How to organize a holiday exchange

It's that time of year folks! It's time to think about holiday traditions whether to stick to an old one or to create a new one. In our family each year we have an exchange. One year it was a cookie exchange, the following year an ornament exchange and last year we had a stocking exchange. It was great fun for the kids and the adults.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and pen to write down all participant names.
• A hat, bowl or other item to place all the names into for a drawing.
• Rules or guidelines, i.e. price limitations,size limitations etc.
• Date of exchange. Sometimes we get together in the weeks leading up to the holidays to get us in the spirit.

1. All participants and there should be an equal number, will draw a name out of a hat or bowl and that is who they make an ornament for or stuff a stocking for. This name should be kept a secret. (Ssh!)

2. Make sure all participants are aware of any guidelines or rules. For example, when our family did an ornament exchange, all ornaments had to be handmade and represent the giver and the receiver, then the receiver had to guess who made their ornament after viewing it for a few seconds. There was a ton of creativity on this project! Ornaments can also be purchased in this type of exchange.

3. If stuffing a stocking for a stocking exchange, the person arranging the exchange can purchase stockings that are identical and pass them out. This ensures the mystery and only the person who drew the name knows who they have.

Tips & Warnings

• Dollar Tree Stores, Walmart and Big Lots Stores all carry affordable stockings, ornaments and many other festive items for the upcoming holiday season.
• Have fun with your exchange. It can be done at work or within a family or group of friends.