How do I politely refuse to participate in GIFT EXCHANGES at work during the holidays?

I hate the commercialism of this holiday and want nothing to do with co-erced giving of gifts. If I want to give a gift to someone I do, but not this way. Whats a nice way to put this?

How do I politely refuse to participate in GIFT EXCHANGES at work during the holidays?
Well, not like that.





Just say that this Holiday Season you will not be participating in any organized gift exchange. You don't need to explain and if they ask why, just say that you have your reasons and you would hope that they would respect them.
Reply:Just ask whoever is in charge to not put your name in. That way no one buys for you, and you don't have to either.
Reply:I feel the same way, and your answer is the same as mine has always been, and you put it polite and to the point!
Reply:You're going to be a party pooper, no matter how you say it. The only way to avoid really creating a scene is to give a gift to EVERYONE in your office.





Consider it a game, a sport for which you have to buy a ticket. The ticket price for this game is probably about the same as a dinner at Pizza Hut. And hop down off your self-righteous high horse.





^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^
Reply:Tell them it goes against your religion, but don't tell them what religion it is.
Reply:The one in charge of the gift exchange should ask you if you would like to be included. That is proper etiquette. Just let them know that with the cost of everything else so high that money is tight and you would rather spend your money on family.
Reply:hahah now that a hard to get away with. with out looking like a cheap skate
Reply:say no. u have to get ur family gifts first. cuz family comes first.
Reply:I think what you just said is great. You are speaking in the "I" form, so nobody can feel attacked, and yet you express a conviction that makes a lot of sense. I don't think it would be impolite to say that.


And the term "commercialization" of Christmas is a buzz word people can relate to. (I'm not being sarcastic here. i know you are serious, you are also right - but a lot of people complain about "commercialization" of Christmas because it sounds cook, but don't do anything about it.
Reply:Tell them you're Jewish.
Reply:Maybe you could opt out by saying something along the lines of, "Gifts are not part of my tradition..."
Reply:say your like buddist and dont celebrate the holidays.
Reply:Say what we did: "I don't celebrate Christmas and I don't think that Jesus would want anything in his name to be so commercialized. We are Christians but this holiday has nothing to do with Christ."


I even might add, I think it is from the devil to put us in debt.


that ought to stop it.