By Imani Williams
'Tis the time of year when even those who shun the ritual of shopping get hit with a case of the guilts for lack of participation. Over the next couple of weeks many who work in a setting employing more than one person will be asked to participate in some type of gift giving, good will gesture. Most of us feel compelled to comply. Some of us will once again tell a 'little white lie' which generally revolves around over exaggerating some sort of religious sanction where holiday gift giving is punishable by life in the ever after being spent in the pits of Hell. Forgetting, as we spin our web of deceit, that a half-truth is indeed a whole lie.
Since we are on the subject, lets go over the politics of holiday office etiquette. If you choose to participate in the 'Secret Santa drawing' be mindful that even if you hate the malls you can give a quick thoughtful gift by way of a gift card from just about anywhere. Fast food and oil changes included. Stay within the limit as there is nothing worse than a sour puss at the close of the year end holiday luncheon complaining with sad eyes and clenched fist because they went $10 over the $10 limit for their gift and got less in return. Oh yeah, please include a receipt if you just 'grabbed' the first item within your reach at Walgreen's. It is likely the recipient has hopes of returning said item and would appreciate being able to lose your 'well thought out gift' for something usable like toilet paper and deodorant, without the Walgreen clerk having to call in the VP of operations to do so.
If you plan on attending holiday parties given by managers or co-workers, please bring a little something with you, a fruitcake, a poinsettia or something. Don't just show up empty handed everywhere you go.
Finally, if you are going to take part in spirits don't overdo it. You don't want to be the subject of lewd slander and gossip in e-mails, (the new water cooler) in the New Year.
