Not-So-Secret Santa

We just finished our annual Christmas Mass and Luncheon at the Archdiocesan Headquarters. It was a great day of celebration, good food, and good cheer.

Part of the tradition is the Secret Santa gift exchange. We submit and pick our names a couple of weeks in advance and then are hopefully surprised and happy when we receive our gifts.

I went to the washroom just as Faye and the Social Committee started to hand out the Secret Santa gifts, and then on my way back to the party was asked to help load Archbishop Roussin’s gifts into his car.

As we exchanged a Christmas hug, he asked me: “Did you get your Secret Santa gift yet?”

“Nope, because I’m out here with you!”

“Well it’s me.”

“Uh….thanks for keeping it a secret.”

“I hope you like it. Merry Christmas.”

I hurried back to the party and saw the lone package underneath the tree. As if I was one of my sons, I excitedly ran towards the tree and dragged my present out, ripping the top of the bag in the process. What on earth could make this so heavy? I laughed as I pulled the contents out:

-a 12-pack of Pepsi (my favourite)
-a “Hockey News” magazine
-an “All In” poker magazine

I grinned from ear to ear as I reflected on just how well Archbishop Roussin knows me. Then I got scared thinking of how well Archbishop Roussin knows me. So here’s one of his Directors, addicted to pop and with a liking to poker (not the other way around…)

Hopefully I have a job in the New Year.


PS: Turns out that Rob, who certainly knows me very well, offered his input in putting the gift together. I guess 3 years of working together counts for something!