I grew up an only child and during the Christmas holidays, got pretty much what I asked for (as well as new clothes from my Uncle Sherwin’s store). My parents and I didn’t really “exchange” gifts, since as a teenager, I didn’t have much money to spend outside of gas. Then, after leaving home on my own for college, our gift-giving as a family was just as nonexistent. My parents never really needed or asked for much. And, in college, I was always asked, “What do you want for Christmas?”

I am a ferocious reader and have a deep appreciation for books. However, when grandparents would ask what kind of books I read, I was always at a loss for words because I had never really though about them in the terms of genre: fiction, science-fiction, inspirational and mystery. I just saw them as books and usually, just purchased them as I saw them. So, many times, I gratefully received the most bizarre books! And, as they say, it was the thought that counted!

After many permanent and temporary office jobs, I landed one (where I have currently worked for 10 years!), where, for many years, our manager would buy each of us in her department gifts. Now, I am grateful for the heart behind her gift-giving but many times, I found myself left with things I had no use for (one year it was a ceramic snowman candle thing). Then, in addition to her gift, I would be stuck with another from the departmental “White Elephant Gift Exchange”!

Initially, I found myself re-gifting these to my mother and other friends, but then, it just seemed so pointless. One year, I actually was able to BEG to not be included (and was successful!) in the gift exchange (I actually got to leave after lunch and get back to work!), much to the chagrin of my co-workers.

This year, I have a new manager who (thankfully!) doesn’t buy us gifts, but, my co-workers have organized the dreaded “White Elephant Gift Exchange” after lunch. In years past, we were given the option to participate in the exchange; this year, no opt out was offered (ugh!). So, alas, I may be stuck with another useless gift.

Today, as I realized that the office gift exchange is in 72 hours and I re-read C. S. Lewis’ satyrical essay entitled “Xmas and Christmas”, (Link: http://twog.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/cs-lewis-on-christmas-and-xmas/ ) I was reminded of the exchange. I began to think, “WHY do my co-workers insist on this gift exchange so much?” C. S. Lewis wrote this one line which expresses my consternation: “And they buy as gifts for one another such things as no man ever bought for himself.”

Do my co-workers believe that, by not having a gift exchange, they will be viewed as NOT being “Christmasy” or not having a holiday spirit? Are others’ thoughts really THAT important to them?

Well, I guess I had better start making a list of recipients for this year’s gifts — wish me blessings!