There’s a way to decrease your Christmas shopping list from 20 people down to 1 person without hurting anyone’s feelings. Secret Santa is one of the most popular holiday games. It’s a fun and easy way to save money and still make everyone happy on Christmas Day. From getting the name to giving the gift, the game can be a success if everyone follows the rules. The basic concepts of the game are simple.

Set a limit:

Limit how much each gift can cost or the total cost everyone has to spend for each participant. When deciding on a limit make sure everyone participating is there, this ensures everyone can afford to give a gift without feeling embarrassed. Keep in mind everyone has a different budget they can spend so make sure everyone is happy with the arrangement. Stick to the limit!

 Write down everyone’s name:

Have each participant write down their name on a slip of paper and on the back of the same slip write down a wish list of three items that are in the set limits. This can save people from stressing out on what to buy the recipient or buying something that the recipient won’t use. Fold the piece of paper in half with the name on the inside.

 Choosing the names:

Put all the papers into a bowl, hat, box, etc. Have each person draw one name of the person they will be buying for. If each participant is not there to pick a name have a non participant pick out the names and notify them on who they have. Keep your name a secret.

 Wrap the gift:

When you wrap the gift do not sign your name anywhere. Put a label on the gift with only the recipient’s name. The best idea would be to print out their name from the computer so no one can tell who their Secret Santa is from the handwriting.

 Distribute the gifts:

When it’s time for the exchanging of gifts everyone should place their gift they bought in a general area so no one will find out who bought whose gift. Everyone gets up one by one to find their gift and try to guess who your Secret Santa is. If they can not guess it, their Secret Santa will eventually confess. Use different wrapping paper for your Secret Santa gift if you are also giving them other gifts that day.

 *** Remember, most of the fun is in the secrecy.***