white elephant game回来，一肚子气

Today is the group's Holiday Luncheon. There was a white elephant gift-exchange game. This is the first time ever I participated in such games. The price cap of the gift is $15. I was not sure what gift I should bring, and finally bought a nice can of European Chocolate Collections from the gift section of Sam's, since I did not want to give people anything that could be an eye sore. The game started. There were actually only eight people who brought gifts. People were happy to get some little crystal ware, Christmas dish set, boombox, etc. Then, this woman unwrapped my gift, after finding out what it is, she was very upset. She gave it to a co-worker next to her, and left in a minute. Later when the game is over, I was in the same elevator with the co-worker that held the Chocolate can. Another co-worker looked at what I got (a useless regifted opened shaving gel dispenser), and commented that you guys could switch the gifts, see what A has to say with that. Thirty minutes later, I found some chocolate in the common area, obviously that was the one I bought.

As I think back, I really should have got my chocalate can back when it was my turn to pick a gift. I really did not know that Americans think so so so highly of those glittering items or like Crystals etc or those useless cheap electronics... It is so sad that after having been in this country for so many years, I still do not know their culture well. However, is the chocolate gift box really really a bad gift to give? Then why are there so many of them for sale? Do you consider this woman to be rude?

I will not participate in any white elephant game any more. I wish I knew it was not mandatory but I was on vacation earlier.