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Writer's pictureErin Clark

The History of Gift Giving at Christmas: A Timeless Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, the tradition of gift-giving comes alive, bringing joy, generosity, and the excitement of sharing something meaningful with loved ones. But have you ever wondered where this tradition started and how it became such an essential part of Christmas celebrations? Let’s take a journey through history to uncover the origins and evolution of this beloved custom.


Three burlesque performers dressed in christmas hats


Ancient Roots of Gift-Giving


Long before Christmas as we know it, ancient civilizations exchanged gifts during the winter solstice celebrations. In Rome, for instance, people celebrated *Saturnalia*, a festival honouring the god Saturn, where gifts were exchanged as a gesture of goodwill and to mark the lengthening days after the winter solstice. People would exchange simple tokens such as candles, figurines, and even fruit as a symbol of prosperity for the year ahead.


This ancient practice of giving symbolic items and showing generosity during the darkest time of the year laid the foundation for gift-giving traditions to come.


The Influence of St. Nicholas


Fast-forward to the 4th century, and we meet St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness, generosity, and secret gift-giving. He became the inspiration behind the legend of Santa Claus. One well-known story recounts how St. Nicholas helped a poor family by secretly placing gold coins in their stockings, which were hung by the fire to dry. St. Nicholas’s anonymous acts of charity turned him into a figure of gift-giving and inspired people to carry out their own acts of kindness.


Over time, stories of St. Nicholas’s generosity spread, particularly through Europe. By the Middle Ages, December 6th—St. Nicholas’s feast day—became a day for exchanging gifts, especially for children. In many European cultures, this day became a precursor to the gift-giving tradition we associate with Christmas today.


The Arrival of Christmas Gift-Giving in Victorian Times


It wasn’t until the 19th century that the tradition of gift-giving became firmly tied to Christmas itself, largely due to the influence of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. Together, they popularised Christmas as a family-centred holiday, complete with decorated Christmas trees, holiday cards, and gift exchanges. Prince Albert, who was German, introduced the custom of decorating a Christmas tree in the royal household, which soon caught on throughout England and beyond.


As the holiday became more commercialized, people began to purchase rather than make gifts, making Christmas shopping an anticipated part of the season. Victorian literature, particularly Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, also played a significant role in shaping modern Christmas traditions by emphasising themes of generosity, compassion, and community.





The Rise of Santa Claus


By the 20th century, Santa Claus—based on St. Nicholas—had become an iconic figure synonymous with gift-giving on Christmas Eve. Popularized by poets like Clement Clarke Moore with *A Visit from St. Nicholas* (“’Twas the Night Before Christmas”) and commercial advertisements, especially those from Coca-Cola, Santa Claus evolved into the red-suited, jolly figure we know today. Santa’s image encouraged the idea of giving gifts as a way to spread joy and kindness, especially to children.





The Modern Tradition of Christmas Gift-Giving


Today, the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas has taken on countless forms around the world. Some families exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, while others open presents on Christmas morning. Many countries have incorporated unique customs into their Christmas celebrations; for instance, in some cultures, children place shoes or stockings by the door or fireplace, hoping for treats and small gifts.


The spirit of gift-giving at Christmas endures because it allows us to express love, appreciation, and gratitude. Whether it’s a simple handmade present or a carefully chosen item, each gift symbolizes the joy of connecting with those we care about and participating in a tradition that spans centuries.





Make Your Christmas Gift-Giving Memorable with Stories Unseen


At Stories Unseen, we believe that the best gifts are those that create memories. This Christmas, why not gift an experience rather than an object? Our curated, self-guided tours make for unique and meaningful presents that allow your loved ones to explore the world in a new way. Each tour is a journey through stories, history, and local gems, perfect for the adventurer or the history lover in your life.


As we celebrate the history of Christmas gift-giving, let’s continue to cherish the true spirit of the season—showing thoughtfulness, creating memories, and celebrating the people who make our lives special.

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