If everyone in the group is from the same place, the date is obvious. At an office with people from the Netherlands, Germany, Colombia and Honduras, everyone has a different date in mind, and that usually comes out after the invitations have gone. This calendar is for settling it first.
The dates, one by one
December 5 and 6
In the Netherlands gifts are opened on the evening of December 5, pakjesavond, for Sinterklaas. In Germany and Austria, the 6th is St Nicholas Day: children find something small in their shoe.
If your group includes people from those countries, draw names by late November.
Advent and the last week of work
In Germany, the office Wichteln usually happens during Advent, at the company's year-end party. In English-speaking countries, the office Secret Santa happens in the last week before Christmas.
In Japan, gift exchanges turn up at the bōnenkai, the year-end party, which can be any night in December. In every case, before people leave for the holidays.
The night of the 24th or the morning of the 25th
In Spain and most of Latin America gifts are opened on the night of the 24th, after dinner and often after midnight. In Mexico, the posadas from the 16th to the 24th lead up to that night.
In the US and the UK, gifts are opened on the morning of the 25th. If your group mixes both customs, you have to pick one.
After the 25th: New Year, Three Kings and September
In Spain many children get their presents on January 6, from the Three Kings, and some families hold their exchange that day.
In Russia gifts are given at New Year, and Orthodox Christmas is on January 7. And in Colombia the same game is also played in September, for Amor y Amistad.
How to pick the date
Ask the group before the draw: “which day do you open presents at home?”. If the answers differ, pick the earliest date: a gift that arrives early can wait, one that arrives late is no use. And draw before anyone travels.
Set the date and start your Cuchumbo
Write the names, pick the day that suits your group and share one link. The app runs the draw, sends the invitations and reminds everyone of the date, wherever they are.
