The Secret Santa tradition has uncertain origins, but is full of fascinating stories!
Ancient Greece
Some believe it originated in ancient Greece, where they gave gifts to randomly chosen influential people.
Vikings
Nordic peoples practiced gift exchanges in rituals to celebrate pacts with their gods in the 8th century.
United States
During the 1929 crisis, workers created "Secret Santa" as an economical alternative to gift colleagues.
Around the World
The tradition spread globally and became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a fun and economical way to celebrate the holiday season. Today, it's a consolidated tradition in companies, schools and family gatherings, being practically impossible to imagine Christmas without a Secret Santa!
Known by many names: Secret Santa, Kris Kringle, or Yankee Swap 🎁