In Paraguay it's called amigo secreto, and also amigo invisible. The game is the usual one; what's particular is the calendar and the weather: December is midsummer, the aguinaldo is paid by the 31st, and Christmas Eve is the night for presents.
Organizing it in Paraguay
The aguinaldo and gift day
The Labor Code sets December 31 as the deadline for paying the aguinaldo, though many companies pay earlier. If gift day is before Christmas, set a limit people can afford even if the bonus hasn't arrived.
Gifts for the heat
In December heat, skip chocolate and candles. A tereré thermos, a guampa cup, a bombilla straw, a book or something for the pool all work. The limit goes in guaraníes, written in the invitation.
The office year-end dinner
At the office, gifts are usually exchanged at the year-end dinner or lunch in mid-December. Draw in late November so there are two weeks to shop.
Families, on Christmas Eve
Families open gifts on the night of the 24th, after a dinner of sopa paraguaya, chipa guasu and clericó, and the presents often sit beside a nativity scene decorated with flor de coco.
With family abroad
If a relative lives in Argentina or Spain, decide early whether their gift gets shipped or bought in Paraguay. It's often easier for them to transfer the money and have a relative do the shopping.
Set up your amigo secreto
No account, nothing to install, free. Enter the names, the limit in guaraníes and the date, share one link, and each person sees only who they drew.
