Along with the extraordinary salary, the Christmas basket – for the lucky ones who receive it – is one of the moments most awaited by Spanish employees. And in any case, this batch of traditional Christmas products continues to be, for many, the tangible expression of the Christmas spirit at work, almost more than the Christmas tree and the chocolate churros on Lottery Jackpot Day. According to estimates from food sector associations and the Horeca chain, between 9 and 10 million Christmas baskets and packages are sold each year in Spain, with a business volume that well exceeds 500 million euros. Even if this figure has remained stable in recent years, the type of basket has changed: personalized and less expensive models are multiplying compared to the large luxury boxes which, in previous decades, symbolized economic prosperity. Unlike what happens in the United States, where companies celebrate “employee of the month”, in Spain the Christmas basket is considered a symbolic “medal” for company loyalty. For years, it was a hallmark of recognition and camaraderie within companies, but inflation, cost controls and the standardization of labor policies have reduced its presence. Large companies and family businesses continue to maintain this tradition to strengthen the feeling of belonging and improve their internal image. Despite its transformation, the basket continues to be for many employees a gesture of gratitude and a reminder of human closeness in times of balance sheets, accounting statements and future objectives. TikTok user @maruxxi_, a Lidl employee, went viral – as did another Mango employee and one from Inditex – by sharing her reaction after receiving the company’s traditional Christmas hamper. In the recording, the employee begins by evaluating her Christmas prize and makes it clear from the start that she greatly appreciates the company’s gesture towards its workers. While viewing the content, comment on each product. The first thing she finds is a soft nougat, although she jokes when checking with a colleague that each basket includes different varieties. Then discover a pistachio cream, a product as fashionable as Artificial Intelligence. The basket continues with a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, Dubai chocolate – one of the most popular items in Lidl supermarkets in recent months -, oregano, a Ribera del Duero wine and a pack of Iberian shoulder, a classic. A curious moment in the video is when the young content creator takes out a scarf for her neck. Laughing, he comments: “Am I a cyclist, a mountaineer or what? I’m selling it on Vinted! But he immediately clarifies: “No, I’m not going to sell it. Thank you Lidl”, and promises to offer it to his followers. The publication accumulates thousands of views and comments which arouse envy on one side and flattery on the other.
About The Author
