In my family, we make it easy. If you are a guy - you bring a guy gift. If you are a girl - well, bring a girl gift. My sisters put numbers on the gifts, then we draw numbers out of the guy/girl stockings. You find the gift with your number on it and then that is your gift. Simple and usually it works out well. We all buy for the kids though.

We have never done Secret Santa in my family, but I have done that at work. It is really cool trying to figure out who has your name. What we usually did was we would draw names. The boss would ask each of us to write our interests, hobbies, etc. on a slip of paper and that was included on your slip when your name is drawn. That way, if your SS doesn't know you that well, they have an idea of what you might like. We did that for several years and it was really fun.

Another idea is a white elephant gift exchange. I will include a link for that so you can read how it is done.

Good luck - and Merry Christmas!!!

I can definitely relate to this! I come from a very large family and I often find that I can't afford to get everyone something during the holidays. Sadly, this usually means that I don't get anyone in my extended family anything but a Christmas card. I think that Secret Santa is a wonderful tradition if you can get everyone organized. Sometimes those in the family that have extra income don't quite get that not all of us are able to shower everyone with presents every year. Secret Santa seems like it would ensure that everyone in the extended family receives at least one thoughtful gift during the holiday season. If your family is willing, then secret Santa sounds like a great idea! Merry Christmas!