Secret Santa Origins

By: Mark Zapanta, Features Reporter 

The history of Secret Santa dates all the way back to 1971. A homeless man, Larry Dean Stewart planned to steal from a diner, but had his meal paid for him by the owner of the restaurant.

He promised that he would return the favor if he ever became successful. A few years later, Stewart became a millionaire through cable television and long-distance calling. He was able to meet his end of the promise. 

Ever since then, he has been giving out $100 bills to random strangers on the street and across the country. According to abcnews.com, he raised an estimated 1.5 million dollars in  his lifetime.

Larry Dean Stewart eventually died on January 12, 2007 from cancer. His only recorded regret was that he “wasn’t able to help more people.” While gone, his legacy wouldn’t be forgotten as many people across the country celebrate the tradition of Secret Santa. 

Karen Martinez, WJPS 10th grader said, “I don’t really celebrate Secret Santa, but I find the backstory and history of the tradition interesting. “

AIsha Ismail, WJPS 11th grader said, “ I’m going to do Secret Santa this year with my friends. It’s nice that you get to give and receive at the same time. “

“Presents under the tree on Christmas morning” by Patrick Gillespie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.