When December rolls around, one question always seems to pop up in offices, classrooms, and friend groups across Ireland: are we doing Kris Kindle or Secret Santa this year?
They’re one and the same, but the name you use often depends on where you grew up. So, what’s the story behind the two terms, and how did they both become part of our Christmas traditions?
The Origin of “Kris Kindle”
The name Kris Kindle (sometimes spelled Kris Kringle) comes from the German word Christkindl, meaning Christ Child. It dates back to old European Christmas traditions where gifts were said to be delivered by the Christ Child rather than Saint Nicholas.
When Irish families adopted the idea of a gift exchange, the name Kris Kindle stuck, especially in schools and workplaces. It feels uniquely Irish now, but it actually started with our continental neighbours centuries ago.
The Rise of “Secret Santa”
Secret Santa has a slightly different backstory. It originated in the United States, where it became popular in the 20th century as an anonymous way to give gifts within groups. The idea was simple: draw a name, buy a gift, and keep your identity a secret until the big reveal.
As American culture and media spread, so did the name Secret Santa. Today, it’s widely used across the UK, the US, and even in Ireland, especially in larger companies or more international workplaces.
Kris Kindle vs Secret Santa: Is There a Difference?
Not really, just the name!
Both involve the same concept: drawing names, setting a budget, and spreading a little festive cheer. In Ireland, Kris Kindle tends to have a more nostalgic ring to it, you’ll often hear it in schools or family settings, while Secret Santa feels a little more modern and global.
So, whether you call it Kris Kindle or Secret Santa, the goal is the same: to share a laugh, a gift, and a bit of Christmas spirit.
Make It Easy with the DrawNames App
If you’re the one organising this year’s Kris Kindle or Secret Santa, the DrawNames app is a lifesaver. It takes all the hassle out of name-picking, no need for scraps of paper or awkward group chats.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a group and add everyone’s email.
- Set your budget and gift date.
- The app automatically assigns names (and keeps them secret!).
- Everyone can make wish lists so you know exactly what to buy.
It’s quick, free, and perfect if your group isn’t all in one place, ideal for remote teams, friend groups abroad, or big families scattered across the country.
If you’re team Kris Kindle or team Secret Santa, it’s all part of the same festive fun. So grab the hat (or open the app), draw the names, and get ready to share the craic, no matter what you call it.
And if you’re still stuck for ideas, a Temple Bar Pub hoodie or a bottle of Irish whiskey never goes amiss, the kind of Kris Kindle gift that’ll have everyone trying to guess who pulled their name.
