New Zealanders use Twitter for nationwide Secret Santa
For the sixth year in a row, residents of New Zealand are extending the reach of the Secret Santa gift-giving tradition beyond just families and workplaces. That’s because the island country invites its citizens to take part in a nationwide swap of presents to get into the holiday spirit.
Since 2011, participants have been able to register on a website, which partners them with a giftee on Twitter. The Secret Santa is then tasked with finding the perfect gift for this stranger, based entirely on their Twitter feed.
Once they’ve picked the ideal gift, they can send it along through the country’s postal service. In exchange, participants will receive a present in time for Christmas, and it will likely come from a complete stranger who’s been stalking them online.
The gift-exchange program has grown to nearly 2,000 participants this year, a big jump from the 200 people who signed up in 2011.
Those taking part in the festive tradition are tweeting about their experience with the hashtag #nzsecretsanta. Here’s what some people have been saying on Twitter:
Stalking my #nzsecretsanta giftee and have learned that they like sport. And sport. All roads lead to sport.
— Tracie Almond (@TracieAlmond) November 25, 2016
Dear #nzsecretsanta
Don't stress. I just like getting stuff in the post.
Anything will do.
Preferably something that made you smile.— Helen Beech (@beechworks) November 25, 2016
My favourite #nzsecretsanta memory is when somebody got me a book with a piece of card in the front that said 'Your tweets are really weird'
— Emma Jane (@Emmzza) November 25, 2016
Okay, I done a little stalking and I'm totally in love with my #nzsecretsanta ????????????
— Hoyden Wren (@wendypooh) November 25, 2016
Hello to my #nzsecretsanta there's nothing I want or need… but I can feel you watching me! pic.twitter.com/N1yKlFcU56
— Brady Dyer (@BR4DY) November 25, 2016
Still keenly checking to see if my #nzsecretsanta has tweeted since being prodded – nope. Le Sigh. I hope they are silently excited then…
— Michelle (@insaneheadspace) November 30, 2016
Dear #secretsanta #nzsecretsanta – if you're stuck for ideas, I like movie vouchers and chocolate. And Star Wars. And Zumba. And coffee.
— kalena (@kalena) November 30, 2016
Well it's offical. My #nzsecretsanta clearly doesn't want to be sleuthed, so I don't know much about her! Will be a mystery gift given!
— Wayne's World (@motophotonz) November 30, 2016
