How can I state that I do not want to participate?

No Secret Santa For Me!

Dear Polite One,

I don't want to participate in the "Secret Santa" at work. Christmas or any of the holidays mean nothing to me. How can I state that I do not want to participate? If I must be involved, what sorts of gifts are appropriate?

Sincerely,

Scrooge

Dear Scrooge,

It's perfectly fine to state that you don't want to participate. You'd have to tell the organizer of the event well before the draw. Perhaps you could speak to this person privately, so you won't even be approached. If you are somewhat bullied into it (hopefully not), a price guideline should be suggested to all involved. From there, give a gender-neutral gift like a coffee shop gift card, music download code, a pair of wool gloves, or a small box of candy (anything similar).

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

Interview: business meals & handshakes

The Importance of an Elevator Speech

Time to Polish Our Professional Presence

Comments

When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors

Dear Rebecca, I've read your comments regarding office gift -giving online. What guidelines apply when gifts are to a departing supervisor? When the departure also causes the termination of others on the supervisor's team, should they also receive gifts? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael , Good question. It is always optional to give gifts , especially in the workplace. So, there is no firm 'guidelines' about giving to departing supervisors. However, if it’s customary to give gifts to those who depart in your workplace, then everyone who is leaving should receive one. It would be expected. The gifts shouldn't be expensive and could be a farewell lunch or office party with a cake and beverages. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function Interview: business meals & ...

Office Etiquette 101: How to Deal with Frustrating Breakroom Behavior

Stealing Lunches, Burning Microwave Popcorn, Hogging the Fridge...Oh My! At work, the lunch or breakroom is often a place to mingle or hide out during breaks. Sometimes, though, it can be a place of crime. Crime in the workplace? Oh yes. As an etiquette consultant, one of the most common workplace complaints I hear concerns the lunch thief. Thievery isn't the only breakroom complaint, however. Therefore, I've developed a few tools to deal with this diverse group of breakroom irritants and offenders. What causes some employees to exhibit such poor behavior? When frustrated with coworkers, many will come to me with their workplace stories and questions. The first question is usually about why their coworkers would steal their lunch or warm smelly fish in the microwave. The answer is simple: Most forget that the workplace is a shared space, so they become too comfortable and forget to use their best manners. ...

Office Etiquette 101: How to Deal With Irritating, Loud, Sick and Clueless Coworkers

Tools for Sharing Office Space With Those Who Don't Share Well Coworkers can drive a person crazy. No doubt. Still, there are ways to deal with this behavior in a civilized manner. What follows are the most common issues, tools to deal with issues, and some dos and don'ts for those sharing personal space in the workplace. How do I deal with the loud, irritating, and annoying workmate? Everyone who works in a cubical jungle knows this person. He is the one who does everything loudly. All hear his telephone conversations. He often stands in the aisle telling jokes and laughs loudly. His noisy demeanor makes it difficult to concentrate on work, resulting in a severe drop in productivity. Professionalism is at stake as well, with a laugh track playing in the background of coworkers' phone conversations. Noisy as well, she is equally familiar with office slaves. She is the habitual fiddler. She t...

Etiquette Now! Insights

Search This Blog