Before the holidays, students and teachers involved in the IB program held a Secret Santa party in the lecture hall to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

With only 50 students involved in the IB program, the students were split into partners by drawing names anonymously from a hat. Each partner group had to buy the other three presents worth $10 or less. The presents would then be placed under a Christmas tree in Mr. Vergiens room until given to its recipient.

The final gift exchange took place in the students’ Theory of Knowledge class, during their party. The gift givers were revealed, though students had been working on trying to guess who their partner was prior to the party.

“The whole thing was really fun because everyone was trying to figure out who their Secret Santa was, but we only found out on Tuesday,” junior Nick Bolton and IB participant said. 

Secret Santa was thought to be started by the only and only, Saint Nicholas who was a bishop and saint in Turkey. He was known for random acts of kindness by giving people presents anonymously. Thus, the idea for Secret Santa was born with Saint Nicholas as the original gift giver.

The tradition of Secret Santa is practiced not only in America, but also in Canada and the United Kingdom where it is known as Kris Kringle. Schools and work places have been known to celebrate and it’s a good way to spread holiday cheer without having to spend too much money. Usually small gifts are given so as not to go over the price range, but small gifts can me just as much to someone as a large gift.

Students received gifts such as teddy bears, figurines, and slippers. Many of the students involved in the program were seen walking around with little gift bags that were to be passed out or ones that had been given. Maybe the new tradition will spread throughout the school in future years for all students to enjoy.