Secret Santa

[Salzb2012]

Today at work I was asked if I want to participate in a "Secret Santa" gift swap. I'm an RN at a busy work place and like most RNs, I have to do work that the NAs should be doing. Most of them walk around in slow motion with glazed look in their eyes like they're day dreaming, while us RNs are practically running. The NAs are also taking part in the "Secret Santa" gift exchange, so I don't want to take part in it. What do you think about this? I hate feeling like a party pooper, but I don't feel like spending money and time selecting a gift for someone with poor work ethics. Of course I don't know that I'll draw the name of one of the people with a poor work ethic, but I don't even want to chance it.

[loriangel14, RN]

Just say no thanks.

I would do it anyways.It's Christmas. they are still fellow human beings.

[817nurse]

I don't want to take part in it.

You just answered your own question. If you don't want to take part in it, just don't take part in it.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Eh, there's usually a "cap" on the amount one spends.

If co-workers have poor work ethics, that is on them.

I often will go a the special ornament route, as this is something that a family can enjoy on a tree. And there are kids who have nothing to do with their parents being jerks and not working hard. (not saying you would get anyone with kids, but, an alternate is that the person would enjoy the gift in the spirit of the season).

If one enjoys the Christmas holiday, it truly is about giving. It can help to be in the spirit of Christmas.

I don't really like receiving gifts. As weird as that sounds. However, what I do love is something that I can share with my family like an ornament for a tree.

If you are so inclined, participate on the spirit of the season. Try to separate the person from the worker. Hard when you don't share personal life and work life (and I am not a huge fan) but should you not participate, you may want to do something a little different--$20 in the name of the "nurses of unit xyz" to the resident activities fund, or the education fund, or the local food bank or something....

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I don't usually participate in the gift exchange. I don't want to buy something for someone that they don't want and I really don't want more crap in my house. You don't have to feel bad about not participating. I usually will spend more on the food that I bring in for our Holiday carry in instead. I just buy/make gifts for those I want to and leave it at that.

[TriciaJ, RN]

This is my personal rule for participating in Christmas activities: If it sounds fun and I can do it with a smile on my face, I go for it. If it brings out the curmudgeon in me, I pass. If I have a lot of coworkers who are hard to respect, then, no, I don't want to be anyone's Secret Santa.

Over the years, I've gotten good at spending time and money on things that enhance the Christmas experience, for myself and others. I've also gotten good at sidestepping anything that doesn't work for me. Repeat after me: "Oh, that's not something that's going to make it onto my to-do list this year. Bummer."

I've laboured over cookies for the cookie exchange, and received cheapo packaged grocery store cookies in return. A coworker one year wasn't receiving any Secret Santa gifts; the person who drew her name decided she couldn't afford to participate after all, but was happy to receive things from her Secret Santa. If you already have evidence of several coworkers not having much integrity, do not get drawn into exchanges. Not worth it.

And have a Merry Christmas!

[Krzysztof]

Meh... I wouldn't risk the horror of pulling the name of one of those NAs you appear to invariably detest. They're surely too busy "walk[ing] around in slow motion with glazed look in their eyes" to meaningfully participate in frivolous and joyful workplace activities anyway. Don't "chance it." Better you stay in bed and await the arrival of three spirits. They'll explain the world to you.

Happy Holidays!