This guide explains how to use the anonymous messaging system to communicate with your Secret Santa or recipient.

How It Works

After the draw, you can send messages without revealing your identity:

As a Santa - Message your recipient anonymously
As a Recipient - Message your secret Santa

The identities remain hidden until the exchange!

Accessing Messages

Go to your group dashboard
Click Messages in the navigation
Or navigate to /groups/[groupId]/messages

Note: Messaging is only available after the draw is complete.

Message Tabs

If you're both giving and receiving in a group, you'll see two tabs:

"As Secret Santa" Tab

Use this to message your recipient:

They'll see messages from "Your Secret Santa"
Your identity stays hidden
Great for asking questions about their wishlist

"As Recipient" Tab

Use this to message your Santa:

They'll see messages from "Your Recipient"
Your identity is known, but theirs isn't
Great for giving hints or saying thanks

Sending Messages

Select the appropriate tab
Type your message in the input box
Click Send

Messages appear in chronological order with timestamps.

Why Use Messaging?

As a Santa, you can:

Clarify wishlist items - "What size do you wear?"
Get preferences - "Any colors you don't like?"
Build excitement - "I found something you'll love!"
Ask subtle questions - Without revealing what you're getting

As a Recipient, you can:

Add hints - "I've been really into cooking lately"
Update preferences - "I already got a new phone case"
Express excitement - "Can't wait for the exchange!"
Say thanks - "I appreciate you being my Santa"

Message Etiquette

Do:

Be friendly and festive
Keep the mystery alive
Respond to questions promptly
Have fun with it!

Don't:

Reveal your identity (defeats the purpose!)
Ask probing questions to figure out who they are
Send inappropriate content
Spam with too many messages

Creative Message Ideas

For Santas:

`` "Ho ho ho! Just checking - did you want the blue or green one?"


"Your Santa has been shopping... 🎁"

"Hint: your gift might be something from your wishlist... or maybe not!" `


For Recipients:

` "Dear Santa, just wanted to say I'm not picky about brands!"


"In case it helps, my favorite color is purple 💜"

"I'm SO excited for the exchange!" ``

Message Notifications

When you receive a new message:

A notification appears on the bell icon
You can see it in your notifications list
Click to go directly to the messages

Privacy

Messages are only visible to you and the other party
Group admins cannot read your messages
Messages are stored securely
Identities are protected until after the exchange

After the Exchange

You'll know who your Santa was
The mystery is solved!
Messages remain as a fun record

Troubleshooting

Can't access messages

Make sure the draw is complete
Verify you're a member of the group
Check you're signed in

Not receiving notifications

Check your notification settings
Ensure notifications are enabled in your browser

Messages not sending

Check your internet connection
Make sure the message isn't empty
Try refreshing the page