7 Tips to Rock Your Office Secret Santa Party
It’s that time of the year again. That time when we play that intriguing Christmas gifting game. Yes and yay, it’s Secret Santa time!
Secret Santa is a modern Christmas tradition in which members of a group or community are randomly assigned a person to whom they give a gift. It is quite a popular practice in good organisations around the world.
Here are 7 ways to make your Office Secret Santa go swimmingly and be remembered fondly for years to come.
#1. For starters, what kind of Secret Santa should it be?
Classic Secret Santa, in which you pick a name and buy a gift for the name you have picked. Of course, the identity of the gift giver is kept a secret from the recipient until the exchange.
White Elephant, in which everyone brings a wrapped gift. Then, the first recipient is asked to pick a gift and unwrap it. At this point, the second can either choose a different wrapped gift, or ‘steal’ the first person’s gift, giving the first person another chance to pick up a wrapped gift! And this goes on till all the gifts are picked, unwrapped, accepted, ‘stolen’ and assigned.
#2. Price matters
It’s a good idea to set a price limit. This makes it easier for people to buy gifts and keeps things professional. The limit shouldn’t be too high or too low. Consult a few peers before you decide the price that’s comfortable.
#3. Give time
Promote the Secret Santa draw at least a week before the day of the exchange. This gives people time to choose nice gifts and ensures they don’t use lack of time as an excuse to not do so.
#4. Price matters
You can have fun by encouraging participation, keeping a realistic price limit, giving people time to choose gifts, and making an event out of the event on Secret Santa Day.
#5. Have fun
The Secret Santa can put folks in a position where they have to buy gifts for people they know nothing about. As the organiser, you should encourage people to get to know others better through this fun activity. This builds bonds.
#6. Set ground rules
Gifting is personal. But a Secret Santa in the office is more professional. Advice the participants on what is considered an appropriate and inappropriate gift. This ensures people don’t do anything unthinkingly.
#7. Finally, let people say NO
Some employee may not wish to participate in the activity. They should be allowed this freedom. Much like a group activity can make people in the organisation feel good about the company they work for, being given the freedom to excuse oneself from such an activity also disposes employees positively towards their employer!
Lastly, to continue the festive atmosphere, plan dancing, karaoke, or a silly competition such as speed gift wrapping to keep the party upbeat and fun.