Origin of gift-giving: when did people start giving gifts at Christmas?

Like many other Christmas traditions, gift giving is not unique to Christmas. Its roots go back to non-Christian religious practices of pagan holidays celebrated in Rome and at Christmas in northern Europe. Like many cherished customs, modern society has added its own twist that adds or detracts from the celebration, depending on your point of view.

Gift-giving began as early as the festival of Saturn, called Saturnalias, celebrated by the ancient Romans around December 25. In a mocking manner, the slaves exchanged places with their masters and towards the end of the celebrations simple gifts of wax candles and ceramic figures called “sigilla” were exchanged.

In the North, during the Christmas season, gift giving was part of the winter solstice and the return of the sun. Gift baskets made from wheat stalks reflected its vital qualities and fertility. The harvest was as apart of this celebration as anything else.

These traditions were adapted into Christianity and became part of the Christmas celebration. At one point, around the year 1000, the Catholic Church forbade gift-giving because it thought the practice had become too pagan.

The Puritans who came to America did not celebrate Christmas or gift-giving because they too found it too abundant and wild.

The Victorians actually reinstated the traditions of giving gifts as part of their Christmas festivities. Their gifts were much more simple and traditional than those given today. Presents were scattered around the house and found in cakes, not in piles under the Christmas tree.

Santa Claus and his gift-giving were reinforced through commercialism and traditional Christmas poems. Adapting European figures such as Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus came to prominence with Clement C. Moore’s publication, “It was the night before Christmas. His gift-giving characteristics were reinforced by the bright, cheery man portrayed in commercials for a favorite carbonated beverage.

Adopting all of these past traditions, many Christians trace the idea of ​​gifts back to the ones the wise men gave to the baby Jesus. Many Christians see his birth as God’s ultimate gift of love.

Reflecting on times past, the holidays can be a time to give, not to get or spend, but to show appreciation with thoughtful gifts of love. The holiday becomes more meaningful by showing concern for those less fortunate than ourselves. Removing the commercialism of Christmas and reflecting on a simpler time will go a long way in improving the tradition of Christmas gift giving.