Secret Santa - Dec 8, 2023 Newsletter

Ho ho ho 🧑‍🎄

Feeling festive yet? If not, we’re sure to get you in the mood. Today, we’ll cover the good ol’ Secret Santa and give you some key tips for the traditional gift exchange game!

🎁 PLUS — Stay on top of your Christmas budget with our monthly planner. Just scroll down!

Is Secret Santa the worst holiday tradition? 🤭

In a world already filled with lots of tack, does the workplace gift exchange just add to the pile of things we have already accumulated?

While some find the gift-giving tradition exciting, others dread the thought of it! Chances are you’re going to draw your office nemesis or someone you completely don’t know. 😬

I can recall a time where a colleague bought our CEO a copy of the Bad Santa DVD — super awkward! And another time where I received a bunch of junk from someone’s garage wrapped in a supermarket carrier bag with my name on it. 🤦 It’s safe to say that I was unimpressed after I’d spent lots of thought on my Secret Santa gift.

🎁 Gift exchanges in the workplace normally fall into two categories: tack no one needs or something super funny. If it’s the latter, then it’s a gift well spent. But how often does that really happen?

So, is this holiday tradition on its way out? That’s down to you to decide!

— Joanna Zambas, Career Expert

Affordable Christmas gift ideas →

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Christmas is right around the corner. Time sure flies, and so do the green little bills in your wallet. 💸 To navigate this period with more ease, grab our Monthly Budget Planner and stay on track.

Stay tuned for more awesome gifts…

The dos and don’ts of the workplace Secret Santa

Participating in the workplace Secret Santa can be a delightful way to spread some holiday cheer, but it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

And we’ve got some tips that will guide you through the process.

The dos ✔️

• Set a budget. Establish a reasonable spending limit for gifts. This ensures that participants can comfortably contribute without feeling pressured to overspend.

• Be considerate. Choose a gift considerate of your recipient’s preferences and sensitivities. Consider any cultural or personal factors that might influence their taste.

• Follow workplace guidelines: Adhere to any guidelines or rules set by the office. This might include spending limits, rules on gift wrapping, or suggestions on appropriate gifts.

• Keep it inclusive. Select a gift that is inclusive and avoids potential pitfalls. Stay away from overly personal items or gifts that may be inappropriate in a professional setting.

• Have fun. Embrace the festive spirit and enjoy the process. Secret Santa is about fostering camaraderie, so approach it with a sense of joy and enthusiasm.

The don’ts ❌

• Go overboard. Avoid extravagant gifts that might make others uncomfortable or create a sense of inequality. Stick to the established budget to ensure fairness among participants.

• Be insensitive. Steer clear of gifts that could be offensive, inappropriate or embarrassing. Respect your colleagues’ boundaries, and choose items that maintain a professional atmosphere.

• Procrastinate. Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange your gift. Procrastination might result in a rushed and less thoughtful choice. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to find a present.

• Assume preferences. If you’re unsure about a colleague’s preferences, don’t make assumptions. Opt for neutral and universally appreciated gifts to ensure your choice is well-received.

• Exclude anyone. Ensure that everyone who wants to participate can. Make sure you’re not creating an environment where people feel left out.

Secret Santa rules to follow ➜

Catch you on the flippity flip :)

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