Throughout my seven or eight years of engaging in this holiday tradition, I’ve encountered thoughtful gifts, some delightful surprises, and a couple of not-so-great ones. This might be the most official description of Secret Santa, reminiscent of corporate America’s style.
One year, I received a book titled something like ‘200 Ways to Start a Conversation,’ a not-so-subtle hint from my colleagues about my social skills, contrasting with what others thought of me.
I was also given a tiny bottle of rum, the kind you get on airplanes, not the size of an aircraft, along with a jar-shaped glass. This was a decent gift, so thank you, Ashley, if you’re reading this.
It’s safe to say we’ve all had our share of questionable Secret Santa gifts.
On Reddit, one user shared a story about an unusual ‘gift’ they got from their Secret Santa.
The user wrote: “It just so happened that I drew my boss, and my boss drew me. There was a $20 limit, so I decided to get her favorite brand and scent of fragrance oil she used in her office diffuser. The oil cost $15, so I put it in a cute box full of tiny origami stars I’d made and strung into a garland for the back of her monitor (she loved decorating her office).
“I received a card, and inside was a note that said, ‘It’s been a pleasure working with you this year, now go clean out the store room.’
“I smiled and pretended there was a big joke inside, but my boss – laughing and smiling – took my card and read it aloud to everyone.”
They continued: “A few people laughed, then the HR lady (her best friend) asked if there was a gift. My boss said she’d ‘take care of me’ later.
“The ‘taking care of me’ was letting her drive me through the Starbucks drive-thru and having a coffee on her company credit card while she spent the 10-minute drive not apologizing and raving about her very funny joke.”
They explained that they ordered a ‘Pike Place’ and struggled to hold back tears as they drank it. Soon after, HR contacted them to inquire about their boss’s gift.
“I told the truth and said she bought me a coffee on the company card. She said she was sorry and would look into it. Crickets,” they said.
“Meanwhile, my boss’s monitor looked adorable, her office smelled fragrant, and I hope she told her story of how she messed with me over the holidays and got at least a small side-eye.”
It seems like nothing substantial came of the boss’s prank, but one commenter noted that it might have future implications.
“I think it’s telling that HR followed up and don’t assume it didn’t lead to anything – these things go in the personnel file and can definitely influence promotions (and terminations),” they wrote.