The Secret Santa tradition
Secret Santa is a popular custom in the run-up to Christmas: people in a group exchange small gifts. The twist is that each person gives a gift to just one other person, and the match is drawn by lot, often in secret. At the reveal, everyone finds out who was whose Secret Santa. The tradition brings suspense and joy, and it strengthens the sense of togetherness in families, groups of friends and companies.
In German the custom is called “Wichteln”. The name comes from the Wichtel, small mysterious beings from Germanic folklore who do good in secret. Secret Santa participants do the same: they surprise one another with a thoughtful or funny gift.
Where does Secret Santa come from?
The tradition has its roots in Scandinavia, where it is known as “Julklapp”. “Jul” means Christmas, and “klapp” refers to the knock on the door before the gift is slipped into the house in secret.
📖 Historical background
In the 19th century the custom spread from Scandinavia to Germany and Austria. Originally, gifts were left anonymously at the door — sometimes they were even thrown through the window! Today Secret Santa is usually celebrated together, and the gifts are handed over in person.
The classic Secret Santa rules
This is how a traditional Secret Santa works, in 5 simple steps:
- Form a group: gather everyone who wants to take part (recommended: at least 3 people; technically possible from 2)
- Set a budget: agree a maximum amount (for example 10–20 CHF)
- Draw names: each person draws a name and keeps it secret
- Get the gift: buy or make a suitable gift for the person you drew
- The exchange: hand over the gifts at your Secret Santa event
💡 Tip: online Secret Santa with Wichtlä.ch
With our free tool, drawing names is child’s play! No slips of paper, no fuss — enter the names, and everyone receives their match by email. Perfect for distributed teams or families.
Popular variants
Alongside the classic Secret Santa, many creative variants have grown up:
Dice Secret Santa
The gifts are placed in the middle and handed out by rolling dice. Suspense guaranteed!
Gag-gift Secret Santa
Everyone brings an unwanted or quirky gift. Humour and creativity come first.
Themed Secret Santa
Every gift follows a theme, such as “red”, “handmade” or “local”.
Guardian angel Secret Santa
Over several weeks, a secret giver leaves small treats for one person, without revealing who they are.
Poem Secret Santa
Each gift comes with a poem or riddle you wrote yourself. Very personal!
Surprise Secret Santa
Nobody knows who is giving a gift to whom. The gifts are mixed and handed out at random. A total surprise!
Secret Santa in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Secret Santa is especially popular during Advent. In German-speaking Switzerland it is often called “Weihnachtswichteln”, or simply “Wichteln”. In French-speaking Switzerland people mostly say “Secret Santa”. Many companies organise one for their staff, to strengthen team culture and celebrate the run-up to Christmas together.
A typically Swiss touch is to combine it with a cosy get-together over mulled wine, fondue or raclette. The gifts are usually handed over at a small Christmas party.
The most useful Secret Santa tips
- Stick to the budget: respect the agreed price cap
- Think of the person: consider what will actually delight them
- Be creative: something handmade or original often lands better than something expensive
- Plan the date early: leave enough time to find the gift
- Mind the exclusions: for couples or close friends, it often makes sense not to draw each other
- Have fun: Secret Santa should bring joy, not stress!
Ready for your Secret Santa?
Organise your Secret Santa in under 2 minutes — free, simple, and with no account needed!
Create a Secret Santa group →