Smith’s School of English’s 2009 Christmas party was held on December 13th at Capall Uisce Irish Pub in Nishinomiya Kitaguchi. Tsukaguchi,Okamoto and Kawanishi schools joined the party. 26 people including students, teachers, family members and friends attended.
It was a lot of fun. When the party began to swing, we played a game named “White Elephant Present Raffle” which nobody had ever heard of, so I would like explain it to you now.
First of all, everyone brings two presents both wrapped up nicely. One of them is a new article and the other one is something old and not so sought after or a gag present. All of the new, old or uninteresting presents are mixed and numbered. Then, people choose the number and receive the same numbered present. However, if you don’t like the present you receive, you can exchange for one of the better presents received by someone before you. The reason this game is interesting is that the person requested to exchange with you can’t refuse, so causes them to be disappointed and a little frustrated. (Actually most people have a second chance to get another present and take one away from someone else.) It makes the party exciting. However, I realized that most of Japanese people consider the feelings of others so much that only a few people swapped presents. Eventually, the party turned out not to be as exciting as I had hoped.
Next time, I hope they will understand the object of this game and enjoy taking away each other’s presents. After all it is all done in the name of fun only.
To read about this in Japanese click here.
To watch the video click here.
Al,
Yes, it was a lot of fun. My students and I had a great time. I hope to hold more joint events with your school in 2010!
Derek (^.^)
Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi