Secret Santa & the spirit of giving – a tradition St Francis Choir Lukuli cherishes
The spirit of giving should never transform into an obligation, as this could lead to discomfort or financial strain for some individuals.
Secret Santa is an age-old tradition associated with Christmas and the festive season that comes around every December.
According to Elfter, an online resource, members of a group of friends, family, or coworkers draw random names to become someone’s Secret Santa. The Secret Santa is given a wish list of gift ideas to choose from to give to their chosen giftee.
The tradition has been catching up in Uganda, especially in Christian circles. And as the festive season unfolds, so does the cherished tradition of Secret Santa. In Lukuli, a Kampala suburb, St Francis Choir is overjoyed.
In this heartwarming tradition, participants draw names to determine whom they will be buying a gift for and with St Francis choir, this is done around July(to give participants enough time) with the catch being that the identity of the gift-giver remains a well-guarded secret until the presents are revealed in December at the end of year party.
A voluntary gesture of care and love
It is crucial to emphasize that participation should be voluntary just like it is done; participants are asked whether or not they would like to be included so that no one feels forced.
The spirit of giving should never transform into an obligation, as this could lead to discomfort or financial strain for some individuals. Forcing participation contradicts the essence of the tradition, which thrives on willing and joyful involvement.
Advantages
Secret Santa fosters the spirit of togetherness and connection. The act of giving and receiving gifts anonymously creates an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, encouraging meaningful interactions among participants.
This tradition transcends individual preferences, bringing people together in the shared joy of the season.
Moreover, Secret Santa promotes a sense of generosity and thoughtfulness. Participants take time to consider the likes and dislikes of their chosen recipients, leading to personalized gifts that reflect care and attention.
This act of considerate giving strengthens relationships, both personal and professional, and contributes to a positive and inclusive environment.
Choosing a gift can be complex
However, while choosing the perfect gift may come easily to some people, it’s not so simple for others, often leaving some people disappointed, embarrassed, and in some cases, ashamed.
Gifts such as underwear should not be an option since these are personal. Also, petty cash is often not regarded as opposed to receiving a physical gift.
In addition, the element of anonymity in gift-giving adds an element of surprise and excitement. The process of selecting a gift for someone without revealing your identity creates an air of mystery, surprise, and joy.
It encourages thoughtfulness and creativity in choosing a present that will bring delight to the recipient.
Disadvantages
While it’s traditionally a joyous occasion, some individuals might feel pressured or financially strained by the expectation of gift-giving. Establishing a reasonable budget ensures that the financial commitment is manageable for all participants.
This thoughtful approach prevents anyone from feeling pressured or burdened, allowing everyone to partake in the festivities without undue stress and anyone who buys a gift that is thought to be below the minimum amount is held accountable.
Selecting an appropriate gift for someone without knowing their preferences or tastes can be daunting. Misinterpreting preferences or giving an insensitive gift might lead to discomfort or disappointment for the recipient that is why during the St Francis Choir gift exchange party, gifts are opened for everyone to see which adds an extra layer of joy and shared celebration.
This openness encourages participants to buy worthy gifts since everyone will know what was bought for whom but not by whom.
In conclusion, whereas the goal is to be creative and thoughtful, it should be noted that since people have different tastes and preferences, some gifts may come off as disappointing or over-thought-out.
