Today, let’s delve into the heartwarming tradition of Secret Santa, an activity that not only fosters joy and camaraderie but also encapsulates the essence of surprise and mystery—elements crucial in game design. Secret Santa is a cherished holiday tradition, a game of anonymous gift-giving that has become synonymous with workplace and friend group celebrations during the festive season. The premise is simple yet delightful: a group of people are randomly assigned another person to whom they give a gift. The catch? The giver's identity remains a secret, often revealed only after the gift is opened. The process typically begins with participants’ names being placed into a hat (or, in today's digital age, using an online Secret Santa generator). Each person then draws a name, becoming that individual's Secret Santa. The magic lies in the mystery – you know whom you’re gifting to, but you don’t know who’s gifting to you.
The essence of Secret Santa lies in the thoughtfulness of the gifts. While some groups set price limits to keep things equitable, the focus is on personalization and creativity. From handmade items that carry a sentimental value to quirky, fun gifts that evoke laughter, the presents are as diverse as the participants themselves. Secret Santa often involves more than just the exchange of gifts. Many groups enjoy incorporating clues, riddles, or even a scavenger hunt to add an extra layer of excitement to the discovery of the giver's identity. The reveal, typically done at a holiday party or gathering, is a moment filled with anticipation, joy, and often, humorous surprises. More than just a gift exchange, Secret Santa is a tradition that strengthens bonds among friends, family, and colleagues. It's a celebration of giving, a testament to the joy of surprises, and an exercise in empathy and understanding others.
At its core, the BGG Secret Santa retains the classic elements of surprise and joyous giving. However, it takes a delightful twist by centering around our shared passion: board games. This event creates randomly generated chains of people who send board games to each other, fostering a global exchange of joy and strategic delight. Participants typically have a price guideline, $50 or more, ensuring that everyone receives a gift of roughly equal value. What adds a personal touch is the wishlist: each member creates a list of board games they've been longing for. The Secret Santa then gets to play the role of a wish-granter, choosing a gift from this list. It's a blend of anticipation and personalization, as you wonder which game off your list will land on your doorstep. To add to the festive spirit, each participant receives a special virtual icon on their BGG profile, symbolizing their involvement in this heartwarming event. This small, digital badge becomes a mark of pride and camaraderie within the community, a shared symbol of our love for board games and the joy of giving. An inspiring aspect of the BGG Secret Santa is the presence of individuals who choose to be just givers, expecting nothing in return. This selfless act embodies the spirit of the event – it's about the joy of giving, not just receiving. Unfortunately, there are instances where someone may register and not send a gift. However, the organizers and the community's proactive approach often swiftly rectify these rare situations, ensuring that no one is left out of the joyous exchange. Year after year, the BGG Secret Santa event showcases the incredible power of our geek and game designer community. It's a testament to our shared love for board games and the connections they forge. Personally, some of the best and most surprising games in my collection have been gifts from these Secret Santa events, each carrying a story of generosity and community spirit.
My first foray into the Secret Santa tradition was in Ukraine, where I organized local events for the geek community. These events were an extension of the community I had built around my NGO and YouTube channel. For 3 to 4 years, I brought together IT professionals, board game collectors, comic book enthusiasts, and more for a festive exchange. However, the diverse backgrounds of participants led to a mix-up of expectations. Some gifts, unfortunately, did not hit the mark, resulting in the occasional awkward situation with unprofessional or unsuitable presents, like cheap pirate copies of board games. My BGG Secret Santa experience began when I moved to the USA. My first year participating was nothing short of magical, thanks to my Secret Santa, who I'm quite certain was a woman. She didn't just send a gift; she crafted an entire experience. Through a series of charming, themed messages on BGG, she built up the anticipation. The package I received was a treasure trove - not just a box with a gift but a carefully curated collection of delights. Alongside "Seasons" and "Schotten Totten" – games from my wishlist – were candies, "Game of Thrones" coasters, a Christmas tree ornament, and more. This thoughtful gesture reinforced my belief in the magic of Secret Santa and the joy of giving. Inspired by my first BGG Secret Santa, I decided to go above and beyond in my subsequent participations. Each year, I've invested more than the suggested money, curating packages filled with games, toys, candies, and personal touches. However, I've noticed a trend in the gifts I receive - they're often the best-priced games from Amazon, sent in Amazon boxes. While I appreciate these gifts, I find myself yearning for the return of more personalized, hand-prepared gift boxes, reminiscent of my first BGG Secret Santa experience.
When I received my Secret Santa gift for this year, I'm filled with gratitude. Each gift, regardless of its packaging or content, is a connection, a shared moment with someone in this fantastic community. I hold onto the hope that, maybe next year, we'll see a revival of that personal touch that makes the Secret Santa experience truly special.
P.S. Secret Santa in 2019:
Seasons
Schotten Totten
Secret Santa in 2021:
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Secret Santa in 2022:
Ark Nova
Secret Santa in 2023:
Root
The 7th Continent
Secret Santa in 2024:
Sleeping Gods
Res Arcana
😳 Thank you so much Dear Santa 🎅