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Infusing a new form of excitement into many holiday office and family parties, partygoers have been participating in “Dirty Santa” parties over the last several years.

Also known as White Elephant Gift Exchange, Gift Swap and Thieves’ Christmas the LadyBUGS Dirty Santa party is a crowd favorite for its members.

For many it’s important to work out a Dirty Santa strategy.

“My strategy is to try and scope out who brings in what package and then keep a close eye on the gifts opened,” said LadyBUGS member Dawn Moore. “I get excited with the idea of opening a present but love to steal what I see that I want.”

To start the game participants draw a number (according to how many gift givers are at your party) and then proceed. If number two likes/wants number one’s gift they “steal,” it and so on and so forth.

The game is played in many variations. The LadyBUGS way is once a gift is stolen the third time it is considered “dead” or no longer in play.

For many offices or family parties a Dirty Santa gift exchange alleviates the stress of buying a present for someone you don’t really know and definitely have no idea what’s on their wish list.

Moore enjoys a Dirty Santa gift exchange because she finds it brings out a new side to people.

“It brings out your competitive side, and it’s fun to see the shy people…charge,” she said.

Typically participants bring a $25 gift (or whatever dollar amount your host specifies).

The razzle dazzle of gloriously wrapped presents entices many to go for the unopened gift, but many are like Moore as they can’t keep their eyes off a previously opened gift that they want to claim.

LadyBUGS president Donna Coates says this Dirty Santa party is one of her favorite LadyBUGS meetings.

Coates couldn’t resist the allure of the final unopened gift on the table.

To her delight it was a gift that she said matches her kitchen perfectly.

Honoring the true meaning of the season (faith, hope and love) Coates took a moment to remind her LadyBUGS friends to tell the people they love what they mean to them.

As another successful Dirty Santa party came to its fantastic close, Coates wished everyone a very Merry Christmas!