Every year around this time we have two ladies in the village, who organise a Box Party. It is very similar to the Secret Santa game which is often played at Christmas time. Gwen and Sandra send an email invitation to everyone and tell them to bring a gift in a box not over the value of 15 dollars. We all turn up at 4:00pm and drop the box on a long table down the middle of the community centre. The ladies give us a ticket with a number. When everyone has arrived together with their plate of snacks and when they are seated at a table the game begins. Sandra calls out a number and the person with that number chooses a box. They open it for everyone to see the gift and then they take it to their seat. The next number is called and after they have opened the box and shown everyone they can decide to keep the gift or swap it with any one who has already got a gift. Some gifts are funny, some are useless and some are very nice. Bottles of wine were popular this year. Last year it was a stuffed toy that people kept swapping for. It is a really good social and fun night. Dot is the first to choose a box. She will have a chance to swap at the end of the game.
There was a lot of swapping goin on, looks like a fun time.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great day!
I am sure such activities are very good for peoples minds. How could Bill have swapped his wine for something else?
ReplyDeleteThat is always a fun game to play. Garden club does it at our Christmas Tea. I've come home with some nice things.
ReplyDeleteMarcia,
DeleteAgreed. Even though I haven't seen the game myself.
Seems like a fun evening and the photos are nice, Diane.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Sounds like loads of fun.
ReplyDeletewe used to do this game at parties for senior adults at our church. much laughter and fun was had by all. once we took my son David with us to the party. someone at work had given him, a single man, a Ceramic Santa Cookie jar. the cookie jar almost caused a couple of fights, everyone wanted it. everyone looks happy in the photos and that is the purpose
ReplyDeleteDiane, how much fun was this! We do something similar with our dominoes group at Christmas time and it's called "Yankee Swap" with the rules being much the same as you described here and lots of trades going on. This year, I was able to trade up for a fleece throw which I used during the colder months even if feeling a bit "guilty" for having traded it, but then rules are rules.
ReplyDeleteIn our version, it's not necessary to buy something new. Allowable items are if you have something you have been given, but haven't used or wanted OR if you bought something and later had buyer's regret. of course, while the items do not have to be wrapped as new they DO have to be in good workable condition, if applicable.
What did you and Bill end up with when the trading was done?
First I had to laugh because I imagined all of you boxing ! Then I understood, it was a box and not the sport. When I learned English I thought they are crazy to box on Christmas, until my friend in Eastborne laughed her head off and explained ! (not so long ago) The game you played we did for years for New Year celebration before midnight. Was really funny ! I see you enjoyed it too !
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun. Nigel's office used to do the same at Christmas, all sorts of of=dd ideas :-) Hope all is well, t'other Diane x
ReplyDeleteThe Box Party is a terrific idea, as long as everyone can afford the maximum price limit. $15 sounds fine... $50 would be out of many peoples' reach.
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes play that game at Christmas or New Year. It's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever and fun time you all had. It’s a splendid thing not to take ourselves too seriously and this is a great way of doing that. Good medicine!
ReplyDeleteSounds a fun idea ... I enjoyed seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Wonderful photos of this great event! Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs, a fun idea.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
This was so much fun and what a great idea for a party.
ReplyDelete