anybody that’s just over it and understands why I don’t do Secret Santa anymore?!
Yes our family does not do secret Santa anymore as it can quiet expensive, although our extended family still buys for the adults our own little family has a rule we only buy for the kids till they are 20. Once they reach 20 that’s it as it also gets dear.
Anyway we try to teach our little family is not about giving or receiving its about being with family/friends and remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
(((( Hugs )))) XXXX Kisses XXXX
Yes I hate Secret Santa too. You are so right – some people put a lot of thought into their gifts but others don’t give a toss. I have been the recipient of many a tragic Secret Santa gift, so I say make the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts sincere.
I don’t do Secret Santa anymore too. But only because I’m cutting on expenses.