When I headed off to my December Book Group meeting this evening, little did I know that I would end up playing Dirty Santa and participating in a Yankee Swap. This kind of indecorous behavior was not quite what I had in mind when I signed up for 'Christmas festivities', but resulted in what I must confess was a most enjoyable evening.
Before I go any further, I would just like to note for the record that I belong to two book clubs and we do actually spend a good proportion of each monthly meeting talking about the chosen literary tome. The first book club (unfairly referred to by my husband as the 'wine club') comprises British Embassy staff & spouses and we restrict our book choices to American fiction; the members of the second group are all American and our reading matter is somewhat more eclectic. Both groups are women-only affairs (which seems to be the case with every book club I've ever belonged to; there is clearly something too intimidating about discussing literature with lovely ladies for most men) and for some reason this means that I spend most of the year defending myself from accusations that book group revolves around drinking alcohol and gossiping. This is a gross misrepresentation of the learned discussion that takes place each month - although I fear that this posting will not do much to help plead my cause.
Tonight's gathering was the all-American Book Group December meeting - which tradition dictates revolves around eating, drinking, voting on the book of the year* and the annual White Elephant Gift Exchange. The WEGE has become such a focal point of the shindig that we have now given up the pretence that we might have time to discuss a specific title for this meeting and have dispensed with a December book altogether.
Being the only non-American in the group, I thought I should undertake a little pre-meeting research into WEGEs. Ever-trusty Wikipedia informed me that 'White elephant parties have been known to result in intensely vicious and/or playful rivalries between players trying to get sought after gifts'. Increasingly nervous, I asked our group organiser for guidance as to what sort of present I should bring. The message came back loud and clear: "Kitsch is good; crap you wouldn't even give to Goodwill is bad."
I arrived at Book Group rather late (having taken a 'short cut' through Rock Creek Park which transformed my 20-minute journey into a 45-minute odyssey) but in time to deposit my beautifully-wrapped contribution to the White Elephant Gift Exchange on the table in the centre of the room where all the other pressies were waiting. I was then initiated into the fine American tradition of WEGE, otherwise known as Dirty Santa, Thieving Secret Santa or Yankee Swap. The rules for this game are pretty strict - I found dozens of websites explaining exactly how to organise a WEGE. Which is as follows:
Every person picks a number from a hat and becomes a player numbered from 1 to 9. Player 1 goes first, picks a present and gives a gasp of joy as she opens her gift to find a truly tacky multi-coloured wooden fish necklace. Player 2 goes next, and can either pick a new present from the table or steal the truly tacky multi-coloured wooden fish necklace from Player 1. She elects to steal the truly tacky multi-coloured wooden fish necklace from Player 1. Player 1 is heartbroken, but gets to choose another new gift from the table. She selects a small festive bag in which she discovers some dazzling vintage ice-cream-shaped glass salt and pepper shakers. Player 3 goes next. She is able to steal either of the already-opened presents - the truly tacky multi-coloured wooden fish necklace now being modelled by Player 2 or the dazzling vintage ice-cream-shaped glass salt and pepper shakers in the possession of Player 1 - or opt for a new present from the table. She opts for a new present and is delighted to discern that she has hit the jackpot - the fabulous woollen knitted sushi pieces created by our very own Elizabeth Zimmerman protegee, Christine (who last year cooked up a crocheted cherry pie). And so the game continues, until all the presents have been selected and/or stolen. So not complicated at all, and lots of fun, even if the rivalry for the sushi did verge on the vicious at times. I'm so disappointed that I won't be around to partipate in next year's revelries, but am seriously considering mailing the group my special gift: a souvenir Wills & Kate Royal Wedding mug.
Incidentally, if my sister happens to be reading this, it is a sheer coincidence that the bright pink spotted frilly apron with 'Marbella' on the front is so similar to the one you gave us a couple of years ago...
*For anyone who was wondering, 'Out Stealing Horses' and 'Suite Francaise' were voted the joint winners amongst the books we'd most enjoyed reading this year, narrowly edging out 'Things Fall Apart' and 'East of Eden'.
Ah, Emma. Your blog post was delightful, and had me laughing out loud all over again. Honestly, being compared to Elizabeth Zimmermann is a dream come true. You will truly be missed. xo, christine
Posted by: *Glamour Kitty * | December 17, 2010 at 06:33 PM