How to do a Secret Santa at work

You've heard of a Secret Santa. But what is it? Well, it's a fun way to exchange gifts for a large crowd of people, such as at work, on a budget. If you've never done what and don't know what to expect now that you've been asked to participate, or if you'd like to host one, this article will give you tips about Secret Santas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slips of paper
• Candy canes (optional)
• 5 small gifts, wrapped

1. Create a sign up sheet. Write a deadline on it for when the last day is that they can sign up to be a Secret Santa. Some people like a few days to think about it, so they might not write their name right away if they don't know there is a deadline. But it is up to you when you want to know who's involved because Secret Santa doesn't really work with late-comers.

2. Set a time and total cost for the Secret Santa. A fun way to do this is over a 5 day period that is the last full week before Christmas. Let people know which 5 days they are expected to bring gifts and leave them on their coworker's desk unseen. Also, let them know what the total cost of gifts for the week should be. A typical amount is $20 to $25 for the week, but if the majority wishes for it to be more or less you can adjust. Just make sure everyone knows the cost so that people can decide if they want/are able to participate in the Secret Santa.

3. Write each person's name who wishes to participate in Secret Santa on a separate slip of paper. Mix them up, and have everyone choose a name for whom to buy gifts. As the host, to make this fun, attach names (folded) onto candy canes or wrapped biscotti for people to "pull" instead of just slips of paper. Some hosts will ask you to tell them whose name you pulled in order to keep track of gifts in case there is ever confusion that needs to be settled. If anyone seems offended, put it on you. Let them know "it's just in case I skipped a name of someone who signed up, or wrote someone's name twice." Or if you prefer, don't keep a record and leave it to the honor system.

4. Buy 5 small gifts, wrap them, and leave one where the person will find it each day. If you want to go above and beyond, decorate their desk with garland, or tack paper snowflakes to their bulletin board. Being someone's Secret Santa is about making the holidays more festive and fun, so be creative! It might catch on and inspire your coworkers in the future.

5. Reveal your identity to the person you had on the last day. Wish them happy holidays!

6. Thank the person who reveals their identity to you as your Secret Santa. Let them know which gift was your favorite. Wish them happy holidays!

Tips & Warnings

• If you get a gift you don't like, don't confide in a coworker. They could be the one who drew your name!

[meacham01]

on 12/11/2008 I love this. Great article.

[QueenofMisc]

on 12/8/2008 Secret Santas are such fun! It never grows old :-)