What is a 'White Elephant', exactly? According to legend the kings of Siam used to give actual white elephants - yes, as in the animal - to visitors. The theory was that the upkeep of the animal was so expensive and time consuming that it would cause great difficulty both financially and with the effort of care for the recipient of this extravagant gift. What does this have to do with a gift exchange you might want to host? Well, the standard dictionary also defines a white elephant as "a possession that is useless or troublesome, esp. one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of". Thus the tradition of the kings of Siam continues.

Do you have a few items stashed in junk drawers or closets that haven't seen the light of day since you unwrapped or purchased them? Those 'white elephants' are taking up space, aren't they? Why not organize a silly gift swap for your family and friends to enjoy (AND get rid of at least one white elephant from your stash)? Christmas is the most popular time for these gift exchanges, simply because friends and family are already gathering to celebrate the holiday and special arrangements don't have to be made to get together an additional time. And, it can be very entertaining - so, if last year's Christmas gathering was a little blah - this may be the perfect way to spice things up for next year.

Simply instruct each guest invited to the exchange to bring one wrapped item per person attending - the goofier, and more worthless the item the better for this gift exchange. You might list a dozen examples of what you consider to be a white elephant, for those who are unfamiliar. The idea is not to have to buy yet another gift, but to wrap up something they would LOVE to get rid of that they already possess.

When the guests begin to arrive, assign a number to each package and put them under the tree or on a table set aside for this particular game - especially if there are 'real' gifts given at this party too (pretty likely if it's a Christmas gathering)! It is also a good idea to wrap a few extra items of your own, as the host or hostess, in case anyone forgets to bring something. Everyone is so busy these days, especially around the holidays that there is likely to be at least one person you invite that will forget about the new exchange. If you wrap a few extras it guarantees that they can still participate (and you get rid of more of your own white elephangs)!

Once you know how many people are participating,

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