Secret Santa – Ho Ho Ho or No No No? Do’s and Don’ts

The festive period is now here with a vengeance and the usual round of workplace traditions are probably well underway. Ask most people which one they dread the most and Secret Santa will come somewhere near the top of the list.

Here at New Dawn, we find ourselves handling the consequences of a number of festive traditions, but to avoid being described as ‘HR Ebenezer’s’, here are some of our top tips to help prevent Secret Santa turning into ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.

  • Include everyone as much as possible – if you are going to have a Secret Santa invite all and be gracious to those who do not want to join in. 
  • Set a sensible budget – too low and you risk people receiving really tatty gifts that could lead to offence if they are discarded, too high and people will feel pressured. £10-15 is usually good, but make it clear what is the upper amount.
  • Put out general guidelines – edible underwear, books about the mating rituals of any species and lifestyle advice or slogans that may offend are the road to awkward workplace moments. Give participants hints in the form of a snappy guide when they agree to take part. https://www.careeraddict.com/secret-santa-rules
  • Ensure that it is randomly selected – people will discuss who they have got, but the fun is in the random presents. 
  • Ask those who wants to take part to put a modest wish list together – 3 suggestions that they would like or need within the budget. This helps their Secret Santa. 
  • As much as possible make sure everyone can be there for the giving and opening ceremony. If you have to backfill positions organise and ask people before the day.

Another good way of doing it is just asking people to put a generic gift under the office tree and then those who are taking part to pick at random. This avoids any awkward moments.

Finally, if you are given something that is not your taste or you really don’t like, take it home to dispose of it rather than at work. Of if the worst comes to the worst you can always re-gift it!

If you would like to discuss anything relating to your staff welfare then why not give us a call or contact one of our Business Partners HERE