- Christmas Lunch, White Elephant, and Giving
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The Communications Department here at Quixtar celebrated its Christmas lunch today. We all chip-in and bring food to share. The tables were full of ham, chili, salads, and other delights. We had a separate table just for desserts. It was quite the feast.
After the meal, we engaged in what has become a holiday tradition here -- a white elephant exchange. Everyone brings an unwanted, unusual, or funny gift. The wrapped gifts are placed on a table. We draw numbers and each person selects a gift and opens it. The next person can "steal" from the opened gifts or take one from the table. You can't "steal" if your selection from the table is taken from you, you must return to the table and take a new gift. Robin who has The Real Quixtar Blog had about 6 gifts taken from him. Among this year's hot items -- Elvis Presley Pez dispensers, a snowman soap dispenser and matching towels, and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree that is now mine.
Its all good fun and good food. And it helps build team spirit. However, the most important part of this year's celebration was the report we received concerning a local family our department sponsored, helping to buy Christmas presents for the kids. Giving is at the heart of Christmas, at the center of many IBO's lives and businesses, and very much in accord with Quixtar and Alticor and their many philanthropic efforts here in Grand Rapids and across the world.