Each guest had been asked to bring some toy
or play-thing which is still good, but which has lost its charm
for him. These “white elephants” are to be securely
wrapped up so that there may be no evidence of what is inside
the parcel, and are given to the hostess upon arrival, each
one being marked with the owner’s name. Just after refreshment
is over they are brought out, each guest being asked to take
his own parcel. It is a good plan for the hostess to have a
few extra at hand, for there is always some child who forgets
to bring a white elephant. When each one has been given his
own package he starts in exchanging his parcel for that of someone
else. No one is allowed to open a package or to tear the covering
even a little to see what is inside. All they can do is to smell
and feel the package! They may exchange as many times as they
like, or until they are satisfied that they have the one they
really want. About five minutes is allowed for this, and at
the end of the time the hostess calls, “Time!” which
means that they may now open their packages.
The mystery of these unseen gifts is always appealing to children-and
grown-ups! When gifts have been opened and their contents noted,
exchanging is again allowed, so that every child might go home
happy in the knowledge that he had made a good bargain. |
