PlaqueMaker Blog

Legend has it that Santa Claus is a folkloric figure who brings gifts to the homes of good, Christian children on December 24, the night before Christmas Day. The modern day Mr. Claus actually has origins in history – his name is said to derive from Sinterklaas, the Dutch pronunciation of Saint Nicholas – that Greek dude who is also a bishop and gift-giver of presents to needy children, with a little bit of the German god Odin thrown in for good measure –all to perpetrate the romance of a magical sleigh ride across the sky during the pagan midwinter event of Yule.

One of the most popular gift exchanges in the western world, Secret Santa is an unusual Christmas tradition where gift giving is the focus and the gift-giver is anonymous. Well known in office settings, community groups and large families, how Secret Santa typically works is all the participants draw each other’s names randomly. Then, without revealing anything, each gets a present and gives it to their giftee “secretly.” The fun continues with choosing the ideal gift and figuring out a way to deliver it without getting caught. Once everyone has opened their gifts, they usually try and guess who their Secret Santa is, although Secret Santas can remain unknown. A good Secret Santa is not only anonymous, but generous as well.