In Venezuela it's called amigo secreto, and the game is the usual one. What changes is the distance: in many groups, some people live in the country and others abroad.
That means deciding before the draw how gifts get bought, in which currency and how they're handed over.
Organizing it between Venezuela and abroad
Gift day on a Christmas Eve video call
With the group spread out, gifts are usually opened on a video call on the night of the 24th, before or after the hallaca dinner. Draw names two or three weeks ahead so gifts crossing borders arrive in time.
At the office, the year-end party
At the office, gifts are usually exchanged at the year-end party, with gaitas playing, and many companies pay out the annual profit-sharing bonus before then. For an office draw, plan it so gift day falls on that party.
When you haven't seen each other in a while
Hints matter more than ever when the giver hasn't seen the recipient in years. Ask everyone for current sizes and what they miss or need: sometimes the most welcome gift is something from home.
Set up your amigo secreto
No account, nothing to install, free. Enter the names, share one link on WhatsApp, and everyone, in Venezuela or abroad, sees only who they drew.
