(two candy canes over holly. the text is gold and red and reads "about secret santa.")
A Secret Santa exchange is an optionally anonymous exchange of gifts within a group of people. Participants are matched at random and gifts are distributed through a third party, so that all gifts are delivered secretly. Santas can choose to remain anonymous or have their identity revealed at delivery.
Everyone is welcome to join the exchange, no matter their flight or account age. Come spread some holiday cheer!
(a red ribbon with gold swirls on either side. the text is blue and reads "timeline.")
Oct. 11 - Dec. 2: Sign ups.
Dec. 3 - Dec. 5: Matching.
Dec. 5 - Dec. 21: Shopping.
Dec. 21, 23:59 FR: Deadline to send your match's gift to your elf.
Dec. 22 - Dec. 25: Delivery!
Dec. 26 - Jan. 12: Rematch event.
(a red ribbon with gold swirls on either side. the text is blue and reads "expectations.")
The exchange has 4 financial tiers for participation:
50k and up,
100k and up,
250k and up, and
500k and up.
Participants will be matched with another user in their financial tier. You must follow the event guidelines for gifts (see below) and provide a gift worth no less than the minimum of their tier. Your Santa will do the same for you.
However,
THERE IS NO MAXIMUM! Especially generous Santas are welcome to shower their match with gifts beyond measure.
Gifts are to be delivered
to your elf by the deadline
December 21 at 23:59 FR time so that they may be delivered in the following days.
Elves have until 23:59 FR time on Dec 25th to deliver gifts, so if you don't receive your gifts right away, don't worry!
(a red ribbon with gold swirls on either side. the text is blue and reads "frequently asked questions.")
Do I get to pick my match?
No. Your name will go into a pool of names with everyone who signed up at the same financial tier as you did. When matching time comes, you will be paired randomly with someone from the same tier.
When will I know who my elf is?
Your elf will contact you at some point between December 3 and December 5 with your match and additional information. Please be sure to only send gifts to your elf!
Do I have to reveal myself to my match?
No. If you do NOT want to be revealed, make sure to choose the "Remain anonymous" option on the sign up form.
Can I change the information on my form after I've sent it?
Yes. Please PM @
Argante with your changes and I will edit your form accordingly.
Can I sign up for more than one tier?
No. You may only submit the form once, for one tier. If you try to submit more than one form, any extras will be deleted. If you want to give to more than one person consider joining one of the events in our links section!
Can I update my wishlist throughout the exchange?
We ask that you do your best not to spoil yourself too much during the exchange -- let your Santa do the spoiling! Frequently updated wish lists can make shopping difficult for your Santa. If you must make an update, please notify your elf so they can relay the information to your Santa.
How do service gifts work?
Services are considered stocking stuffers, and will not count towards the value of your gift. Please offer these carefully!
The SSE does not ensure the completion of these services (ex. if a dragon sent for leveling ends up never returned to the owner, there is nothing we can do to assist in the recovery of the dragon).
If a Santa offers ex. a leveling service and ends up unable to complete the gift, the dragon(s) must be safely returned to its owner (without unrequested changes ex. breeding) in order for the Santa to participate in future SSEs.
What is a grinch?
A grinch is a user who does not turn in a gift, does not turn in their gift on time, or fails to meet their tier minimum. On the latter, our elves work hard to inform users of their gift value and will offer ideas as needed.
What happens when someone doesn't receive a gift?
Participants who give a gift but do not receive a gift will be enrolled in a regifting pool. The pool and our elves will provide a gift to keep their holiday special, even if it does arrive a little later than expected! Rematching takes place immediately following the exchange, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 12.
Why were rematch Santas removed?
We greatly appreciate everyone who has offered to be a rematch Santa in the past! However, we have consistently been able to gift those whose partner didn't come through in-house, and we want users to be able to spoil their match without fear of later needing the funds.
Gifts meant for grinches will automatically be added to the rematch pool. This way, every Santa "pays" their part (turning in a gift), even if the items end up going on a bit of an adventure.
That said, if you'd like to give to the rematch pool regardless, please send any donations to Argante. Thank you!
What is the rematch pool?
When a Santa turns in a gift that ends up being for a grinch, the items are added to a pool of items for those who did not receive a gift because of their grinch. The elves then work together to assemble a gift for each grinched user, using items from the rematch pool.
This does not mean the grinched don't have their wishlists considered! The elves donate better suited items to the pool.
What if I don't like my gift?
Elves are instructed not to send out any gift that does not meet the requirements for the event. We've included an option during sign ups for users to provide a detailed wishlist. Fill it out thoroughly and give your Santa a good idea of what would brighten your season.
However, we cannot guarantee that you will love your gift. Please be grateful for the thought and effort put into your gift, even if it isn't exactly what you were hoping for. Anyone seen complaining publicly about their gift will not be welcome to participate in the future. Thank you for your understanding!