Secret Santa for church

Small group or whole congregation?

Small groups are the easiest: a Bible study, choir, youth group or women's or men's group. Everyone knows each other and the swap can happen at a regular meeting. For a whole congregation, divide into groups of about 20 to 30 so each person can get to know their giftee.

Hollyhush is free up to 50 per group, so one group per ministry works well. Share the link in your bulletin, group text or announcements.

Secret pals through Advent

A secret pal exchange runs longer than a single swap. Each person gets a name and prays for, writes to or does small kind acts for that person over about three or four weeks, then reveals at a final gathering. Small, thoughtful gifts such as a handwritten note, a bookmark or a plate of cookies are ideal.

A common pattern is a small gift each week for three weeks, then a bigger gift on the last Sunday. Keep the total at about $20 to $25.

Budget in the spirit of the season

• A cap of $15 to $20 keeps it reachable for every household.
• Welcome handmade gifts: baked goods, knitting, a framed verse, a jar of soup mix.
• Say in the note that a thoughtful $5 gift is as good as a $20 one.
• Let people give a donation in their giftee's name, if that suits them.

Include every household

Make sure no household is left without a pal. Count people before you draw, add each household member or each household as one entry, and keep an extra person, such as a pastor or deacon, as a backup so the numbers are even.

Offer a paper option. Elders or people without smartphones can open the link with the help of a friend or the organizer. Because there is no account, a helper can read the name aloud.

Start a church group in about 10 seconds. Free, no signup. Create your group, free

A discreet way to help those with less

Some members may not be able to afford a gift, and some may be in need. Do not ask. Make a quiet fund and a short, private opt out. A deacon or care team can buy a gift on behalf of a person, so the pal still gets a present and the giver is never named.

Keep that offer private and open to everyone: "If a gift is hard this year, tell the pastor or me privately." Do not publish a list.

Never list who has not joined or who needs help. Keep it among two or three trusted people.

Etiquette and logistics

Keep jokes gentle and gifts family friendly. Ask people about allergies on the wishlist, since many churches share food. Choose a swap date at a fellowship event, and see Secret Santa etiquette and the Secret Santa planning timeline. For wider ideas read Secret Santa for friends.