Hello and welcome back to English with Ally! Today we’re talking about a really fun tradition called Secret Santa. You may have seen this played on some TV shows. What is it? Where does it come from? Who plays it? Do you know?

Before I begin, a listener has suggested I introduce new vocabulary at the start of the topic, so here are some words I'll use and their definitions.  

• Gifts - another word for presents
• Anonymous – without a name or identity.
• To Reveal – to make something known.
• Charity shop - a shop where the money supports a good cause

Okay? Listen out for those words.

The idea of Secret Santa is simple: a group of people exchange gifts anonymously. Each person gets the name of another person in the group and buys a present for that person, without revealing who they are until the gift is opened.

The tradition is believed to have started in the United States in the 20th century. The name “Secret Santa” connects to Santa Claus, who delivers gifts secretly at Christmas.

Secret Santa is popular not only in the United States but also in Canada and the United Kingdom played in offices and schools. Sometimes there are "rules" that you cannot spend more than £10 or you have to buy the present in a charity shop to make the game more elaborate.

Secret Santa has appeared in some modern Christmas films and TV shows as a fun plot device. For example in the US TV show The Office there is a famous Secret Santa episode full of surprises and laughs.

Have you ever played Secret Santa - at work or with friends? What’s the best gift you’ve ever given or received, if so ? Let me know!

That’s all for today’s episode of English with Ally. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time. 

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