Secret Santa is becoming a hugely popular tradition in North America (possibly world-wide, not 100% sure on that)! I have seen them in families, friend groups, organisations, teams, and even offices. There are a few different ways to organise them, and several different options!
1.To be secret or to be not secret?
It all depends on the group, but you can either have everyone’s name on a piece of paper and draw one by one, or you can have person draw/assign names. In my office and Junior Circle exchanges, we each draw names and then you don’t find out who your Santa is until the end. In my Secret Squirrel exchange with Alpha Gams worldwide, one sister graciously coordinates the list so that you aren’t matched with someone you already know. I’ve seen Secret Santa done completely in the open in a lot of families (it’s not secret at all, but still fun).
2) How much information do you want?
For my office exchange, we fill out this fantastic sheet with favourite colours, animals, foods, drinks, books, hobbies, etc- and it is a life saver. It means that people don’t get plain, generic gifts, and the givers can be really creative. For Junior Circle, we wrote down three general ideas or suggestions to give direction. It is helpful to everyone, and doesn’t add a whole lot of time to the process.
3) Is it person specific, or a general exchange?
A lot of offices and friend groups will have everyone buy a $10-15 present, and do Yankee Christmas/Nasty Christmas/Christmas Swap where you can “steal” presents each round. (Watch the third season Christmas episode of the Office if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about!) This is not my favourite event, as it typically drags on and everyone ends up with someone bizarre and random. It is helpful for people who don’t know each other well, though. (See point 2.)
4) When should you do it?
Probably before the holiday break! (If you are lucky enough to have a break) I know some companies will have their holiday party in January, to save money and make scheduling easier, but a gift exchange seems odd, then. If it’s a mail exchange, I would recommend mailing it by the last Wednesday in November to any North American destination. Worldwide? I would recommend by the Monday or Tuesday of the third week of November. Everything is slower, allow time! If it’s an exchange in person, perhaps look at the end of November or first week of December. Our office exchange is in the last full week before the break!
5) What should you get?
If there are no suggestions given (I can’t encourage that enough), and you are almost resorting to generic lotion and candle sets/coffee mugs with candy/gift cards, ask around a little bit! People love being included in on secret santas, and I haven’t seen one spoiled yet because people have told others who they have. Check out the ever useful Pinterest, pay attention to their desk and anything else they have/buy, and think outside of the box! You can also get them multiple smaller items to offer variety.
All of my holiday posts will have a holiday music recommendation! This week is Pentatonix’s That’s Christmas to Me (Deluxe Edition): I’m always amazed that there are no instruments when I listen to Pentatonix. This is a relaxing mix of classic holiday songs, carols, and hymns. I enjoy that they included Imogen Heap’s “Just for Now”, a bit of a change for a Christmas album. 100% worth the $10.99 I paid on iTunes!
Do you take part in any Secret Santa exchanges? Do you have any traditions that add to it?
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!
The sheet idea you have it work is a really good idea. It’s difficult by secret Santa when you don’t really know the person.
From Debra @ https://cultivatingtime.wordpress.com/
I found it was incredibly helpful!! And now I’m learning about my co-workers!
The sheet idea you have it work is a really good idea. It’s difficult by secret Santa when you don’t really know the person.
From Debra @ https://cultivatingtime.wordpress.com/
I found it was incredibly helpful!! And now I’m learning about my co-workers!