Missing the reveal day does not mean dropping out. The two halves of a Cuchumbo — the gift you give and the gift you get — both still happen, just on a slightly different timetable. Here is how to handle each one.
Four moves to participate without showing up
Tell the organizer as soon as you know
The earlier the organizer knows, the less awkward the moment. "I can't make Friday's dinner, but I'll still send my gift" is a complete message — no apology, no long explanation. The exchange runs on logistics; communicating yours early keeps the wheels turning.
Get your gift to the recipient another way
Mail it, drop it off the day before, or hand it to a third person who will be at the reveal. The gift doesn't need to be unwrapped in front of you — it just needs to arrive in your absence. Many organizers will gladly hold an extra wrapped gift for the night.
Open your own gift on a video call later
If you got a gift but couldn't attend, ask the organizer to keep it for you and arrange a short video call to open it together once you're back. The shared moment matters more than the date — a Tuesday-evening reveal with the giver on screen still counts.
Mark your delivery in Cuchumbo
On your personal page, the Delivery section lets you mark your gift as handed over even when you weren't there to do it in person. The organizer sees the circle close. The seal stays intact for everyone else.
If you'll miss the whole season
If "can't attend" is really "can't take part this year" — major life event, illness, distance — talk to the organizer about leaving the exchange before the draw. Being honest one week early is much kinder than going dark for three weeks. The group adapts; ghosting is what burns it.
Stay in the loop, even from far away
Cuchumbo's personal page lets you read your match, leave hints and mark delivery from any device. Whether you're at the reveal or not, your part of the exchange is one tap away — wherever you are.