Every neighborhood has its traditions, but ours has one that has not only stood the test of time, it has flourished, evolved, and occasionally sparked spirited debates over the finer points of gift-exchange etiquette. Since its humble beginning nearly twenty years ago, our annual Ladies Luncheon and White Elephant Gift Exchange has grown into a cherished celebration of friendship, community, and the subtle art of competitive present stealing.

 

What started with a small circle of neighbors has expanded and shifted as families have moved in and out, creating a wonderfully blended group of women who have shared more laughter than we could ever count. Over the years, this tradition has become more than just an event, it has become a reflection of what makes our neighborhood so special: genuine friendship, support when it is needed most, and a reason to gather, reconnect, and celebrate each other.

 

The luncheon portion of the day has taken on many forms. Some years we have gathered at a favorite restaurant, other years at the club, and this year we will return to a restaurant—with the added flair of taking a limo to and from. Because if there is anything we have learned over twenty-plus years, it is that the sparkle of friendship shines even brighter with a little extra glamour.

After lunch comes the main event: the White Elephant Gift Exchange. This is where traditions deepen, laughter peaks, and the rules… well, the rules are debated, defended, rewritten, and then debated again. The annual question of whether the first person gets to pick again at the end after all gifts have been opened has become something of a neighborhood classic. Equally legendary is the ongoing investigation into how many times a gift can be stolen before it becomes “frozen.” We believe we have finally landed on three steals—but if history has taught us anything, it is that no rule is ever truly safe from renegotiation.

 

Once gifts have been opened, swapped, stolen, and stolen again, the day evolves into an evening celebration as spouses join in for dinner and the kind of cheerful chaos that only this group can create. Over the years, the host homes—rotating annually—have been beautifully decorated, warm, and welcoming, each adding a unique backdrop to the festivities. Our spouses look forward to this night just as much as we do, perhaps because they know they are guaranteed good food, great company, and a front-row seat to the kind of stories that only emerge after a long day together.

This tradition, over twenty years strong, has become a highlight of our holiday season. But beyond the gifts, the meals, and the spirited debates about White Elephant bylaws, what makes it truly special is the bond we share. Year after year, this gathering reminds us how fortunate we are to live in a neighborhood where friendship goes far beyond a wave at the mailbox. We support one another, celebrate one another, and show up for one another—and that is the greatest gift of all.

Here is to another year of laughter, lunching, limo rides, and perhaps just a little lighthearted gift-stealing controversy. May the tradition continue to bring joy to all who join, old friends and new.