Secret Santa stinks!

[Camelot Farms]

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I agree CM about holding children responsible. But, I am willing to bet that the posters on this thread didnt make their disappointment known to their children and only voiced it here.

 

[horsejody]

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I think that they are teaching their children to not make commitments that they won't follow through on. The poster that complained about what her child got said that the kids were enrolled in a private school and could afford it. Most teachers in public schools that allow swaps in their classrooms have back up gifts so kids aren't left out. Personally, I think that classrooms should only do them if the dollar amount is really low (like $1 coloring books, etc). Even then, I would have my doubts about it being a good idea. One year my son's class had a pet food drive for the animal shelter instead of gifts. Stuff like that works good. I think that the OP was just trying to impress upon adults that volunteer to be on SS lists that they should only do it if they really want to play nice. Otherwise, it just spoils the fun.

 

[redhen]

as for school swaps..thats hard..because kids dont really have a choice to join or not... so thats a whole different thhing IMO..
I'm talking about the people that JOIN swaps and agree to a $15 limit..and then dont follow through with that commitment.. its just SO wrong..

 

[mom'sfolly]

I hated secret swaps as a kid. As a child I was unpopular and if someone drew my name I never got a gift. This happened even in high school, where I was the only child not to get a gift (small high school, very small). It is heart breaking for a child.

As an adult I enjoy them. It's fun to pick out something clever, thoughtfull and exciting for a small set dollar amount. Our school traditionally does a book exchange, purely voluntary, at Christmas. I have often sent an extra book so that everyone in the class can participate. I can afford it, the teacher appreciates it and the kid is happy. Its an easy way to make someone else feel good.

 

[Miss Sebright]