The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is an ancient tradition.
In the Christian religion, the practice of giving gifts on Christmas is traced back to the gifts that the Magi (three wise men) gave Jesus when he was born, these include gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The Magi was kings from the East, wise men who travelled a great distance following a star, to find the Christ, and bring him gifts.
The Magi’s visit was originally celebrated on the Feast of Epiphany on 6 January.
Over time the tradition of giving gifts came to be more associated with Christmas, than with Epiphany.
It is the time from Christmas to Epiphany in the church calendar, from 25 December to 6 January, that is recognized as the “twelve days of Christmas” from the old Christmas carol.
The ancient church did not celebrate Christmas as much as it observed it as a holy day, it was not really celebrated until the modern era.
The tradition of giving gifts to loved ones at Christmas became more popular as the middle ages ended, and the modern era began.
Various countries and people began to make gift-giving a regular part of the holy day (holiday) over a period of time.
The early Dutch settlers to America introduced St Nicholas, Santa Claus, to the new world.
The early French and English settlers were more likely to give gifts at New Year’s or at Epiphany.
Ultimately, a common Christmas culture developed in which gifts were given on Christmas.
For some it is a way to celebrate the Christian holy day.
Other people take it as a special time to let family and friends know that they care by giving gifts.
Giving gifts at Christmas becomes almost mechanical, and a chore, when this happens, step aside for a moment and consider why exactly you give gifts on Christmas.
