One of the things I miss about working in a proper office at this time of year (because I'm currently a WAHM – Work At Home Mum) is Secret Santa. In case you've never heard of this tradition, it involves agreeing a sum with your colleagues and then buying gifts to the agreed value for one of them (you draw the names out of a hat, and the idea is no one knows who's giving to who, hence the Secret bit.) The fun is working out who gave you what, and seeing who's been the most imaginative. I still have some gorgeous tree decorations which one of my former colleagues gave me – they're cute little wooden reindeer with ice skates, and every time I look at them I remember what a laugh we had at our Christmas lunch.
Gift specialists Firebox are currently attempting to set a record for the world's biggest Secret Santa event. 19 countries are taking part, it costs £9 for the presents (including shipping) and the idea is you could get something from someone as far away as Alaska or Bhutan while they get yours. You can sign up your whole office… could be interesting!
What's the best thing you've ever been given in a Secret Santa – and the worst? I'd love to know.
written by Liz Jarvis