LONDON, ON – During the office’s yearly exchange of Secret Santa gifts, Daniel Cohen, a Jewish HR manager, received one small menorah from associate-VP of marketing, Karen Welsh.
“Well isn’t that nice. This is perfect for Hanukkah, which is a holiday I celebrate,” said Cohen, referring to the Jewish festival of lights that ended over a week ago.
Cohen then smiled and turned the decorative candlestick back and forth in order to properly display its plastic candle holders and fake hebrew writing features to everyone in attendance.
Welsh was initially stumped when she drew Cohen’s name for Secret Santa almost a month ago.
“I always try to give gifts that show how well I pay attention,” said Welsh. “I’d spent a month trying to come up with something unique to Dan’s interests before I finally came across the Jewish candle thing. I was like: ‘Perfect! He probably needs one of these!’”
Cohen, who received a dreidel and chocolate-covered matzah from Secret Santa at his former workplace, was reportedly so surprised and happy with the gift that he spent the rest of the afternoon staring at it while occasionally shaking his head in presumed delight.
“Daniel was so lucky to get Karen as his Secret Santa,” said accountant Liam McIntosh. “Her gifts are always so inspired and personal. I remember last year she gave [Egyptian intern] Omer Basara a jar of President’s Choice chutney.”
After lunch, office staff approached Cohen, handing him a book of matches and requesting that he “do a hanukkah”. Cohen declined, however, explaining he had already put the menorah in the trunk of his car.
