try as he might
my colleague was not able to convince anyone
to steal from him
or trade with him
for this monstrosity of a white elephant gift
that he randomly chose
at our faculty holiday party
it was as huge as a shield, very heavy, and not the most beautiful
(even said on the back that it was microwaveable,
but would not come anywhere near fitting
into any microwave i’ve ever seen,
and was edged in metal)
but we did laugh about it the entire time
and that is certainly worth something.
‘the manner of giving is worth more than the gift.’
Joy brought about is more important than things!!👍
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sure is ))
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👍👍👍
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Here is what I hope happens, because it will long continue the laughs…..everyone in that room will have an event or happening at some point in the future where they think…..daggone it, I wish I had that white elephant gift right NOW it would be perfect! (disclaimer, I cannot think of what that may be, but I hope it happens and the future is dotted with continued laughs).
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yes, we talked about next year, and he said the storage of this giant may be an issue, which just to added to the laughter ))
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oh yep! I see myself with the belongings of a lifetime, in about 2 months moving abroad (respectively returning to our home country), with all this stuff accumulated from 3 houses, moved several times, 3 international….. PLENTY of white elephants (far more beautiful ones though, sadly, still elephants!) and now planning the removal to a humble, small(ish) rental flat….. I can only hope that laughter in my throat is not getting totally stuck over this challenging period.
(Great story – and I thought too – WHAT – microwavable? Are there any microwaves as big as this?)
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best of luck with all of this, Kiki. I went through this during the last year though not quite as dramatic of a change. I know, the microwave thing was so funny
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He could use as a platter for cookies or donuts or something for the next school event, and then accidentally leave it. . .or even better bring it to someone’s house for a party. Oh no, that’s OK. I don’t need it back. 🙂
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Great idea – and I love that the hostess made a point of announcing, more that once, that no one is to leave their gift at her house )
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🙂
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There has to be one white elephant in the holidays!! Funny!
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That’s right!
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Oh my…that IS something, isn’t it. Sometimes the ones that keep you laughing are the best picks in the end.
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That is so true )
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He can fit plenty of cheese and crackers on that baby, Beth!
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And more!
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Hilarious!
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I thought so too
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It looks like it would make a great sombrero…
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Yes! A very heavy sombrero
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😂😂😂 great post!!!
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Thanks, pam
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We are part of a white elephant party every year. The really “good” ones cycle through year after year. Fun stuff.
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Yes, that’s the sign of a successful gift
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Crazy gifts are an essential part of Christmas 🙂
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They certainly are !
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The platter you’d serve a white elephant on…
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That’s it exactly! Brilliant, john
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looks like an excuse for faculty to drink adult beverages 🙂
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Collateral holiday effect
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🙂
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Next time he’ll pick a tiny present.
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Ah, you’ve revealed my strategy)
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At my office, we had a cement (life size) donkey head that was solemnly entered as a Secret Santa present every year. No packaging could disguise it, and no “winner“ ever kept it. As head of HR, I realised that it was the single biggest retention tool we had—no donkey head owner ever wanted to leave the company until after the next years Secret Santa.
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that is the best!!!
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Lol, worst White Elephant gift I’ve seen was a couple of cans of canned oysters… They were wrapped so nicely that someone fell for it, he tried to convince people that they should steal from him… no one fell for it, just like in yours 🙂
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hahahaha
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Well,, i twas certainly one of the BIGGEST gifts!
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that is certainly true, John –
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I’m reminded of the “white elephant” episode of “The Office” when Jim makes a very special gift for Pam…who then promptly trades it away!
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omg yes!
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He should totally use that as a shield!
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I thought so, too!
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It looked like a sombrero at first glance. We got a juicer last week at our White Elephant party. Maybe he and I can trade, and I’ll fill it up with brownies?
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Perfect
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Is it a plate? It needs to be filled with cookies. 🙂
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A giant platter, very heavy and with a slight dip in the center, not really deep enough to add a dip )
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Whoever brought that was keeping REAL quiet. 🙂
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Dead silent
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🙂
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I love out teacher holiday party with a hilarious Yankee Swap, too. Laughter is the best!
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it’s always great fun )
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It really is, especially because most all of the times we’re all together are stressful staff meetings (as in no laughing.)
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So true
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🙂
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