In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina or Chile, Christmas arrives in midsummer, and plenty of families spend it on the coast.
The draw works just as it does in winter; what changes is the gifts, the budget and when you open them.
Adapting the exchange to the beach
Gifts that survive sand and sun
The gift will meet sand, sun and humidity. A beach towel, a hat, an insulated bottle, a paperback or a tote bag all work. Skip anything fragile, electronic or meltable.
Gift time at sunset
At midday it's too hot and bright to open gifts. Late afternoon works better, in the shade or back at the house.
Lower budget, smaller gift
If the group is flying or taking a bus, nobody wants to carry a big gift. A lower limit than the office one means picking something small and easy to pack.
Draw before the trip
Draw names before you leave, so everyone shops at home and brings the gift wrapped. Shopping in a beach town in December is usually expensive with little choice.
What to avoid
No chocolate or candles, which melt, and no glass. Instead of wrapping paper, which gets damp and tears, use a fabric bag: it's useful afterwards too.
Set up your beach Cuchumbo in a minute
Run the draw before the trip: share one link with the group and everyone knows who they're buying for with time to shop and pack.
