White Elephant Party

It has become a little tradition at our church to have a white elephant party each January.  I've been to white elephant parties other places too and they are usually very fun and very funny.  I just think our church may be bending the unwritten rules for white elephanting.  It just doesn't seem to click in my mind.

The main issue is that not everyone understood that the gifts brought to white elephant parties are, for the large part, supposed to be awkward.  This is not the place to spend money on a gift.  Horrifically ugly centerpiece you are just glad to be rid of - yes, cute snowman ornament you found a JoAnn's, no.  The 2 people who come not knowing this rule provide the elusive desired gift that makes the game interesting.  In our church party, the break down occurs because only a very small minority of attendees bring strange things.  Of course if you bring a box of Russell Stover Chocolates and if I happen to bring them home, I will pardon this one person.

ahem...

This experience also has made me believe white elephant parties should be attended mostly by people about the same age.  When you get to the gift swiping part, it isn't much fun if you feel guilty for taking the item from someone else.  (And it isn't very interesting if no one swipes anything.)  I took a cherry blossom scented candle from an older lady last year and I still feel guilty about it.