Secret Santa is a popular game played by friends, colleagues and families during the festive Christmas season. The google definition of it states :
an arrangement by which a group of friends or colleagues exchange Christmas presents anonymously, each member of the group being assigned another member for whom to provide a small gift, typically costing no more than a set amount.
The game is incredibly fun, in particular the guessing element in trying to figure out who each person's Secret Santa is, and forming alliances, which helps build the group's bond.
At the end when all the gifts are given, guessing who gave the present is even more exciting, leading to a wonderful Christmas holiday.
However, this tradition has more meaning to it than what meets the eyes.
The philanthropist, Larry Dean Stewart, is believed to be the originator of Secret Santa.
He had come up with the idea to anonymously give gifts during the holiday, and for more than 25 years, and according to USA today, he regularly donated gifts of $100 bills in Kansas.
His actions were fuelled by an experience where the owner of a restaurant had given him $20 to eat when he had noticed how anxious Larry was of having no money.
This motivated him to help return the act of kindness, as he believed in handing out cash directly to people in need because it is something people do not have.
His philanthropy had spread, as he was recognised by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey.
His practice was honourable, and should aspire us all to help those who need it.
