As December arrives, Pune offices instantly transform into festive wonderlands—like stepping into a Christmas movie. Yet the real magic lies in the mystery: everyone turns detective, eager to discover who their Secret Santa might be. The buzz is unanimous—who will surprise me this year?But these celebrations take many forms. At Thyssenkrupp, Secret Santa is a well-oiled, tech-driven tradition.
Their custom-built app manages everything—from random yearly pairings to gift categories ranging from quirky socks to stationery, all under a ₹500 limit. Amar Sonsale, Chief Manager at Thyssenkrupp, fondly recalls gifting his recipient a personal favorite book, only to receive back a pair of Jockey socks—still his most memorable gift.
“The entire week creates massive excitement,” he says. “Religion, community, hierarchy don’t matter then; only the festival matters.”At EMotorad, the vibe is more intimate and begins a week before Christmas. With a ₹500 budget and seven days to brighten someone’s workday, the gesture can be as simple as a chocolate bar on a desk, a handwritten note, or even a bottle of water given with care. “We deliberately pair people who don’t know each other,” explains Rosemary Amolik, EMotorad’s HR head.
Her first Secret Santa gifted her lip gloss, chocolate, and a beautiful artificial rose—touching her deeply. EMotorad also hosts an Ugly Sweater Day, breaking down hierarchies and encouraging everyone to share laughter and fun.For Yogesh, Sales and Estimation Manager at HTL Aircon, the magic lies in thoughtful surprises. He cherishes a leather bag gifted by his Secret Santa who noticed his frequent travels.
“Completely unexpected,” he says, amazed by the attention.Vrishali, Business Development Manager at HTL Aircon, sums up the spirit perfectly: “Working together, laughing together, growing together.”From high-tech apps to heartfelt gestures and quirky sweaters, Pune’s Secret Santa celebrations prove that the greatest gift isn’t in a box—it’s in the effort to see and celebrate the person next to you.
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