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A Word of Greeting   Read a word of greeting by the action’s patron Dr. Margot Käßmann here.

What is Worldwide Surpr!se?   The campaign worldwide surprise takes up a Christmas custom which is known as “Wichteln” in Germany, “amigo secreto” in Brazil, and “Secret Santa” in America. Starting in mid-November, the Fair Trade Shops in Germany will provide “Wichtel” hand puppets. Read more here

Worldwide Surpr!se - Step by Step   How worldwide surprise works is explained in seven easy to follow steps. These steps can then be supplemented by ideas and background information found elsewhere on this website. Read the seven steps

How does Worldwide Surpr!se work?   Children throughout the world enjoy the secret exchange of gifts in the Advent season, whether in youth groups, schools, Sunday-schools, pre-schools, in their own families. In Germany, this customs is called “wichteln”, and is meant to share joy with other people in pleasant anticipation of Christmas. There are different ways to select partners and exchange gifts. Read more here

Worldwide Surpr!se supports families and physically disabled women in South India   Worldwide Surpr!se sells Wichtelpuppets and pouches made by a cooperative in India. This cooperative helps parents pay for their children’s education, runs it's own primary school, and supports state schools with donations. Read more here

A Hand Puppet as a Bridge between Cultures   The hand puppets and matching pouches, which were produced in India and are sold in the Fair Trade Shops, are made out of light cotton. This guarantees two things: that overseas shipping costs are kept low, and that children can decorate the cotton puppets just like a white piece of paper. Read more here

Drawings and Hand-crafted Presents for Children in other Countries   With their personally made, handcrafted little presents, children in Germany show children overseas what Advent and Christmas mean in their culture. They hope that those who receive the “Wichtel” pouches will reply with stories of their own traditions and customs. Read more here