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Senate Secret Santa brings bipartisan cheer

Congress is showing some bipartisanship both in their budget dealings and in their holiday cheer during the 2013 "Secret Santa" gift exchange.
The 2013 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Washington D.C.
The 2013 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Washington D.C.

Holiday miracles do exist!

Congress is showing some bipartisanship this holiday season -- both in their budget dealings and holiday cheer.

For the third straight year, Minnesota Democratic Senator Al Franken is reprising the role of “elf” and organizing a “Secret Santa” gift exchange with 42 Democrats and 23 Republicans signed up to take part.

The bipartisan group of 65 will pick names in advance and buy gifts under $15. Of course, keeping their identify secret until they deliver their presents at a gathering Tuesday evening, complete with eggnog and seasonal treats. 

Here are a few of the gifts that were exchanged Tuesday evening:

  • Sen. Franken gave his colleague, Sen. Joe Donnelly, a hand-drawn map of the United States that focused on the states that played a role in Donnelly’s life.
  • Sen. Marco Rubio received coal, but it was in the form of an elephant statue from his colleague Sen. Joe Manchin, who wanted to show off the manufacturing style from his coal-producing home state.
  • Sen. John Boozman gifted Sen. Tim Kaine jam and jellies made by House of Webster in Rogers, Arkansas.
  • Sen. Johnny Isakson gave Sen. Ben Cardin a “Georgia Clay Bread Warmer” showing off Georgia’s red clay.
  • Sen. Mike Johanns gifted Sen. Dianne Feinstein California Wine.
  • Sen. Orrin Hatch gave Sen. Elizabeth Warren Dunkin Donuts.