A Ladies Christmas Social Tradition
The Mug Exchange
One mug. A little creativity. A whole lot of Christmas fun.
The Mug Exchange is one of the traditions at the heart of the Ladies Christmas Social. Every attendee brings one mug filled with goodies, and later in the evening everyone takes part in a fun blind exchange.
Think of it as your festive contribution to the evening: a little creativity, a little generosity, and a gift another woman gets to take home.
Every attendee must bring a filled mug to participate.
How the Mug Exchange Works
The idea is simple. Bring one filled mug, join the exchange, and go home with a mug another lady created.
STEP 1
Pick a Mug
Choose a mug you would genuinely enjoy receiving yourself. Christmasy, elegant, funny, cozy, or classic all work.
It needs to be an actual mug — not a bowl, plate, basket, or other container.
STEP 2
Fill It With Goodies
Fill it with fun little gifts. Keep it simple, create a theme, or stack it sky-high.
There is no required dollar amount. Make something you would be happy to take home yourself.
STEP 3
Bring It & Exchange
Bring your finished mug to the Social. Later in the evening, everyone joins the blind Mug Exchange.
Everyone brings one, and everyone leaves with one.
Make Something You’d Love to Receive
There is no strict amount to spend. Some ladies keep things simple, while others pile their mugs so high they wonder whether everything will make it through the front door.
The best rule: put together a mug you would be genuinely excited to receive yourself.
What Can I Put in My Mug?
There are no hard rules. These are just a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
Sweet Treats
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Hot cocoa
- Peppermints
- Cookies or seasonal treats
Cozy Favorites
- Coffee or tea
- Fuzzy socks
- Mini candles
- Little comfort items
A Little Pampering
- Lotions
- Lip balm
- Bath or spa goodies
- Small self-care items
Christmas Fun
- Ornaments
- Christmas jewelry
- Small décor pieces
- Festive surprises
Gift Cards
A small gift card can be a great surprise, especially when it ties into the theme of your mug.
Something Fun
Funny little gifts, quirky finds, do-dads, or anything else that makes your mug memorable.
Theme It!
Giving your mug a theme can make the whole thing even more fun. A Grinch mug has been done before, but the possibilities are endless.
- The Grinch
- Cozy Cocoa
- Peppermint Everything
- Spa Night
- Disney Christmas
- Chocolate Lover
- Gold & Glam
- Funny Christmas
Stack it high or keep it simple. There is no prize for spending the most — creativity and Christmas spirit are what make these mugs fun.
Need Inspiration?
Have Fun With It
Your mug does not need to look like anyone else’s. That’s part of the fun. Pick things that make you smile, wrap them up however you like, and let your personality show.
Sometimes half the fun is piling everything up and hoping it doesn’t topple over!
Quick Reminders
- Participation is required. Every attendee brings a filled mug.
- Your mug is your required contribution. There is no admission charge.
- You may bring it unwrapped, in a gift bag, or wrapped in cellophane.
- The Mug Exchange usually happens around 7:30–8:00 PM.
- If you’re arriving late, keep the exchange time in mind.
- Food, snacks, or wine to share are appreciated but completely optional.
Come Ready for a Little Christmas Craziness
Have fun putting your mug together. Someone else is going home with it — and you will be going home with someone else’s creation too!