What Is Kris Kringle? The Aussie Secret Santa Tradition Explained

Ever wondered why Australians call Secret Santa “Kris Kringle”? Or where the name came from?

The term traces back to Christkindl, meaning “Christ Child”, introduced by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation to shift focus from St Nicholas Day to Christmas Eve. Over time, English-speaking immigrants blurred Christkindl into Kris Kringle—and the name stuck.

By the mid-1800s, Americans were calling Santa himself “Kris Kringle”, helped along by pop culture and the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street. Australia gave it a twist: a light-hearted, anonymous gift swap for friends, families and workplaces. So when someone asks, “What is Kris Kringle in Australia?” the answer’s simple — it’s our take on Secret Santa, with more laughs and usually a set budget to keep things fair.

A typical Kris Kringle gift exchange is easy: draw a name, buy one small surprise, and keep it secret until the reveal. Whether you call it Secret Santa, White Elephant or Bad Santa, the goal’s the same — spread joy without overspending.

At DadShop, we’ve watched Kris Kringle become a December ritual across Aussie offices and BBQs alike. With more than 1,800 gifts — from gag presents to practical picks — we’re proof that the tradition’s alive and well down under.

What Does “Kris Kringle” Mean?

“Kris Kringle” comes from the German Christkindl, meaning “Christ Child.” It began in the 1500s when Martin Luther encouraged families to focus gift-giving on Christmas Eve instead of St Nicholas Day. Over centuries, English speakers softened Christkindl into “Kris Kringle,” and Americans later used it as another name for Santa Claus.

In Australia, the phrase took on a life of its own — not a person, but a gift-exchange game. Whether at work, school, or the family BBQ, Kris Kringle means everyone gives one small gift anonymously. It’s less about grand gestures and more about having a laugh and keeping Christmas light-hearted.

Pop culture reinforced this shift. Hollywood films like Miracle on 34th Street blurred the line between Kris Kringle and Santa, while Aussie workplaces embraced the name for their yearly swaps.

At DadShop, we celebrate that spirit every year — think funny socks, novelty mugs and clever under-$30 picks perfect for Kris Kringle draws.

How Did Kris Kringle Become Santa Claus?

It all started with a linguistic mix-up — and a dash of Christmas magic.

In 19th-century America, German immigrants spoke of the Christkindl (“Christ Child”), their beloved Christmas gift-bringer.
But English speakers heard it differently… and before long, “Christkindl” morphed into “Kris Kringle.”

🎁 From Christkindl to Santa

As Christmas traditions spread across North America, “Kris Kringle” began appearing alongside St. Nicholas and Father Christmas in stories and newspapers.
By the time Miracle on 34th Street hit the screens in 1947, Kris Kringle wasn’t just a name — he was Santa: a kind man in red, brimming with generosity and holiday cheer.

🎨 The Coca-Cola Era

Mid-20th-century ads sealed the deal — that rosy-cheeked, red-suited Santa became the global icon we know today, blending religious roots with cultural imagination.

✨ A Name with a Journey

What began as Christkindl now lives on as Kris Kringle — a name that carries centuries of faith, folklore, and festive spirit.
And down under, Aussies still use it for a cheeky Secret Santa gift swap!

What’s the Difference Between Kris Kringle, Secret Santa, and White Elephant?

All three describe gift-exchange traditions with slightly different rules.

In Australia, Kris Kringle is the go-to term for a simple anonymous swap — each person buys one small gift for someone else within a set budget. Secret Santa is the same idea, just more common in North America and the UK.

White Elephant (or “Yankee Swap” / “Dirty Santa”) adds a twist: participants can steal or swap gifts. It’s less sentimental and more of a game, often used at office parties.  Australians kept Kris Kringle simple and fun — ideal for workmates, school friends and family gatherings.

Why Do Australians Say Kris Kringle Instead of Secret Santa?

Australia’s love for the name stems from a combination of British heritage and German influence. German migrants brought Christkindl to the colonies in the 1800s, and over time it evolved into the Anglicised “Kris Kringle.”

By the 20th century, Aussie offices and schools were using it regularly, while the US and UK preferred “Secret Santa.” It stuck here because it sounded cheerful, unique, and perfectly Aussie.

Today you’ll hear it everywhere — from workplace parties to classroom draws. Some states, especially Victoria, use “Kris Kringle” almost exclusively.

Modern tools like DrawNames and Elfster make it easy to organise Kris Kringle events across states or even online.

How Kris Kringle Gift Exchanges Work Today

A Kris Kringle gift exchange is intentionally simple. Everyone draws a name (or uses an online generator) and secretly buys a small present for that person. Budgets are usually agreed upfront — $10, $20 or $30 — so no one feels outspent or left out.

There are two main versions:

• Traditional Kris Kringle: Each person receives one gift, revealed at the end.
• Game-style swaps: Participants can open, trade or “steal” gifts for laughs.

A few Aussie variations include:

• Workplace Kris Kringle: Usually capped at $20, with humorous or practical gifts.
• Family Kris Kringle: Great for large families — one fun gift each instead of many.
• Virtual Kris Kringle: Perfect for remote teams or long-distance relatives.

The secret isn’t the price tag — it’s creativity. Popular picks include novelty mugs, socks, mini tools, candles, puzzles, or small hampers.

Where Did the Tradition Begin?

How Kris Kringle Is Celebrated Around the World

Although “Kris Kringle” originated in English-speaking countries, its spirit is present everywhere.

Despite the differences, the heart’s the same — anonymous giving, kindness, and community spirit.

Is Kris Kringle the Same as Santa?

The link was cemented by pop culture, not religion.

In late-1800s America, writers and advertisers blended folklore, turning Christkindl into a Santa-like figure. Hollywood sealed it with Miracle on 34th Street (1947), where the kind old man on trial for claiming to be Santa was called Kris Kringle.

Coca-Cola’s festive ads later spread that image worldwide.

In Australia, “Kris Kringle” became shorthand for the act of giving rather than the man himself — a nod to Santa’s generosity, minus the sleigh.

Why Do People Love Kris Kringle?

Kris Kringle works because it turns gift-giving into shared fun, not obligation. The anonymity removes pressure, while small budgets make it inclusive.

It’s great for workplaces — breaks down hierarchies and ends the year with laughs. Families love it for saving money while keeping the surprise alive. Even virtual Kris Kringle events keep people connected across cities and states.

Psychologists say this kind of giving boosts happiness because it’s rooted in generosity and connection.

Common Misconceptions About Kris Kringle

Myth	Reality
Kris Kringle was a pagan god.	False — it comes from Christkindl, meaning “Christ Child,” born from the Protestant Reformation.
Kris Kringle and Santa were always the same.	Not originally. They merged later in modern America.
It’s an American invention.	No — it began in Germany and Austria before spreading globally.
Kris Kringle means the person giving the gift.	In Australia, it refers to the gift exchange event, not the giver.
Secret Santa and Kris Kringle are different games.	They’re the same — Aussies just prefer the Kris Kringle name.

🎁 A Final Word

No matter what you call it — Secret Santa, White Elephant or Kris Kringle — the joy’s the same. It’s about laughter, surprise, and generosity. And if you’re stuck for ideas, DadShop’s got you sorted with hundreds of cheeky, clever, and downright funny Kris Kringle gifts to keep the tradition alive.