After a few years off, my annual Holiday Exchange is back. This year, I’ve made it cozier and more accessible than ever.
For 15+ years, people from all over the world have joined this exchange to share a little warmth during the winter season. Whether you send a heartfelt card, a handmade creation, or a small surprise, the goal is simple: bring joy to someone’s mailbox and a smile to your own.
This tradition started small: just a few of my friends and cousins swapping cards and gifts. It has since grown into a network of kindness that now includes participants sround the world!
You can join in one or more categories, depending on what feels fun, affordable, and doable for you. There is also a volunteer opportunity to send cheer cards. These are sent to folks the group nominates that could use some extra love and cheer this holiday season.
How It Works
Here's a quick rundown of how the exchange works:
Sign Up
Use the signup form to choose your exchange types, share your preferences, and provide your mailing info. You can join as many categories as you like: exchange cards, gifts, handmade creations, or even nominate someone who could use a surprise bit of cheer. The signup form will close on December 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern U.S. time.
Q&A Session
I'll host an optional question & answer session on November 20th. Register for the Q&A Session if you'd like. If not or you can't attend, no worries! I'll share the recording [of only me] and update the FAQ section below afterwards, if needed.
Get Matched
On December 9th, I’ll match participants based on their preferences (U.S. only, international, or both). You’ll receive your recipient’s details by email on December 2, including any notes on their favorite things, allergies, or sensitivities.
Send Cheer
Mail your cards or gifts between December 15th–31st. You’re absolutely welcome to order from online stores or small businesses and have the item shipped directly. No need to stress about postage or timing.
Celebrate Together
We’ll wrap up the season with an optional New Year’s virtual hangout on January 1st: a cozy, come-as-you-are gathering to share laughs, stories, and maybe show off a few of your favorite received goodies.
Exchange Categories
Choose as many or as few as you like. You’ll receive the same number of gifts or cards as you send. So if you sign up for 5 cards, 1 small gift, and 2 handmade gifts, you’ll receive that same amount in return.
Card Exchange
Send festive, funny, or heartfelt greeting cards. Cards can be store-bought or handmade. Snail mail is magic!
Small Gifts ($15)
Spend up to $15 to bring joy to someone. Anything from trinkets, socks, books, or local treasures goes. Get creative!
Medium Gifts ($25)
A step up, these gifts are up to $25. Be resourceful and source lots of small items, or opt for 1 epic item!
Handmade Gifts
$❤️: The only currency we count here is love. Anything goes here. The only limit is your crafty creativity!
Who Can Participate
This exchange is open worldwide. When signing up, you can choose to:
- Exchange within the U.S. only,
- Exchange internationally, or
- Do both!
Folks outside of the U.S. can also opt for local-only matches (if we have others from your country). If you’re the only one from your area, I’ll contact you before assigning to see what works best.
Privacy & Safety
Your information is kept strictly confidential and shared only with your exchange partner and of course, Uncle Bela. Addresses are never sold or shared beyond this event. If you prefer to use a work address or P.O. box, that’s perfectly fine. Your address won't be stored for future use... well, except by Bela who will likely continue to send you cheer throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to attend the Q&A session to participate?
Nope! The Q&A session will just be a chance for me to answer any additional questions that aren't addressed here on the site or in the signup form. I will record the session (only my camera and voice) for anyone who would like to watch it, as well as update these FAQs if needed.
It's also a chance to meet some others who will participate. And if we don't have a lot of questions that pop up, we'll just chat and enjoy sharing some time together! ❤️
How many cards or gifts should I send?
That’s totally up to you. You’ll receive as many as you sign up to send. For example:
- If you sign up for 3 cards, you’ll send 3 cards and receive the same.
- If you sign up for 4 cards, 1 small gift, and 1 crafted/handmade gift, you'll send 4 cards, 1 small gift, and 1 crafted/handmade gift, and receive the same.
What if I don't celebrate religious holidays?
Hey, Bela doesn't either, comrade! This exchange has nothing to do with religion - it's about community and spreading cheer. The signup form has questions asking about your preference to receiving anything religious, including wording. This information will be shared with your partner.
Can I nominate more than one person for Cheer Cards?
Heck yeah! Each person nominated will receive at least 1 cheer card from the group. Usually, they will receive several cards. It all depends on how many how many folks are nominated and how many total cards the groups signs up to send. For example:
- If we have 20 cheer recipients nominated and the group has collectively signed up for 60 cards total, each recipient will receive 3 cards.
When will I get my recipient’s info?
Matches will go out on December 2. You’ll receive an email with everything you need: your partner's name, mailing address, and their preferences.
Is it okay to order gifts online and ship directly?
Yes, please do, especially if it saves you time or postage. Many shops offer free shipping with smaller minimum orders around the holidays, so take advantage of it! I'll share a list of some options soon, too.
What if I sign up but later can’t participate?
Life happens... it fucking happens, especially lately. No worries at all, friend! Just contact me as soon as possible. If it's after matching has taken place, I’ll rematch your partner if possible. If not, I will send something myself to make sure everyone still receives something.
What if my match doesn’t send anything?
It’s rare, but if it happens, please let me know. I'm happy to check in with your partner. I usually have a few backup cheer participants (or I’ll send something myself) to fill the gap if they are unable to send the items.
What is the New Year's Day Hangout?
It's literally the best way to start your 2026! 😁
I thought it would be a sweet way for us to kick off 2026 with a private little New Year's hangout. It's exclusively for folks who participated in the exchange. Show up in your pajamas, your favorite warm drink, and feel free to share your experience with the exchange. Show and tells are encouraged but not required!
Spread the Word
If you think others would be interested, please share it with your network. By spreading the word, you’re helping amplify the importance of community building and support. We always need more folks fighting for a better world.
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Thank you for your support and for helping to spread the message. Much love! 
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