[NEWSLETTER] Ho, Ho Ho: Survival tips for the office Secret Santa

Ho, Ho Ho: How to survive Secret Santa in the office

And just like that it’s Christmas time again when Secret Santa promises to set the festive mood in workplaces across the country. While some may feel this merrymaking seems innocent, others may feel a sense of severe anxiety attached to all things gifting.

On top of that your choice of gift can lead to an office encounter that is funny, surprising or just plain awkward. In trying to avoid these feelings we have found some tips for dealing with Secret Santa anxiety so not to spoil the festive fun.

Luck of the draw

Woohoo, the Christmas elves are smiling down at you this year and you’ve drawn the name of your closest work friend. Even with the set budget the sky’s the limit. Find a surprise that speaks to your common interests or a gift that hints at a private joke you share. The only thing tricky here is choosing just one gift.

The boss

Ouch, you got the short end of the stick there. Choose wisely here – if you know your boss well and know their tastes then choose something personal but keeping it appropriate of course. Whatever the relationship, make sure that you don’t take things too far. If you are looking to play it safe the items you might want to include are a box of chocolates, the desk plants, an oversized mug. You might not stand out but you will definitely be coming back to work in the New Year.

The person you’ve never spoken to

This might be a new comer or just someone you’ve never had the chance to work together leaving you pretty clueless. So, play detective and ask for hints from their closest office allies. Doing this might open new possibilities or even friendships.

The joker

He’s loud, always cracking jokes making everyone in the office laugh. So, give him/her a gift that will let him show off his comedy skills in full force, at an appropriate moment: ironic t-shirt, silly mug or a loud funny gadget. Just make sure he doesn’t leave it at the office!

Your office nemesis

Your first option might be to convince the nicest person you know to switch names with you. But with that being said it needs to be a secret so you might want to take on the challenge yourself. To avoid fanning the flames or spoiling the ambiance bet on the least controversial gift. For example, gifting a box of chocolates – wasabi flavoured, what they don’t know won’t hurt them! 😉

The creative

From graphic designers to stylists, these talented individuals will appreciate gifts that are original and aesthetically pleasing. For them a sleek notebook, art magazine or a bright object to decorate their desk. Make an impression by finding out what they are into – it’s all anonymous, so there’s no harm in trying!

Gifts to leave in the bargain bin

If you find yourself among the panicked flurry of Christmas shoppers on your lunch break here are some gifts to avoid at all costs.

• Personal hygiene gifts: toothpaste, deodorant, bath salts and underwear.
• R5 store gifts with the price tag still attached.
• Gifts past their sell-by date (just dangerous)
• Presents that have political connotations.

Whatever the drawbacks, Secret Santa is a great way to deck the office halls, break down the hierarchical barriers and build rapport between colleagues. If ever in doubt remember that it’s better to be a bit boring than risk and awkward moment. It’s in your hands!

Don’t forget to comment below and share your company Secret Santa stories with us We’d love to hear from you and share a few giggles together!

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COMPETITION TIME

Congratulations to our lucky winner: Lindsey Mckey. Who has won a R1000 in cash. We will be in contact on Thursday, 1st December 2022, regarding details. Thank you for participating.

This month we thought just because we are all about giving we thought we would do one more giveaway before the year is over!

Stand a chance to WIN 4 x R500 in cash!

• All you have to do is leave a comment on your favourite rubybox article during the month of December (Every comment is an entry so you can enter more than once) – rubybox magazine
• Competition closes at midnight on 31st of December 2022 and winners will be announced in the Jan newsletter but contacted for banking details on 4th January 2023

Goodluck!

We hope that you have the most incredible end to your 2022 rubies. Stay safe and we will catch up again in the New Year.

Happy Holidays from our rubybox family to yours!

rise up beautiful you 

XXX

Competition T&C’s: This competition is open to all South African residents and rubybox members only. The prize is one of four R500 cash prize. Four winners will be selected. The selected winners will need to have banking details for the eft  payment. To enter you need to follow the exact instructions as mentioned above (Comment on your fav rubybox article throughout the month of December). The winners will be emailed on 3/1/2022 and will each have 48 hours to acknowledge winning as well as confirm their banking details so that the R500 payment can be made by 4/1/2023. Should the winners fail to do this within 48 hours of being notified another winner will be selected in their place. The competition will close at midnight 31/12/2022 and the winners will be announced in the January newsletter on rubybox on 1/01/2022. Judge’s decision is final.