When I used to work in offices, I dreaded the annual Secret Santa. I didn't want to "not participate" and be deemed a fuddy-duddy, but I always announced that whoever had my name please donate to the animal shelter in our county in my name. I'm retired now and don't have to deal with the situation, but I would like to pass on my wisdom from age: please get your office to combine your $10 each that you would spend on a frivolous, not needed, not wanted "gift" for one another and use it to adopt a military family in your area, or give to an animal shelter, or to meals on wheels, or find out if there is a family who could use some help with an electric or other utility bill. I had a hard time convincing my co-workers that if each of us combined our $10 we could make a real impact in some way. Just think of the real appreciation that would be generated when a gift is presented as meaningful, instead of superficial. I guarantee there wouldn't be a dry eye in the presenting group. Besides, everyone is so busy at holiday time that it would save lots of time and stress on everyone to not have to go out and get "one more obligation."
Sincerely and with Hope,
Gloria
