Why is Dirty Santa called White Elephant?

The term white elephant refers to an extravagant, impractical gift that cannot be easily disposed of.

Is Dirty Santa same as white elephant?

A White Elephant Gift Exchange is a popular Christmas event where people vie to walk away with the best present. It also goes by Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, and a plethora of other names.

Why is Secret Santa called white elephant?

This variation on the traditional game of Secret Santa gets its name from the white elephants that were supposedly vindictively gifted by the King of Siam to anyone who tried to cross him. Legend has it that these beasts, although beautiful, were not very useful—not to mention the astronomical upkeep.

What does the name white elephant mean?

Today, the term 'white elephant' denotes any burdensome, expensive and useless possession that is much more trouble than it is worth. The origins of the phrase come from Siam (modern-day Thailand). Advertisement.

What does white elephant mean for Christmas?

White elephant is a gift exchange, so each person must bring one wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap.

White Elephant, Dirty Santa, Yankee Swap EXPLAINED

Is the term white elephant offensive?

No, there is no racial implication. A “white elephant” is something you have, but don't want, and can't dispose of. The expression comes from a story about Siam (Thailand). White elephants (which occur in nature, but are rare) are regarded as sacred by the Thai people.

What did white elephant used to be called?

4) The party aspect of White Elephant giving first began in the early 1900s with “swap parties." Players would bring the strangest gifts possible. Awards would then be given to best and worse bargains. 5) Although white elephant gift exchanges have remained essentially unchanged since then.

What is the politically correct name for Secret Santa?

"secret friend" is simple, non-religious, and fits the bill. Save this answer.

What is the opposite of a white elephant?

The point of White Elephant is to buy something ridiculous, whereas Yankee Swap is essentially the same gift-exchange process but with more useful gifts. Everyone brings in something and each person draws a number.

What is a white elephant example?

a possession unwanted by the owner but difficult to dispose of: Our Victorian bric-a-brac and furniture were white elephants. a possession entailing great expense out of proportion to its usefulness or value to the owner: When he bought the mansion he didn't know it was going to be such a white elephant.

Why do they call it a Yankee Swap?

One disputed origin theory dates the name “Yankee Swap” to the Civil War, when Yankee and Confederate generals would engage in informal prisoner swaps.

What are alternative names for Dirty Santa?

A White Elephant gift exchange is also known as a Yankee swap or a Dirty Santa gift exchange. It's a party game where amusing and impractical gifts are exchanged.

What is the story of white elephant?

As it turns out, not all gifts are free. This is the concept behind the original White Elephant gift legend. According to this origin story, an ancient king of Siam, the nation now known as Thailand, would give white elephants as the ultimate passive-aggressive gift to his enemies and anyone else who displeased him.

What is Santa's legal name?

More specifically, a small town called Valley Stream. He spends most of the year doing the kind of festive things you'd expect—attending charity events, making appearances, and partaking in a lot of cheerful pro bono visits. But this Santa was born Frank Pascuzzi.

What do African people call Santa?

Africa and Middle East

Of those countries in Africa and the Middle East that celebrate Christmas, Papá Noel is the most common name for Santa Claus. In South Africa Sinterklaas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus are also used.

What are 3 nicknames for Santa?

Surely, you've now figured out that this December visitor is known by many as Santa Claus; sometimes, he goes by St. Nick, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and Santa.

What is a black elephant party?

Black Elephants are extremely likely and widely predicted events that are usually ignored either by many or a society as a whole. A Black Elephant, notes Vinay Gupta, 'is an event which is extremely likely and widely predicted by experts, but people attempt to pass it off as a Black Swan when it finally happens.

What is the meaning of the white elephant gift?

The story goes that the king would give a rare albino elephant to other rulers that he did not like. The guiding principle is that in a white elephant exchange you give a gift that is impractical or extravagant.

What's the rules for Dirty Santa?

Do you wrap Dirty Santa gifts?

Typically, a Dirty Santa gift is something silly, funny, or just downright ridiculous. Hosts can choose a theme for the gifts such as DIY only, gag gifts, gifts inspired by a popular show, etc. Before the party, guests should wrap or bag their gift without a name or tag. The goal is to stay anonymous.

Why is Dirty Santa called Dirty Santa?

It is called dirty because game participants steal gifts from each other in the attempt to end up with the best possible gift. Gifts for Dirty Santa are typically something fun, new, unique, and in good taste. Unlike the White Elephant gift exchange, Dirty Santa gifts are usually items the recipients will want and use.

What is a Pollyanna swap?

Gift exchange games are certainly a popular pastime at many holiday gatherings. In a Pollyanna Gift Exchange, participants anonymously purchase a gift for a randomly-selected person in the group. The best gifts are inexpensive, personalized, and, of course, funny!

What is a pink elephant gift exchange?

“Pink elephant” is another name for the “white elephant” game. During one of these games, participants exchange gifts, usually of low monetary value (e.g., under $20) and intentionally selected to be silly, tacky, or useless.

What is a Chinese gift swap?

It is a game where each person brings a wrapped gift and places it in the middle of the room. The first person then chooses a gift and unwraps it. The next person can either choose a new gift or steal the first person's gift. This continues until everyone has had a chance to choose or steal a gift.

What gifts Cannot be given to Chinese?

Sharp objects, similar to the handkerchief, are seen as cutting ties with a person. This can be seen negatively, and so it is often best to avoid gifts of knives or scissors on Chinese New Year. A common saying in Chinese is “one slash two parts” which China signifies the ending of a friendship.