The enchantment of Christmas is nearly ubiquitous. Even if you don’t celebrate it as a religious festival, its customs and traditions have permeated many societies around the globe. One such tradition that has become an integral part of the holiday season is the exchange of presents. But where did this custom come from, and how has it evolved over time?
The Origin of Christmas Gift-Giving
The Three Wise Men and The Nativity
Many attribute the tradition of Christmas gift-giving to the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, three Magi, or wise men, journeyed from the East to Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn baby Jesus.
In many cultures, this act is seen as the origin of the custom of exchanging gifts at Christmas, as the three wise men offered these gifts on the Epiphany, traditionally celebrated twelve days after Christmas.
Roman Saturnalia
However, the practice of exchanging gifts during winter festivals predates Christianity.
In ancient Rome, the mid-December festival of Saturnalia, dedicated to the god Saturn, was marked by indulgence, merriment, and the exchange of gifts.
Social norms were upended, and slaves and masters could eat at the same table. People would exchange candles, small figurines, and other tokens as gifts.
The Evolution of Christmas Gift-Giving
Middle Ages to the Victorian Era
Christmas gift-giving underwent a transformation during the Middle Ages.
It was customary for people to give gifts to their social superiors, such as lords and ladies.
The notion of gift exchange between peers and family members became more prevalent during the Victorian era.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” published in 1843, was instrumental in emphasising charity, goodwill, and family at Christmas, reshaping our modern understanding of the holiday.
The Emergence of Santa Claus
In many Western cultures, the figure of Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas, is the embodiment of holiday gift-giving.
This character has roots in several traditions. Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity, while the British figure of Father Christmas was a symbol of good cheer.
Photo by Caleb Woods on UnsplashDutch settlers brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to America, which evolved into the character of Santa Claus.
The modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund man in a red suit was popularised by American artist Haddon Sundblom’s Coca-Cola advertising campaign in the 1930s.
Santa Claus’s connection to Christmas gift-giving comes from the legend of Saint Nicholas, who was known to leave coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, a tradition celebrated on Saint Nicholas’ Day, December 6.
The Commercialisation of Christmas
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Christmas began to be significantly commercialised. Gift-giving turned into a major economic activity, boosting retail sales and stimulating economic activity.
Stores began advertising Christmas shopping in the 1820s, and by the 1840s, newspapers were creating separate sections for holiday advertisements.
The practice of wrapping presents in decorative paper also began in the early 20th century, adding another layer to the Christmas retail industry.
While commercialisation has been criticised for overshadowing the spiritual and communal aspects of Christmas, it has also made gift-giving more accessible and democratic. It enables individuals to express their feelings through carefully chosen gifts and supports many businesses and jobs.
Christmas Gift-Giving Around the World
The tradition of Christmas gift-giving is not uniform worldwide and is shaped by cultural, historical, and religious contexts.
For example, in Spain and many Latin American countries, gifts are traditionally given on the Epiphany (January 6) rather than Christmas Day.
In the Netherlands, presents are often exchanged on Sinterklaas (December 5). Meanwhile, in countries like Russia and Ukraine, gifts are commonly exchanged on New Year’s Eve.
Gift Giving Traditions at ChristmasThe Meaning of Gift-Giving Today
Despite the commercial aspects, the spirit of Christmas gift-giving remains deeply tied to notions of love, goodwill, and generosity.
Gifts are a means to express affection and appreciation for loved ones. They serve as tangible manifestations of intangible feelings and are an opportunity to show thoughtfulness and care.
Gift-giving at Christmas
The tradition of Christmas gift-giving is a fascinating blend of ancient pagan practices, Christian lore, and modern commercialism.
Despite its various transformations, the core essence of the tradition remains. It is a celebration of generosity, a demonstration of love and gratitude, and a cherished opportunity to bring joy to others.
As we unwrap our Christmas gifts this year, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved tradition.
Read more Christmas Traditions and Customs