Secret Santa is one of the most popular holiday traditions at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, appearing in friend groups, classrooms, and even on teams like the BSM Girls’ Basketball and the Winter Dance Team. The gift exchange, where students anonymously draw names and surprise their chosen person with a present, brings excitement each December. But behind the fun, many students experience unexpected pressures. From tight budgets to awkward pairings, it brings complications to the Christmas tradition.
For many students, the fun begins with the anticipation of choosing a gift and the thrill of keeping their identity a secret. The tradition feels lighthearted, and for some, like sophomore Brooke Kinkead, it becomes a memorable way to connect with teammates or classmates during the holiday season. “I think a lot of people do Secret Santa, …because it’s easy and it’s fun,” Kinkead said.
Although this is a heartfelt way to connect with people, the initial excitement can quickly shift into stress when students are assigned someone they don’t know very well. With only a few clues or none at all, gift-givers often feel pressure in guessing what their person might like. This is where the activity becomes less festive and more nerve-wracking. “One time, I got someone I didn’t know very well, and I was scared I was going to get them a bad gift,” sophomore Viveka Hanson said.
The discomfort doesn’t end there. A mismatch in gift quality can create awkward moments during the exchange. Some students worry about receiving something that feels last-minute or thoughtless, while others fear their own gift may not measure up. Sometimes the experience isn’t always perfect. “If the person who had me got me something really horrible, that would be awkward, but most of the times I’ve done it, it’s been good,” Kinkead said.
Money is another concern that weighs on students. Even with Secret Santa groups typically setting a spending limit, the expectations can vary. What one student considers a reasonable budget might be overwhelming for another. “Some people might not have the same budget as their friends do, so it might give them stress because they want to give a good present,” Hanson said.
Despite these challenges, Secret Santa can remain a fun and inclusive tradition with a few improvements. Clear communication, realistic price caps, and better ways for participants to express what they like could make the experience smoother for everyone. “Secret Santa could improve by people making sure everyone’s included and finding a good price cap so it’s not too much or too little, which would make it more fun and fair,” Kinkead said.