Giving Gifts at Christmas: A History

The history of Christmas gifts dates back to ancient times, even before the spread of Christianity. Gifts were offered in honor of the winter solstice in Germanic cultures, in honor of Saturn, the sun god, in Roman times, and even in celebration of the resurrection of the sun god in Celtic mythology. With the advent and spread of Christianity throughout Europe, religious and pagan traditions synthesized. Although several sects of Christians attempted to do away with the gift-giving traditions in December, the custom was deeply ingrained in the converts. Hence Christianity found justification in the story of the birth of Jesus and allowed for the celebration of Christ’s birth to correspond with the annual exchange of gifts, such that giving gifts to one another should symbolize the Magi’s gifts to Christ and God’s gift of Christ to the world.

The American history of Christmas gifts and giving stems from Victorian England and the revival of the Christmas celebration during that time. Gift-giving was tied to charity and a desire to show friendliness and love to one-another. This practice served as a positive foundation for the American Christmas, though materialism and commercialism have had large influences in the last couple centuries. Some religious sects, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and fundamentalist Christians, still do not celebrate Christmas because of its pagan origins. Nevertheless, Christmas is celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians, especially since the adoption of another European symbol of gift-giving: Saint Nicholas.

History of Christmas Gifts: Santa Claus

Discussing the history of Christmas gifts would not be complete without tracing the evolution of the North American gift-giver, Santa Claus. Santa, Saint Nick, Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, and Pere Noel are a few of the names given to today’s symbol of Christmas. All of these figures have a common, human ancestor, Saint Nicholas of Myra, a clergyman from 4^th Century Turkey. He had a reputation for secret gift giving and became the patron saint of sailors. Honor is given to him on December 6^th though among Americans, many more people wait with anticipation of Santa bringing gifts than Saint Nicholas. An explanation for the pairing of Santa Claus with the December 24^th comes from Christianity, which as aforementioned, sought justification for gift-giving practices in the story of the birth of Christ.

Most unique in North America, and particularly the US, Christmas is fraught with commercialism. Products and marketing schemes are aimed at the “holiday season” in an attempt to encourage the shopping for and buying of gifts, even gifts one might be unable to afford. That said, keep in mind proper gift-giving etiquette next holiday season: start early, make it personal, and be sincere.