The 11 Stages Of Secret Santa

We've all been there. It's a nightmare. But it can be different this year...

1. It doesn't start well.

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You pick a name out of a hat. It's someone you don't know.

2. Realisation kicks in.

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What on *earth* are you going to buy?

3. Obviously, everyone else is fine.

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They all picked people they know. And like. And already have present ideas. You hate them.

4. The morning of the Christmas party arrives.

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You've obviously not thought of a present yet. Time is running out. It means one thing...

5. Lunchtime shopping.

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With everyone else who is in the same position as you. It's chaos. CURSE YOU, SECRET SANTA.

6. Against the odds, you find a gift.

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You're overjoyed. It's the best present ever, right? Right?

7. It's gift giving time.

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You realise you've made a mistake. What were you thinking? You're sweating. The gift isn't even funny. In fact it's offensive. What have you done? Why? What...

8. This has gone wrong.

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Horribly, horribly wrong. You've misjudged this. Hate fills the room.

9. There are tears.

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From everyone. Not just the person you bought the present for.

10. There's only one thing left to do.

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Leave. Get out now. Who needs a job anyway? You'll make new friends, right?

11. Secret Santa has ruined your life.

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You're alone now, wondering how different things could have been...

12. *BONUS STAGE* It doesn't have to be this way any more...

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Why waste your money on something that will only get left in the pub or on the night bus? While you're worrying about what gift you can buy, our patients and their families will be worrying about what happens next to them. We want to provide more incredible care to those who need it, but need your help to do so.

Instead of having to find a gift for your Secret Santa recipient, simply donate your Secret Santa gift money to Sue Ryder instead.

Text SANTA to 70060 now to give £5. We'll text you a link to our website so you can download your Secret Santa gift certificate to give to your recipient. Win-win.

Your gift of an #incrediblesecret will make a huge difference this Christmas. Thank you.

We've made a page on our site with more details about our secret santa fundraising. You'll find it here: www.sueryder.org/secretsanta.

(You might also want to read our text donation T&Cs. They're pretty standard, but we have to tell you about them. You'll helpfully find them here.)

Happy Christmas :)

Who are Sue Ryder?

In case you've not heard of us (or have maybe just seen our shops on your high street) - we provide incredible hospice and neurological care for people facing a frightening, life-changing diagnosis. It's not just expert medical care we provide. It's the emotional support and practical things we take care of too. We do whatever we can to be a safety net for our patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time of their lives.

Not only do we treat more conditions than any other UK charity in our hospices, neurological care centres and out in the community; we also campaign to improve the lives of people living with them. We see the person, not the condition, taking time to understand the small things that help that person live the fullest life they can.

Find out more about what we do: www.sueryder.org