Heh.

We just got the rules for our gift exchange, and we're drawing names, the limit is $10, and your item has to start with the recipient's initials. I have in my desk a Jeweled Letter opener, given to JL, my predecessor, several years ago, but they haven't done it since I've been here.

I actually enjoy my office Holiday party.

Good food, free booze, lawers dancing badly. What's not to like?

Call me crazy, but work should never require you to spend money.

Jesse - that's really kind of fun.

We're being "Salvation Army" angels. (Our local Salvy is doing that instead of adopting a family.) And having an office potluck.

Call me crazy, but work should never require you to spend money.

Yeah... I feel neutral about that here, since we're a small office and I generally like everyone. But at almost any past job, I would have been freaking out with indignation.

Our friend's family does Yankee Swap and then spends the rest of the day trying to sneak the presents they got into everyone else's car.

Wow, you're really having Casino Night? No way!

except i don't work with a Jim Halpert, a Pam Beesley or even a Dwight Schrute. that might make it worth it.

Call me crazy, but work should never require you to spend money.

don't get me started. we all have to chip in money to buy both bosses these ridiculous gifts that they almost never like and spent way too much money on. a few years ago when i was strapped for cash, i told them that and i proceeded to get a guilt trip about everything the bosses have given me. my eyes were almost rolling out of my head.

I thought the whole point of a Yankee Swap / white elephant exhcange is that you're all giving away crazed and hideous things that nobody would want. I've seen plastic flamingoes go in that sort of swap, and last year in my little department one it was flip-flops, a puzzle, funnylooking potholders, and a Patriots bottle-opener that played sounds. (That one was popular.)

While claiming to be "the least racist person, like, on earth."

Did you respond with, "Honey, I think you need to get to know the rest of the planet before you say that."?

Yes, hello, queen of the too-late repartee.

I was tempted to invite people to bring small canned goods to our party that I could donate to a food pantry that I know is in need, but then I realized I would have to carry the cans.

Oh and the thing with bringing mac, not going to happen. I had never looked at the details of party. it starts at 7pm on a MONDAY - we live an hour from there and his bedtime is 8:30 - so no.

it starts at 7pm on a MONDAY

That's jacked up.

I thought the whole point of a Yankee Swap / white elephant exhcange is that you're all giving away crazed and hideous things that nobody would want.

I think that's just for White Elephant. Yankee Swap is just the method, not anything about the presents.