The thought of a Secret Santa gift exchange would naturally make any person clap their hands together in glee. But what if we told you there was an international Secret Santa exchange occurring with over one hundred and fifty thousand people participating? Please, feel free to cry out with Christmas joy!
Secret Santa has been put on by redditgifts for the last six years in an attempt to spread a spirit of giving across the world. Reddit says that they are “in the business of creating happiness”. It began in 2009 with just over four thousands participants, but has grown so large that it includes one hundred and fifty three thousand participants from one hundred and seventy six countries for the 2014 exchange. They’ve also managed to break the world record for largest Secret Santa event, and they hope that every year the exchange will only continue to grow.
Previous gifts have included regional food delicacies and cultural items like clothing or decorations. Handmade crafts, artwork, toys, movies, books and jewelry are also popular. Some presents have gone above and beyond in the forms of concert and plane tickets, paid vacations, and large amounts of cash. The point of the event at its core is to give generously towards someone you don’t know, and commit a random act of kindness.
Redditgifts participant thanks_for_breakfast put it this way: “redditgifts is a group of total strangers from all over the world who have managed to form a community held together by one thing—being thoughtful and generous to one another. It’s amazing that a group of people who have never met each other, and probably never will, can come together to form such a strong, connected community. Being a part of redditgifts is being a part of something huge and magical. If Santa were real, he’d be jealous.”
So what do you have to do to join this incredible holiday movement? Head over to redditgifts and sign up before December 1. You will create a short profile showcasing your interests and personality, and then be matched with another participant either in your country or internationally with whom you will exchange gifts. Yes, it’s that easy.
This is one of the simplest and most unique ways to share some generosity and love this Christmas season. Putting together a thoughtful and cheap gift for a random stranger and receiving one in return is no common holiday tradition. Take advantage of this opportunity, and have fun playing Santa!