A Plea to Ban all White Elephant Christmas Exchanges

Every year I get invited to at least 3-5 parties during the Holidays where I am "required" to bring a gift for any one person that may be attending.  I have a real problem with this because this process is neither thoughtful or fun and is a complete waste of money. Not to mention I usually get stuck with some sort of shitty body spray I can't wear or a candle that smells like my Grandma Faye's attic.  It is NOT possible to find a gift that will suit everyone. I also think about the money that is spent on a bunch of crap that people don't need.  What if instead we took the $20 per gift and put it towards something productive like an Adopt-A-Family or a donation to a charity?

Only once in the last 5-10 years have I attended a party where I walked out with something I was delighted with and that was because the theme was booze.  The only way that I can possibly "win" at this dumb game is to hope I get a high number and steal my own gift back.

This year, I am boycotting this White Elephant with the exception of one (of which I will be demeaned if I don't participate).  Do all of us a favor this year and give the cash to something meaningful.

In the past 10 years these are the items that have made their way to my house -

• A Husker themed snuggie - now used as a blanket for the dogs
• Another white blanket with fur - also a favorite with the dogs
• A calculator the size an 8 x 11.5 piece of paper - donated to the Goodwill
• Multiple body sprays - I can't wear these due to allergies so also donated to the Goodwill
• A case of Pabst Blue Ribbon - took a couple of parties and someone really drunk to finish this off
• A CD of the greatest Boy Band hits - still rocking that CD from time to time