Christmas gifts - WWYD?

court115 · December 2012

I work for a small firm. We have 6 partners, 2 associate lawyers, 2 paralegals (including myself), 1 legal assistant and a receptionist/administrative assistant. We had decided a few years ago to not buy individual Christmas gifts for everyone. Instead, we do a Pollyanna at our holiday party. We already had our party last week and we did the Pollyanna exchange.

Well today the other paralegal brought in 6 individual presents for the 6 partners. Do you think I should do the same? We're on the same level and I sort of feel like it makes me look bad if I don't do something for each of them as well. What would you do?

Olalala157 · December 2012

amcourt09:
I work for a small firm. We have 6 partners, 2 associate lawyers, 2 paralegals (including myself), 1 legal assistant and a receptionist/administrative assistant. We had decided a few years ago to not buy individual Christmas gifts for everyone. Instead, we do a Pollyanna at our holiday party. We already had our party last week and we did the Pollyanna exchange.
Well today the other paralegal brought in 6 individual presents for the 6 partners. Do you think I should do the same? We're on the same level and I sort of feel like it makes me look bad if I don't do something for each of them as well. What would you do?

Thats a tough one but knowing me I would likely bring something in too. What did she/he get them, do you know? I would likely keep it small and inexpensive but at the same time I can see how it might make the others feel like now they have to bring something in for you guys now too.

amccul20 · December 2012

I hate it when people do stuff like that and then you feel obligated to get people gifts! I don't know what I would do. I would probably just get everyone something small.

klm42404 · December 2012

I would be mad. This is why groups do Pollyannas. It's not like she bought one gift for her direct boss. She gave gifts to half of the office. Personally, I think it was rude of her to do that. If I wanted to do something, I would do something for the whole office...donuts, cookies, a pretzel tray, etc.

beebe918 · December 2012

I think it's really sketchy of her to give gifts to the partners and not everyone else. I wouldn't get anyone gifts, if anything the higher ups should be getting you guys gifts, not the other way around.