my office is a networky office, and this year for the holiday party they are doing the following: secret santa, adopt a family, holiday lunch, potluck dessert, and white elephant. I have been here awhile but don't make as much as those senior in my office so all of that is expensive and I don't want to spend my money on them. Is it appropriate for me to participate in the lunch, potluck dessert and white elephant and stay out of the secret santa? Is this incorrect in the office? Any ideas? Thanks.
2007-11-29 00:13:23 · 6 answers · asked by carrie w 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Opt out of it. Your office doesn't expect that you will participate in everything. They are just planning all of this stuff to have the holiday spirit around. Only those that want to participate should. Nobody can tell you where you spend your money it's up to you to decide. Christmas does get expensive when you add a $10 gift here and there. Actually I'm kinda surprized that they would do the white elephant and the secret santa. Sounds a little overboard in my opinion but don't say that. These people have gone out of their way to organize these events for people to enjoy they get offended when others start to complain but haven't helped in the planning.
You are the one in control of your money. Others may try to spend it on you but really you have final say. I am sure other people will be opting out and are thinking the same thing you are. And if there isn't anyone....trust me there is someone thinking it.
I noticed that one person said that you make suggestion how they run things. Don't do that! Unless you signed up for the Chirstmas committee for your office do not complain or make comments about what they have organized. They have went out of their way and spent their lunchs. If you wanted to put in your opinon on how they are doing things you should have signed up for the committee or join it next year.
Wow....I also disagree with the person telling you to do it and stating stingy. I find that these exchanges are full of items nobody really wants anyways and these things sit unused. Not a very green Christmas and over consuming. Everyone has a budget and if they don't they should. It's wise money management not being stingy. There are better places your $10/$20 whatever it is could be spent. Again don't let people spend your money you decide where it goes.
2007-11-29 00:28:46 · answer #1 · answered by Violet 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since you say that your office is networky then I would say it may depend on your future plans with the office. Do you want to advance or are you just buying your time until a better opportunity for you comes along? If you want to stay there and you want to advance then it may be wise to participate as much as you feel comfortable doing so. If you don't plan on staying there for long then I would say do what you are comfortable this and don't feel obligated. The adopt a family sounds very expensive. What happened to just adopting a child? It seems the secret santa might be better than the white elephant (or yankee swap) because who knows what you could end up getting? But if you don't participate in the Secret Santa, most people probably wouldn't notice.
Maybe you should just do the white elephant and just buy a semi-decent gift that you wouldn't mind being stuck with. The potluck is a given because that's easy. I'm sure that you can make something that won't cost much, is easy, and will be enjoyed. You get something out of that as well. No one needs to know about the adopt a family.
2007-11-29 09:27:07 · answer #2 · answered by Unsub29 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The way we used to do it was to put out sign-up sheets. hat way, people can pick and choose what to participate in. Of course, the meals are a given, because everyone will think you are scrooge if you don't participate, but the other stuff is optional and should not create hard feelings. Or maybe, you could be pro-active and suggest that instead of secret Santa and white elephant, you put out some jars to collect the money people would have spent and make a donation to the local mission or food pantry instead.
2007-11-29 08:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by naniannie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you can afford to participate in the Secret Santa. Nobody is asking you to buy them a plasma TV or new car. Just a nice thoughtful gift ... it can be a little as $10 if you do it with the right intention. Go on... it is good for the soul. It is blessed to give.
I will say if you feel poor, you will feel poor all year long. It is better to be wise with your money but not be stingy. Give with the thought of giving pleasure.
I hope you have a Happy Christmas.
Cheers
Lisa
2007-11-29 08:25:57 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they should do either secret santa or white elephant not both. we always do secret santa limit of$20.00 and list three ideas. white elephants can get nasty if you take somethin expensive or great and a senior person in the office gets stuck with green beans or christmas boxers- they can hold these resentments all year!
2007-11-29 08:26:37 · answer #5 · answered by karen w 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can not afford it, do not participate in any of it, and don't be afraid to tell them why.......
2007-11-29 08:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋