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Am I Being a Grinch?

December 4th, 2006 at 04:54 pm

I chose not to participate in my company's Christmas "Pollyanna" Gift Exchange. Is it because I dislike my coworkers? Not really; I think everyone is easy to work with, though for the most part, we each stay in our offices and do our own jobs. It's just that I think sometimes gift exchanges aren't as "pollyanna-esque" as we'd imagine. I saw and heard more than a few coworkers complaining about the name of the person they drew for the gift exchange. Even going so far as to ask to exchange names. Why? Simply because of the "popularity" factor, I think. People would complain especially if they didn't know who the person was. Made me feel sad inside...then again, I might just be too sensitive towards these things.

I always try to think the best of people, which is my achilles heel because I tend to get my feelings hurt easily. Oh well, I just felt like ranting a bit here.

Posted in Random Thoughts, Rant Time | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “Am I Being a Grinch?”

  1. Carolina Bound Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 05:00 pm

    They may have been complaining because they didn't know what to buy, not because they didn't like the person. But I know what you mean, gift exchanges at work are usually a bit forced and a little sad.

  2. cecilia Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 05:15 pm

    Couldn't agree with you more, I do not participate in gift exchanges at work any more! Last year our department went in together and got the boss a beautiful watch, (of course on sale & 150.00 later) While she was opening the gift, she asked "is it diamond earings?..." you can only imagine her face when it was just a watch. Later that day she asked her assitant to, exchange our gift for diamond earings. Stating: she'd pay the difference, now for the last year she asks other department head's" how do you like my Christmas gift? flashing those diamonds... Now, what I say under my breathe is "that wasn't my gift to you" Good luck at work and know you aren't alone.

  3. jriessel Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 05:16 pm

    I haven't participated in the gift exchanges the past few years either. We do a 'secret santa' exchange. I get along with everyone, the problem is most people do not follow the 'rules' set up at the beginning of the exchange. If the limit is $10 - someone will spend $20 and my $9.95 gift looks cheap. Then there are the people that spend more than they should and are dissapointed because they got a lesser gift. Too much drama for me.

  4. Thrifty Ray Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 06:16 pm

    I dont think you're being a grinch at all. While I always participated and enjoyed the exchange at my job...even with all the grumblings...(my goal was just to keep my person surprised)... I can honestly understand a strong opposition to participating...as there are always those recipients who are going to complain no matter what. You just keep your holiday spirit inspite!

  5. sarah Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 08:36 pm

    Office Politics are wonderful aren't they? (shudders)

  6. T_I_N_A20 Says:
    December 4th, 2006 at 09:00 pm

    I paid a part of the boss gift with my coworkers and I think I'm one of the people who paid only 3$...The girl who organized it thought I was cheap. Baah. I don't know him enought so it's okay xD. Maybe next year I'll pay 5$ like everyone else if I know him enought.

  7. jodi Says:
    December 5th, 2006 at 09:00 am

    We do a different type of exchange with my real estate office. At the holiday party, everyone brings a gift worth $15. Then, we all draw names. #1 gets to pick a gift - then #2 can either pick a new gift or steal. #3 can take either gift or open a new one. No gift can be stolen more than three times. We do the same type of exchange with DH's family - tons of fun!
    I'm glad that we don't do an exchange at my main job...too much drama.

  8. moneymonk Says:
    December 6th, 2006 at 11:32 am

    I hate gift exchange because it seems like it forces you to buy a gift, and when the gift is inexpensive people always give a sad look.

    It seem to create pressure

  9. Alexandrasmommy Says:
    December 21st, 2006 at 05:26 pm

    My husband did a gift exchange at work. He got someone a $20 gift card to a craft store and someone got him a $20 gift card to get coffee. Tell, me how much sense that makes. Why didn't everyone just keep their 20 bucks. Basically he just got $20 for coffee out of our Christmas budget. No thought or sincerity goes into a gift like that, especially when the people give you exactly 2 things to choose from. I'm really not a scrooge either, I just think giving should involve a little more of the heart. Oh well, just food for thought.

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