Both Secret Santa and White Elephant involve gift-exchanging and receiving presents, but their fundamental mechanics create an entirely different experience. This December, students at MACES are deciding between the intimate connections of Secret Santa and the competitive ‘stealing’ of White Elephant to define their 2025 holiday celebrations on campus.
The choice between Secret Santa and White Elephant is a classic holiday dilemma that brings both cheer and the Christmas spirit to offices, friends, and families every December. Both are beloved traditions designed to celebrate the spirit of giving—or stealing, depending on the game.
Secret Santa is designed around thoughtful giving. Participants typically compile a wishlist of desired items. Freshman Anahy Silva values the personalized nature of Secret Santa, explaining that “If I had to choose between Secret Santa or White Elephant I would choose Secret Santa. There are a variety of presents and items you would receive based on your likings.”
Secret Santa has become a normalized holiday tradition in the social circle. The mystery relies on who anonymously delivers the gift. Dahlia Robles, a sophomore, highlights, “I prefer Secret Santa, because the mystery and anticipation make it more engaging; you know you’re receiving something you actually wanted rather than a random choice by someone else.”
“White Elephants aren’t seen too much,” said Ashley Rocha, a senior, explaining that “White Elephants offer a variety and experience, while Secret Santa is more common among people.”
Nonetheless, White Elephant has its own twist and difference to Secret Santa. Making it have its own meaning and experience towards the game. Brianna Nicolas, a sophomore, said, “White Elephant exchange is more interesting because it adds a twist into the gift-exchange. You’re able to steal and trade with others which makes it more exciting and brings laughter into the game.”
Secret Santa appeals to the intentionality of the process, which transforms a simple transaction into a social bond. The emphasis on personalized gifts over random choices in both responses indicates a strong preference for social bonding activities that require participants to thoughtfully consider each other’s unique desires, fostering a valued sense of community. It is often meant for targeted thoughtfulness, emotional payoff, and relationship building. In contrast, White Elephant is not just a gift exchange; it is a competitive social event where the game is often more important than the gifts themselves. Strategic gameplay and collective energy make White Elephant a lively competition.
Ultimately, whether MACES students choose Secret Santa or White Elephant, both games bring the school community together during the holiday season. These traditions do more than just gift exchange; they weave a sense of belonging into spirit creating a festive and sentiment feeling.
