No

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I have no problem of gifts being exchanged in the workplace for Christmas any more than I have to gifts being given for a person’s birthday.

Christmas parties (or Hanukkah parties) should not be mandatory for employees in any shape or form.

As far as offending people goes: I get offended when a company does not recognize Christmas.

I am also not offended when one recognizes Hanukkah.

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It all depends on your Company. A small personal group might enjoy exchanging gifts but, a large group might have some employees already taxed out with other obligations outside of work that makes exchanging gifts another added stress and expense.

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I work for the Federal Government and we have to follow the Ethics Rules regarding gifts. Basically, we don’t give presents to each other, but we do bring in cookies, cakes, etc. to share over the Holidays. In the Government it is illegal to give gifts “up the chain” i.e. to your Supervisors, Managers.

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I just gave small gifts to the 3 other people in my office this morning. Small gifts – chocolate – under 15 dollars for all three together. This is my first Christmas here. I knew they all celebrated Christmas. I didn’t know they shun it at work though – I feel very upset because I was promptly told that we don’t do that here by 2/3 people. I was just trying to be nice, it’s a small office, I didn’t think it was a big deal. People need to chill out and make an effort to be happier.

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