Whether you call it Kris Kringle, Secret Santa or just plain old 'gift exchange,' there's no doubt that holiday season anonymous gift exchanges are a favorite holiday tradition. Why? Simply because they are a sure-fire way to spice up holiday parties and bring groups together around gift giving.
While known by the name Secret Santa in the U.S. and Great Britain, the ritual is also known under Kris Kindle and Kris Kringle in Australia and New Zealand. The phrase 'Secret Santa' can refer both to the game or to any of the people participating.
Whether for office or home, church or school, here are four cardinal rules to make sure this year's Secret Santa a happy boost to your group's holiday spirit:
- Start early. Don't set up your Kris Kringle group and game at the last minute. Give people time to find thoughtful gifts. The first week in December is a great time to set your group up - this is a time when thoughts are already turning to Christmas.
- Get people excited! Announce the Kris Kringle program with enthusiasm and salesmanship... remind people that the whole point is to get laughs when the gifts are opened.
- Make participation optional. Especially in workplace settings, give folks a pep talk to sign up, but also give them the room to opt out. Not every one is comfortable with this holiday ritual.
- Be clear on cash limits. The whole idea is to give gifts that spark fun, not that cost a lot. Limits on gift giving are almost always a good idea - not only do they make sure everyone can afford their role as Kris Kringle, but they help inspire creativity - usually, the lower the dollar amount, the higher the creativity index!
- Ensure gifts are appropriate. Find a way to gently remind folks that all gifts must be appropriate to your group. A mistake at some office Christmas parties is the Kris Kringle gift that causes embarrassment to the recipient.
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