Wichtel

A "Wichtel" is a fantasy creature that usually does good deeds, but also tends to pull hoaxes. They often make appearances in children's books. In modern day fantasy literature, they tend to be evil spirits, though the notion of friendly little gnomes is retained in a Christmas-time activity called "wichteln." When a gift exchange is done secretly, with the participants drawing names out of bag, the identity of the gift-giver - who could just as well be a "Wichtel" - remains a mystery. The giver's mortal identity is revealed on Christmas day, if no one spills the beans beforehand. That doesn't preclude the possibility, however, that "Wichtel" could have been involved. After all, Santa Claus has dwarves to help with present preparation. With any luck, the person who had drawn the recipient's name employed a nice old-fashioned "Wichtel" with good taste.