The term white elephant refers to an extravagant but burdensome gift that cannot be easily disposed of, based on the legend of the King of Siam gifting rare albino elephants to courtiers who had displeased him, that they might be ruined by the animals’ upkeep costs. Ezra Cornell popularized the white elephant gift exchange, in which participants each contribute one gift to be exchanged by taking turns. Each turn, a participant may choose to unwrap a gift or steal a previously unwrapped gift, allowing the previous owner to select a new gift. I packaged this little fellow in an inconspicuous black paper box - and it worked! My gift was selected last and concluded the exchange with a big round of applause.

Happy holidays!