TishaBuv - I really, really wish that I had picked up my own present and just taken the chocolates home with me! I don't *need* more chocolate (I'm trying to lose weight and get healthier), but I would have been happy to have them!

What a neat memory of your parents sharing champagne and snacks to last minute shoppers! That sounds fun!

CloserToTheMid - High five on the charming part! Good for you, that can be tough to pull off!

Molinit - Same here. It's hard when employers make assumptions about what their employees can afford. Even if you're paid well, there's no way to know someone's circumstances and what's going on in their personal lives (therapy or medical bills, family members that are struggling and being supported, etc.).

I get that it's a nice idea to have a party where everyone can contribute, and... now that I've had some time to recover from being hurt about my present, I can see why people find the gift exchange fun. But, it can be hard for some people.

Seesaw - I love that there were cheaper options to contribute to your company's Thanksgiving party! And, I love it when there are options that don't require cooking. I have so little energy, I can barely cook for myself even though I'm trying to eat better. I feel like I really don't have the time/energy to try to figure out what to make for a potluck, do the shopping, cooking, and cleaning, and figure out how to safely transport it back home... it's all just a bit overwhelming for me! So, it's nice to hear that you guys had options!

LiteraryLark - oh no!!! That's terrible, I am so sorry. That's really awful that whoever picks your name as a "secret santa" just blows it off. I wish that your job could do something more like what mine did, with the "white elephant" (or "yankee swap") game - then there's no chance that you don't get something (though it might not be something that you like or want!).