Secret Santa is a holiday tradition that has brought equal parts joy, humor, and mild anxiety (what do you buy for Bob in accounting?) to workplaces, families, and friend groups for decades.
If you haven’t participated in one yet, you are missing out on the most quirky and funny of gift exchanges.
But how did it all start?
Lucky for you, we are sleuths over here at BasketWorks, and we’ve gotten to the bottom of Secret Santa.
A Tradition Rooted in Generosity
The exact origins of Secret Santa are a bit murky, but the spirit of anonymous giving dates back centuries.
One of the earliest inspirations comes from Saint Nicholas himself. The 4th-century bishop, known for his secret acts of kindness—like leaving coins in shoes or rescuing families in need—set the tone for the anonymous generosity we associate with modern-day Secret Santa.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, when the practice began to take shape as a group activity. Some say it started in Scandinavia, where “Julklapp” (or “Christmas knock”) involved leaving gifts on doorsteps, knocking, and running away before being seen.
Others trace it to the United States, where it gained traction as a creative way to exchange gifts without breaking the bank or leaving anyone out.
The Modern Secret Santa
The Secret Santa we know today—where participants draw names to determine whom they’ll buy a gift for—was popularized by workplace gift exchanges.
The goal? To add a touch of fun and reduce the stress (and expense) of buying gifts for everyone in the office.
A significant boost to its popularity came from philanthropist Larry Dean Stewart in the 1970s. Stewart, known as the “original Secret Santa,” anonymously handed out $100 bills to strangers in need during the holiday season. His generosity inspired others to embrace anonymous giving, creating a wave of kindness during the holidays that continues today.
Aww.
Why We Love It
It’s equal parts strategy, luck, and good old-fashioned chaos, making it the perfect way to inject some energy into holiday traditions.
Whether it’s a funny gag gift or something heartfelt, Secret Santa has a way of bringing people together and celebrating the true spirit of the holidays: thoughtfulness, kindness, a sense of community, and walking away the winner because you drew the air fryer.
🧙♂️ SHAMLESS PLUG ALERT 🧙♂️
Never mind the air fryer, if you were to receive our Gnome for the Holidays Gift Basket, they would erect statues of you wherever Secret Santa is played. This gem starts with a hyacinth basket, accented with a Gnome theme ribbon, and features: Gnome cookie jar; Plush Gnome ornament; Gnome Nog mix; Gnome cocoa mix; Walker’s shortbread; Magnolia Bakery banana pudding cookie, and more.
It’s time to get your gnome on!
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
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