Activities designed to introduce an element of amusement and interaction into the customary holiday season present-giving tradition are a common feature of yuletide celebrations. These structured activities replace the straightforward act of individuals handing over presents to one another with a more dynamic and often unpredictable process. For example, participants might engage in a series of actions governed by rules, such as drawing numbers to determine the order of gift selection or engaging in strategic stealing of previously chosen items.
These engagements offer several advantages. They foster a sense of community and shared experience among participants, generating laughter and conversation that can enhance the festive atmosphere. Furthermore, the element of surprise and chance introduced by the structured activity can make the exchange more exciting and memorable than a simple distribution of presents. Historically, such playful modifications to gift-giving customs have been observed across various cultures and time periods, suggesting a universal human inclination to inject novelty into social rituals.