Why do we give presents at christmas

In fact, some of the first settlers in North America were highly critical of any kind of Christmas celebrations: the Puritans who settled in the American colonies even outlawed Christmas and the accompanying celebrations between and It wasn't until the late s that people began to see Christmas Day as a time to give gifts to children and each other. But slowly, "Christmas creep" began to change that tradition: advertisers began suggesting people give a few gifts early on Christmas Day and slowly, people began giving all of their presents at Christmas instead of waiting until New Year's.

It just so happened that all of the advertising encouraging gift-giving took place during an era of industrialization, during which urban workers who had moved from the farms for work started purchasing more and more mass-produced, commercial gifts to give to each other.

The popularization of manufactured items such as bicycles and household appliances also helped feed into this gift-purchasing custom, since such items could not be made at home. By , virtually all the presents exchanged at Christmas were manufactured and purchased and the rest, as they say, is history.

The tradition of giving presents at Christmas has roots that go back as far as the Nativity story, whereupon the Three Wise Men gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.

The Romans had their own tradition of giving gifts during Saturnalia, which was a festival that began on December 17 th and lasted until the 23 rd. Nicholas was perhaps one of the most famous gift-givers in Christmas history, as he delighted children and adults alike in the surprise presents he left behind in the shoes that were left outside.

In the 13 th Century, many French nuns made and gave gifts to the needy on the eve of St. These precious items showed the respect and reverence the Wise Men had for the Son of God. Christians likewise bestow presents on family members, friends and the needy as a way of remembering the Three Wise Men honoring of the Christ Child. A modern interpretation of the custom is the recognition that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.

Since giving material birthday presents to Him is not possible, instead people give gifts to each other in celebration of the day.

Christmas presents are a time to surprise and delight those we love. People enjoy finding that perfect gift. Once wrapped and delivered, the giver watches the recipient's happy face as he or she unwraps it.

There is also something special about children's anticipation and hope during this time of year. Little hands can barely stay away from the wrapped presents under the tree. Adults reflect back to their own childhood Christmases with nostalgia and fondness. Businesses use this time of year for promotion and advertising. Many firms will send presents to valued clients to thank them for their business.

Gift giving is also a way to advertise the company and promote positive public relations. Many people use the Christmas season as a way to say thank you to individuals for their services and efforts throughout the year. People give these gifts to a wide variety of people including:. Businesses also give gifts to employees to express appreciation for the work during the previous year. Sometimes these presents are in the form of money, like a Christmas bonus; other times they are in the form of gift certificates.

The custom of giving presents during the middle of winter dates back long before the birth of Jesus.

Many early cultures, such as the Romans and the Norse, had winter solstice festivals that included gift giving. The Roman pagan god of agriculture, Saturn, was celebrated during the winter solstice.

Saturnalia was celebrated on December Starting on December 17, the citizens celebrated the entire week. Saturnalia was festive with all kinds of events. Simple and easy recipes to help you enjoy the festive season. Plus of delicious food to try throughout the year.

These days we tell children that we give people gifts at Christmas to be generous. Spreading the idea that the gift-giving is more important and more rewarding than receiving but have you ever sat down and really thought about why we do it? The simple answer would be because we like to because we want to share something that made us think of the recipient.

But going further into it, it seems to be more of a show of appreciation. Gifting those who have helped us along during the year, for example sending your child to school with a box of chocolate to give to their favourite teacher. The practice of gift and reciprocity is a long practised human social interaction that can be found all over the world throughout history. The giving and receiving of gifts is a chance to strengthen social bonds.