Why is it called Yankee Swap
Gift exchanges are obviously our favorite tradition, and who knows more about tradition than the fabulous people in the upper right side of the map? Yankee Swaps have been taking place since Ben Franklin traded his kite for a can of Martha’s cherry preserves. (We’re told that same year John Adams went home with a wooden squirrel figurine. “That package was deceptively heavy!” was all he kept saying as the rest of the forefathers scoffed at him.)
It’s true, our friends in New England began the tradition of exchanging things they no longer needed for something more useful. Useful is still the keyword in any Yankee Swap situation. While the rest of the country is jokingly wrapping up ugly cat socks or Justin Bieber pot holders, our savvy northern friends are more likely to give you something to dig your car out of the snow or a pocket knife. (Or if you are Michael Scott, an iPod.)
Folks east of the Mississippi are like “we can have fun but let’s not get crazy”. They keep it classy and functional and add their own pinch of holiday spirit. But just remember; you’re not always guaranteed a good gift in a Yankee Swap. There was that wooden squirrel incident…
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