We have our annual company holiday party today, with “Secret Santa” being the highlight of the event. For the record, I’ve never been a big Secret Santa fan. For me, it’s more fun – and easier – to do a Yankee Swap – you don’t have to know anything about the person who gets your gift. You don’t have to think about it, you just have to get a gift, wrap it (or if you are like me, stick it in one of those gift bags) and Voila! Done!

To me, social media can be like a Yankee Swap. You don’t have to have a relationship with someone you call a friend on Facebook or follow on Twitter. You can just write what you want, post it out there and Voila! You’re doing social media!

Of course, that’s not the way it is meant to be…social media is supposed to be more like a Secret Santa. While you may never meet a person, you are supposed to know enough about them to be able to give them meaningful dialog. And vice versa. But that’s the trick. How many people take the time, for example, to look at who is following them on Twitter to see if it makes sense that you are connected? Too often, it becomes a Yankee Swap scenario…no real interest in a relationship, just as long as what I say gets out.

So while I still like a good Yankee Swap – nothing like the general hilarity and mayhem that ensues over that one sought-after gift, or the desire to get rid of that scented bath soap – I see the social media side to Secret Santa…and I like it.

Happy Holidays!

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