The tradition of Secret Santa has become a beloved Christmas tradition, bringing joy and a sense of mystery to workplaces, schools, and families alike. But where did this tradition originate?
How did a practice of anonymous gift-giving come to embody the spirit of Christmas across the world? To understand the origins of Secret Santa, we must look beyond the colourful wrapping paper and festive bows, back to the heart of giving.
Early Beginnings: A Tradition of Generosity
At its core, the Secret Santa tradition is about generosity, with an element of surprise. Its history can be traced to the Christmas traditions of Europe, where giving to those in need was a central tenet of the festive season.
One of the earliest practices of anonymous gift-giving emerged from Scandinavia, where families would often draw names to decide who would give presents to whom.
Another Scandinavian tradition known as Julklapp draws similarities to Secret Santa, where people leave gifts for their neighbours without being seen.
The Influence of Kris Kringle
A key figure in the evolution of Secret Santa was the legendary figure of Santa Claus, or Kris Kringle, as he is known in German-speaking countries. His image as the benevolent gift-bringer who anonymously delivered toys to children set the stage for the tradition.
By the time the 20th century rolled around, the concept of Santa as a giver of gifts without expectation of thanks or recognition was deeply ingrained in the culture. This made the idea of anonymous, reciprocal gift-giving appealing, and it began to take off in American communities.
The Best Theory for the Origins of Secret Santa
Although the origins of Secret Santa are not totally clear, the tradition is often attributed to American businessman and philanthropist, Larry Dean Stewart.
In 1979, Stewart began anonymously giving $100 bills to people in need in Kansas City. He continued this tradition for many years, donating around $1.3 million in total.
After the 9/11 attacks, Stewart donated $25,000 to people in New York City. The original Secret Santa remained anonymous until 2006, when he became a reluctant celebrity with a cult following.
Stewart’s passion for giving back to society came after he was given $20 for food by a total stranger in Houston, Mississippi in 1971. After Stewart became successful in business he helped others by doing the same.
He later founded the Society of Secret Santas which upholds the values of anonymity, leadership, integrity, humility, compassion, humour and friendship while giving back to communities during Christmas.
An article in The New York Times produced by The Associated Press says Stewart died, aged 58, on January 11, 2007.
The Appeal of the Mystery
What makes Secret Santa so appealing today? The answer lies in its mystery and the excitement of the unknown. Part of the fun is in trying to guess who the gift-giver is, adding a layer of intrigue to the exchange.
The anonymity fosters a sense of goodwill, where the focus is on the joy of giving rather than receiving. Additionally, it encourages creativity – gift-givers often find joy in selecting the perfect present, even with a limited budget.
A Tradition for the Ages
While the practice of Secret Santa may have evolved in response to cultural, social, and economic factors, its underlying message remains unchanged: a celebration of selfless generosity.
Whether it’s in an office, among friends, or within a family, the tradition encourages individuals to share in the festivespirit, not through grand displays of wealth, but through simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
The origins of Secret Santa may be wrapped in mystery, but its continued success is no secret at all. It is a heartwarming reminder that the best gifts are often those that come with no expectation of return – only the hope that the recipient will pass on the kindness, keeping the Christmas spirit alive for generations to come.
