Kris Kringle: how it works

Kris Kringle vs. Secret Santa

They are the same game with different names. Kris Kringle is the usual phrase in Australia and New Zealand, and also common in Ireland, while "Secret Santa" is more common in the US, Canada and much of the UK. Rules vary a little from group to group, so state yours in the invite.

The name comes from Christkindl, a German word for a Christmas gift bringer, which became Kris Kringle in English. That is the commonly cited origin, but the exact path of the word is debated.

Typical Kris Kringle rules

• Budget: often $10 to $30 AUD or NZD, or EUR 10 to 20 in Ireland. Check what your workplace uses.
• Draw names, one each, and keep it private.
• Gifts are exchanged at the end of year function, often in the last week of work.
• Many offices use a theme, such as chocolates or desk items.
• Some groups allow a small second gift for a fun lap, like a joke gift.

How to organize a Kris Kringle

1. Ask the group who is in. A simple message or sign-up sheet works.
2. Set the budget and the date. Make it clear whether the budget includes tax and shipping.
3. Draw the names with a tool or hat. Hollyhush uses one invite link and no signup.
4. Set exclusions for couples and people who live together.
5. Give people two weeks to shop and a clear deadline for gifts.
6. Choose how to hand over gifts, then do a reveal if you want one.

Start a Kris Kringle with Hollyhush. Free for up to 50 people, with no app and no email. Create your group, free

Things to watch for in a workplace Kris Kringle

• Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Make it clearly optional.
• Keep gifts workplace appropriate. Skip alcohol unless everyone is comfortable.
• Remote workers need extra time for shipping.
• Casual staff and new starters might miss the invite. Put it somewhere everyone can see.

Ideas to make it better

Try a theme from Secret Santa theme ideas. Use a clue game from Secret Santa clues. If you prefer a stealing game, use white elephant rules. For more on the basics, see what is Secret Santa.

Kris Kringle with a large workplace

In a big workplace, run it by team or floor, not as one giant draw, so that people can actually find their person. Choose a hand-over day and a place, such as the kitchen, and tell remote staff to ship by a set date. A smaller draw per team also makes drop-outs easier to handle. If you need names to show only at the party, see Secret Santa reveal ideas.