In a surprising turn of events, a woman named Amanda B recently took to social media to express her astonishment at her Christmas bonus from her employer—a potato. Amanda shared her experience on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that not only was she receiving a potato as a bonus, but her company also assessed its value at $15, subjecting it to taxation.
In a post that quickly went viral, Amanda lamented, “My work is doing a potato bar as our Christmas bonus. I’m getting a hospital potato as a bonus.” She humorously considered quitting her job and even pondered bringing Tupperware to the potato bar to maximize her return with ample sour cream.
Amanda acknowledged that the potato bar was an improvement over the previous year’s Christmas gift, which was a 30-minute video conference call with the company’s executives. She quipped, “This is my Charlie Brown villain origin story.”
My work is doing a potato bar as our Christmas bonus. I'm literally getting a hospital potato as a bonus. They also said it has a $15 value so it will be taxed on our next check. Does anyone need an assistant so I can just quit right now?
— Amanda B (@amandajpanda) December 12, 2023
Explaining the company’s rationale behind the unusual bonus choice, Amanda revealed, “A potato bar is baked potatoes with toppings. Also, this was what they decided after deciding frito pies were too expensive because the turkey chilli would cost too much and after striking a beverage bar of water hot chocolate and apple cider was a no-go due to drink policies.”
The post garnered a range of reactions on social media, with users expressing disbelief and amusement. One user questioned the concept, asking if employees were receiving loaded baked potatoes as gifts that had to be declared as income. Another user, hailing from Idaho, scoffed at the notion that a potato could be worth $15.
Comments on social media highlighted the absurdity of the situation, with one user sarcastically remarking, “Ah, I can just feel the Christmas spirit emanating around me….kindness and generosity everywhere…” Another drew a parallel to the popular TV show, stating, “This sounds like an episode of The Office. We need a part 2. I am emotionally invested at this point.”
YOU ATTENTION PLEASE! The moment you've all been waiting for, my $15 taxed potato. pic.twitter.com/rVAmaDFD6N
— Amanda B (@amandajpanda) December 13, 2023
Also read: ‘Tinselling’: New Dating Trend Arrived As Santa’s Jingles Jingle All Around Us
In summary, Amanda’s potato-themed Christmas bonus has become an internet sensation, prompting discussions about unconventional workplace gifts and the humorous side of holiday surprises.