Step-by-Step Guide to KSS2012 - Step 3: Make Your KSS Video

(Visit How to KSS for the quick guide)

You've already signed up, RSVP'd, received your draw and ensured your wishlists are up to speed. Now, it's time for the important step:

Step 3: Making Your KSS Video

This is the whole point of the exchange where, as Secret Santas, you create your personal video for your draw.

1) See your draw and your draw's wishlist. 

You can do this by logging into Elfster, clicking on the Gift Exchange, and looking at the side menu. There will be a section under your logo that says "Your Draw". When you click on your draw's name, you'll be sent to their wishlist page.

This is a challenging, but fun and creative, part of the exchange. Sometimes, your draw's wishlist has many options, but there's not one obvious one that makes you go, "Well, I'll do that one in this way. Easy!" Other times, your draw's wishlist has minimum options that are equally challenging. And, if you're lucky, your draw's wishlist, either limited or flexible, offers you an opportunity that screams, "I can do this!" 

In any case, it is your task to take what you can from the wishlist and make a KSS video out of it. You are given a certain amount of time, so the sooner you start the better. If you have to, try to contact your draw to clarify or ask for more specific options. But, part of the fun is being clever with what you have and delivering a joyful present with your personal touch. So, *if* your draw has enough options, we'd recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling the not-so-easy options. Once you follow through, you'd be amazed at what you can accomplish.

More "after the jump", including various examples of KSS videos and this important tip:

"As long as you perform a song on video and it applies to your draw's wishlist, it counts. How is entirely up to you."

2) Research your draw's wishlist.

This is where you look through the wishlist and compare the songs available to find one you can perform. I often use YouTube and Google to search. Start brainstorming how you can record yourself doing it. Whittle down the options until you have one you definitely want to continue with.

3) Create your video.

You can do this in any amount of ways. As long as you perform a song on video and it applies to your draw's wishlist, it counts. How is entirely up to you. Here are a few examples of how you can do this:

• Sing a song using a karaoke backing track:Sometimes, you can buy or borrow a CD or track, but YouTube has videos you can play in background as you record your video.
  
• Sing with live instruments (either played by yourself or friends):
  Some of us dabble in or are semi-professionals on a musical instrument. Some of know people who do. Use those talents to help you perform!
  
• Make an edited music video of you performing song:
  It can be similar to either the previous two, but you edit something together to accompany your performance. A chance to add an extra little Christmas spirit to your videos. Filmmakers, unite!
  
• Sing along to the song:
  Sometimes, it's just as fun to sing along:
  
• ...or BE CREATIVE!
  Some of the best KSS videos out there find a way to get made. Sometimes, secret santas choose a different way to "perform" the song. In any case, you can be ambitious and really deliver something special for your draw!
  -Dance
  
  (I strongly suggest watching above video on YouTube).
  -Poetry
  
  -Rock Band
  

These are only examples and suggestions: You may come up with something new, wonderful and unabashedly you! The important thing is to DO IT and get the process started as soon as possible.

I'll stop here and tell you how (and *when*) to deliver your KSS video in the next step.

Thank you!

-Joe R.

aka Karaoke Secret