Secret Santa/ Sibling

A tradition we began a few years ago in our home is Secret Santa for our four kids. We put their four names on paper and into a hat, and they draw names out. We make sure that they don't have their own name, and they make sure that they don't have the same person as the year before. We give them five dollars to spend on each other. (So each child gets $5) The kids almost always tell me, Mom who they have, so I give them ideas and help them a little bit.

Then we take them to the store, and we split up. Dad takes two kids and Mom take two kids shopping. This was we can maintain the surprise of the gifting. They like to look around the store and think of what that particular sibling would enjoy. We tell them things like, Rebekah likes jewelry, Caleb likes legos and baseball stuff, Mallory likes Frozen and legos too, and Bethany likes Avengers and cars. They always do a great job finding something for their sibling. Sometimes I know what they buy, sometimes I don't know.

They like to get home and wrap them right away (at least the younger ones do.) That way they don't have to try to hide their gifts too long. I love to see the way they wrap their gifts, with lots of tape and too much or too little paper. I try to let them do as much of the wrapping as they can, since it is their gift. Sometimes the older kids help the younger ones wrap. Then they label them and put them under the tree. Sometimes they label it with "for _______ from Secret Santa" and sometimes from them/ their name.

I like this tradition that was shared by a friend with eight kids (Thanks, Beth!), since they can't always buy for each sibling until they are older. Sometimes they still buy for each of the siblings, but not usually all of them. I like that this tradition is centered on GIVING, not just getting. They learn the message that Christmas is not only about getting more stuff. (Also thanks to VeggieTales for that message!) I like that they think of each other and what would be a good gift to give. They can be so thoughtful and kind, it is just so sweet. I love some of the gifts they find!

If you have more than two children, this may be a good tradition to begin in your family. I believe fostering the idea that giving good gifts is a godly thing, that God gives good gifts to His children.

What traditions do you do in your home at Christmas? Do you do Secret Santa with your kids?


Deuteronomy 16:17
Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.


Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”


2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!


1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.