December 11, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC – The Society of Recovering Sorority Girls, through its founders Kristina "Morgan" Rose and Deandra "Brooksie" Brooks, declare war against so-called Yankee gift swaps.

"Whoever said ‘it’s better to give than to receive’ has never had to attend a party featuring a Yankee swap," stated Brooksie.

This gift-giving technique is employed under a variety of names and mutations. Sometimes it is referred to as the "dirty Santa" game and more commonly, the "white elephant" raffle. However, it usually follows the same basic premise. A hostess directs her guests to bring a gift of low monetary value (aka crap) to a gathering. All of the gifts are placed into a bag or pile and the guests draw numbers. Guests pick and unwrap their gift in ascending numeric order. Once all the gifts have been distributed, the guest that selected last gets to jettison their gift and take one opened by another guest. Thus all the gifts can be redistributed in descending numeric order.

"Even I’m a bit too wealthy to need yet another $10 scented candle or set of holiday pot holders," stated Morgan.

Morgan and Brooksie acknowledge that many of their own dear friends engage in this custom, and mean them personally no disrespect. They simply caution that the practice itself seems to miss the true meaning of Christmas by presupposing that some gifts are "better" than others.

"All gifts, even the ubiquitous family heirloom recipe fruit cake, are given in love and should be valued as an expression of the giver’s the affection," explained Morgan. "Gifts should never be judged for the item itself."

This holiday season, Morgan and Brooksie encourage hostesses to make Christmas miracles instead of hurt feelings from people whose gifts are deemed repugnant in such games! Instead of a $10 per person Yankee gift swap, ask each to bring a $10 donation for a local food kitchen or Toys for Tots. This alternative will improve your community and save your reputation from the stain of ungracious behavior!

###