CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christmas is just four days away and many of us will probably be a part (or have already taken part) of a secret Santa gift exchange.
But, few know that its history is actually tied to a tradition right here in North Carolina.
Exchanging and getting gifts anonymously has become a fun holiday pastime, but there's a secret behind "secret Santa."
The idea first started in 1925 in a Nebraska sorority. Members of the exclusive social club would receive Christmas gifts from a "mystery sister."
By the 1980s, the anonymous gift swaps were popular on most college campuses.
That included The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
As part of this tradition, sororities and fraternities would go around campus secretly leaving gifts in other dorms. On the last day before winter break, there would be a party where each secret Santa was revealed.
The trend quickly spread to grade schools, churches and even on TV shows like "The Office."
Today, many families have adopted it into their annual family holiday traditions.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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