On December 23rd, we celebrated our Secret Santa. Initially, I thought I would be the one who was going to be late, but I arrived first. Dhwani came next, followed by Bhavik, and later on, others joined. We were all in a festive mood and very excited. Once everyone was in, we had to put the books we had for our “Santee” in a big envelope and write their name on it. After distributing the gifts, the Santees had to open their presents (books) and guess who their Santa was.
Ankur opening his Gift
Rajeshwari opening her gift
Pritam opening his gift
Bhavik, Dhwani and Meher opening their gifts
Ankur received “Kafka on the Shore”; his Santa was Dhwani. Pritam got “A Search in Secret India,” and his Santa was Bhavik. Rajeshwari received “Swami and Friends” by RK Narayan; her Santa was Meher. Meher got a collection of classics, and her Santa was Pritam. Dhwani got “Faking It” and I was her Santa. I received “Circe” and my Santa was Ankur. Bhavik got “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and his Santa was Rajeshwari.
We shared stories about how we selected the books for one another, and Bhavik told us about the book he recently read, “Sophie’s World.” As the story was philosophical, and thanks to his presentation, the overview sounded so good. Dhwani got “The Spy Family Manga,” sparking my interest in reading Mangas. I spoke about “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” and suggested watching it on Prime. I’ve been so into the show that I’ve watched both seasons seven times as of now. Recently, I got the audiobook, and it was really good. I took a break from “Dorian Gray” and divided my travel time between “Dorian Gray” and “Good Omens.”
Bhavik talking about his book
Dhwani About her Book
Ankur’s wife and daughter joined us, and she received Becoming by Michelle Obama as a gift from Ankur. It was an all-around fun day for all of us. We talked about a lot of things, which if I start writing will never finish it.
Well, this was our last Bookclub meet of the year and we’ll meet again in January, 2024.
While coming back home, I was listening to “Dorian Gray” (YES, AGAIN) and was in the chapter of Sybil. Although I had already read the book multiple times and knew the end of Sybil, I couldn’t help but wonder that she had been under a dominating mother and then found her prince charming in Dorian. Dorian becomes infatuated with Sybil. He is captivated by the characters she plays on stage and falls in love with the idealized versions of those characters rather than the real Sybil. When Sybil’s acting fails to meet Dorian’s expectations one night, he becomes disillusioned and loses interest in her and rejects her and she takes her own life.
Love is indeed a complicated thing.
Current Reads and Watches:
I am not getting time at all but for ARC read from Book Sirens and Netgalley I am reading ‘Let there be Dark‘ and ‘Men Going Mad – Two twisty tales‘. Once it is done I will start reading ‘Circe‘ and ‘Murder your Employer‘
I had rewatched ‘Good Omens Season 1 and 2‘ twice, this was my 7th rewatch all over and I am still on ‘Grimm season 5‘. I really want to watch ‘Death’s game‘ too on Prime. Also, i hope Netflix gets some good shows soon.
It sounds like you guys had a blast, and I love the idea of exchanging books as gifts. The video clips of everyone opening their presents added a special touch
Friends, food, and holiday fun. You really can’t beat that. Looks like it was a great time! My friends do Secret Santa every year, and it’s always a great time.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. And Everyone has gotten some wonderful books. And seeing what type of books that everyone was getting was priceless.
I always love a good book club meeting. It looks like this was a fabulous one–secret santa is always a blast too!
Sounds like a great group of friends and good conversation! Love hearing about the books and how it went.
Oh, this is just wonderful. I’m loving all the videos of everyone opening up their presents! We used to do something like this long years ago with my sisters. It was so much fun.
I didn’t participate in our secret Santa gift exchange at work. I do like the idea of giving books though. I hope you enjoyed the book you received.
The idea of exchanging books as gifts sounds like a great idea, and I can imagine you guys had a blast.
Early bird at the Secret Santa, pure joy unwrapping surprises!
What a fun Secret Santa with such thoughtful book choices! It’s delightful to hear how each book was chosen with such care and consideration.
This is such a great idea for a gift exchange! The only one of these books I’ve read is Becoming and it was really interesting, politics aside, to read about what it was like to live in the White House. I am going to suggest a book exchange for my friends next year.
I love this gift exchange idea! Looks like it was such a fun time and a great memory to share!
It looks like you all had a very good time and I see a lot of nice gifts.
Those videos that shows opening the presents are really heart warming. It is very important to save those memories. I can sense that you are happy.
That sounds like a fun time. I have Michelle Obama’s book, “Becoming” as well. It was a gift from the hubs.
I love the video clips! It makes me feel like I was there. Looks like you had a lovely time and exchanged some good books.
Secret Santa is always so much fun. I love seeing everyone open their gifts.
I do love secret santa parties. It is fun to see people open gifts.
Sounds like a wonderful time everyone had. I love giving books for gifts to all ages.
I’ve participated in a Secret Santa exchange before, but never with books! I love this idea!
It sounds like you guys had a great time! I love the idea of exchanging gifts. Love the videos you’ve shared!
I love secret Santa gifts. This Christmas I curated the secret Santa gift to make it personalised & gladly they liked.
Will gift book next time for book lovers.
Secret Santa is such a fun activity. I love the way you have given a twist to it and mad books the centre of the activity. I am sure it must have been great fun for all. Sandy n Vyjay
Nice post about your Secret Santa meet. Looks like you had a good time exchanging books. Thanks for sharing your experience. Wishing you more fun events ahead.
This is a cool, interesting meet with the gift exchange. And the food looks so yummy as well.
It seems you had an amazing time at the Secret Santa Meet. The joy of connecting with friends and the spirit of gift-giving undoubtedly created lasting memories.