by ABFRLadmin | January 6, 2025
As the curtains close on this year, there’s a unique buzz in the air – one that’s equal parts festive cheer and anticipation for what’s to come. At ABFRL, the holiday season includes closing targets and wrapping up projects; but with a dash of celebrating traditions that bring us closer together. It’s not just about the fairy lights and decorations (though we definitely went all out this year!), it’s also about the little things – marvelling at someone’s completely unique wish for a gift, trying to guess who kept that perfectly wrapped box on the desk, and sharing stories about past gifts that make us smile.
This year, we had a fantastic time diving into the wonderful Secret Santa experiences shared by our team. From practical wish lists to laugh-out-loud gift ideas, the creativity and enthusiasm of our colleagues serve as a source of never-ending inspiration. So, as we unwrap this festive tradition together, let’s take a look at some of the highlights – and maybe even a few surprises!
1. Practical picks
This year witnessed the ‘simple and practical’ trend. Winter wear like jackets and sweatshirts to battle the nip in the air, running shoes, and even a sleek laptop bag for a compact carry-on, were all popular choices. A few people were seen eyeing journals, calendars and notebooks to get a head start on the new year, and then there were those who just wanted coffee, lots of it, to survive the winter workdays. It’s safe to say that practicality over extravagance was people’s choice this December.
2. Quirky and fun
Our office rang with laughter as one after the other the wishes came to light. Someone wanted chunky rings, another asked for a Nerf gun (imagine the office wars!), and one, bless your ingenuity, asked for Santa himself with a sack full of gifts. I have questions, but also, love the audacity! These quirky picks are a reflection of the diverse, and delightfully unpredictable personalities ABFRL houses.
3. Unrealistic expectations (Or is there such a thing?)
And finally, the dreamers. My personal favourites! An iPhone? Sure, why not! A vacation to Switzerland or Sri Lanka? Sounds amazing. And an MG Hector? Well, aiming high is a virtue, isn’t it? But the best one that got everyone nodding in agreement was the wish to relocate the office to a building near their house – a bold move, buddy! I get it entirely. Let’s be honest, there’s something inspiring about dreaming big. After all, if you don’t ask, how would Santa make it come true?
Secret Santa gifts are special not just because of what they are but because of the stories they create. On that note, some of you shared absolute gems.
A Rubik’s cube might sound simple, but it’s the kind of gift that keeps you entertained long after Christmas is over. A dream catcher to inspire peaceful sleep – beautiful and thoughtful. But a homemade lunch for a particularly homesick buddy who lives far away from home? That one hit right in the feels.
The beauty in practicality came to the surface with gifts like a laptop stand for the one who is hunched over and always rubbing his neck; and a Stanley water bottle to help along with a colleague’s New Year’s resolution of drinking more water. Absolute genius!
Another standout gift was a handmade scrapbook – a perfect example of ‘it’s the thought behind the gift that counts, more than its cost’. It’s gifts like these that remind us of what Secret Santa is really about – making people feel seen and appreciated.
What’s more exciting than receiving gifts? Giving them! A responsibility everyone took very seriously.
There were some incredibly thoughtful ideas this year, like gifting sustainable, eco-friendly items. Someone suggested an indoor bamboo plant with quirky message tags, because why not give a gift that’s as good for the environment as it is for the receiver?
Others leaned into their creativity with Lego sets, handmade lampshades, and even showpiece cigars. And then there’s the person who said, “Your wish is my command” to the dance enthusiast with an emergency office dance party button. That’s some top-tier Santa dedication right there!
For those who like to personalise it, Christmas presented a readymade opportunity to truly get to know someone before choosing their gift.
While Secret Santa is a dearly beloved annual tradition, this year’s creativity kicked it up a notch.
A gift hunt instead of the usual exchange? Yes, please! Or a theme-based gifting system – retro, DIY, or even colour-coded? Love it! And the idea of picking a random gift from the pile and getting to keep it if you guessed right? Well, might as well aim for the biggest one! Someone also suggested keeping both the giver and receiver anonymous, which surely adds an extra layer of intrigue. Although, the inquisitive cat in me can’t fathom not knowing!
Honestly, these ideas show just how innovative and playful we can be as a team. Well, there’s always next year to give these a shot.
When it comes to gifting, it’s no surprise that our brands were the frontrunners. Pantaloons emerged as the top choice for Secret Santa shopping this year, with its versatile range of options for everyone. Close contenders included Allen Solly and Van Heusen, both loved for their premium appeal, and Louis Philippe for those who prefer timeless sophistication.
It’s always a proud moment to see how our own brands add to the joy of the season, not just for us, but for the people we share our gifts with.
Secret Santa at ABFRL is clearly more than a gift exchange; it’s a celebration of who we are as a team. From thoughtful presents to unexpected surprises, it’s these little moments that enrich the bond we share.
Closing out the year with such traditions makes me feel really grateful for our ABFRL family. As we turn the page to 2025, let’s carry this spirit forward, together!
