How to Run a Secret Santa Scheme at Your Workplace

As the festive season approaches, one of the simplest, and most enjoyable, ways to spread Christmas cheer in the office, shop or workshop is to organise a Secret Santa gift exchange. 

It’s a light-hearted tradition that can bring colleagues together, spark some laughter, and ensure everyone feels included in the celebrations.

 If you’ve never run one before, here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure your workplace Secret Santa goes smoothly.

Step 1: Get Everyone On Board

Before anything else, check that people want to take part. While many will jump at the idea, some may prefer not to, so always make participation optional. You can send out a quick email, create a sign-up sheet, or even set up a poll to gather names.

Step 2: Set a Budget

To keep things fair, it’s important to set a clear spending limit. In workplaces, budgets of £5–£15 usually work well – enough to buy something thoughtful without being excessive. Make sure everyone knows the upper limit in advance.

Step 3: Decide How to Draw Names

Traditionally, names are pulled from a hat, but you can also use online Secret Santa generators that email each participant their chosen person. Digital tools are especially useful if your team works remotely or across different offices.

Step 4: Set the Ground Rules

Agree on a few guidelines before the exchange. For example:

Stick to the budget.

Avoid inappropriate or offensive gifts.

If in doubt, keep it fun, thoughtful, or practical.

Some teams also like to set a theme, such as “cosy gifts,” “desk treats,” or “something festive” which adds a bit of creativity to the challenge.

Step 5: Choose the Date and Venue

Pick a time for the gift exchange, perhaps during the office Christmas party, a team lunch, or a coffee break in the run-up to the holidays. For hybrid or remote teams, gifts can be posted or exchanged during a virtual festive gathering. Perhaps you could hire a"real" Santa to help hand out the presents?

Step 6: Add a Twist (Optional)

If you want to make it more entertaining, you can:

Have a “guess the Santa” reveal, where everyone tries to work out who bought their gift.

Play Secret Santa Swap, where gifts are chosen from a pile and can be swapped around before the final reveal.

Encourage homemade or creative gifts, which can make for some of the most memorable surprises.

Step 7: Funny Gift Ideas to Inspire You 

Need inspiration? Here are some light-hearted gifts that usually get a laugh (and still fit the budget):

Mug with a cheeky slogan – “This might be gin” always raises eyebrows in the office.

Mini desk games – tiny basketball hoops or stress-ball catapults are perfect for coffee-break competitions.

Novelty socks – from Rudolph noses to “bring me wine” messages, socks never go out of style.

Grow-your-own kits – chillies, herbs, or even bonsai trees for the green-fingered colleague.

Emergency chocolate stash – wrapped like a first-aid kit for that mid-afternoon slump.

Desk calendar with a twist – daily bad jokes, cat pictures, or motivational quotes gone wrong.

Of course, the best Secret Santa gifts are ones that suit the recipient’s personality – but a bit of silliness never hurts!

Step 8: Enjoy the Fun!

The joy of Secret Santa is in the mystery, the laughter, and the thought that goes into each present. It’s not about expensive gifts – it’s about making someone smile.

🎄 Running a Secret Santa at work is a simple way to boost morale and add some festive sparkle to the workplace. With a little organisation (and maybe a pair of novelty socks or two), you’ll create a tradition your colleagues will look forward to year after year.

What Happens if You Get Laid Off Just Before Christmas? Tips and ideas to save the situation

The Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. 

But being laid off from your job just before Christmas can cast a shadow over the festivities, leaving you feeling uncertain, stressed, and even a bit lost. 

And firms do seem to lay staff off just before the Christmas break for whatever reason.

While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed initially, this tough situation can also be an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and rebuild. Let’s explore how to survive the immediate challenges and thrive in the long term.

Strategies to Survive the Immediate Impact

Pause and Process

Allow yourself time to process your emotions. Losing a job is a significant life event, and it’s okay to feel upset or angry. Talk to someone you trust—a family member, friend, or counsellor—about your feelings. This emotional reset is essential before moving forward.

Review Your Finances

Take stock of your savings and calculate how long they’ll last if you cut back on discretionary expenses.

Create a temporary budget focusing on essentials like rent, bills, and groceries.

Look into any severance pay, redundancy payments, or benefits you’re entitled to. In the UK, for instance, you may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit.

Communicate with Loved Ones

Share the news with your family or household. Being honest about your situation can help everyone adjust their expectations and provide support when you need it most.

Cut Costs Without Killing the Festive Spirit

Opt for smaller, meaningful gifts instead of expensive ones. Consider homemade items or thoughtful gestures.

Take advantage of free or low-cost festive activities in your area, like Christmas lights displays or carol services.

Explore Temporary Work

Retail, hospitality, and delivery sectors often hire seasonal workers over the holidays. Taking a short-term job not only provides income but also keeps you active and engaged.

Strategies to Thrive and Build a Better Future

Reflect on Your Career Goals

Use this time to evaluate your career path. Were you truly satisfied in your previous role? What aspects of your work brought you joy, and what did you find draining? Clarity about your goals can guide your next steps.

Upskill or Reskill

Enrol in online courses or workshops to sharpen your skills or learn new ones. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer affordable or free options. Many of these courses are automated, so you can complete them any time throughout the Christmas season. 

Consider certifications in growing industries, such as tech, project management, or digital marketing.

Expand Your Network

Attend industry events or connect with professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn.

Let your network know you’re looking for opportunities—it’s often who you know that leads to your next role.

Join community groups or online forums related to your profession.

Revamp Your CV and Online Presence

Update your CV to reflect your latest accomplishments. Tailor it for the roles you’re targeting.

Similarly, polish your LinkedIn profile—include a professional photo, optimise your headline, and highlight key achievements.

Consider Freelancing or Consulting

If you have expertise in a specific field, freelancing or consulting can be a lucrative way to bridge the gap between jobs—or even become a long-term career move.

Plan for Self-Employment or a Career Pivot

If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, now could be the time to explore that idea.

Consider career pivots into industries less vulnerable to layoffs or better aligned with your interests.

Mental Health: Your Greatest Asset

Taking care of your mental health is crucial during this period. Incorporate activities that help you stay positive, like exercise, meditation, or journaling. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift your spirits.

Remember, setbacks are often the prelude to growth. Many people look back on job loss as the moment they made meaningful, positive changes in their lives.

Your Road to Resilience

Being laid off just before Christmas is undeniably challenging, but it doesn’t have to derail your future. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive outlook, you can turn this setback into an opportunity. Use the season as a chance to realign with your goals, connect with your loved ones, and enter the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

You’ve got this—sometimes the best gifts come disguised as challenges.