India, Dec. 25 -- As Secret Santa Reels flood social media with office banter, name slips and quirky gifts, some Delhi-NCR residents are quietly taking the festive idea beyond friend circles - becoming Secret Santa for strangers who need warmth the most.

With temperatures dipping steadily, winter is unforgiving for those living on the streets. That reality has nudged many to turn a light-hearted tradition into a collective act of kindness, centred on donating winter essentials. "This reality has prompted many to step out and help, turning a festive tradition into a collective winter effort," says Vanya Kaur, a final-year law student who has made compassion the cornerstone of her Christmas this year.

"My friends and I usually become Secr...