Christmas, a time of joy, togetherness and, of course, gifts. While many of us look forward each year to exchanging beautifully wrapped gifts under the twinkling Christmas tree, we rarely stop to consider how this custom originated. The idea of Christmas gifts has a rich and fascinating history that dates back far beyond today's modern celebrations.
A Historical Retrospective
The origins of Christmas gifts can be traced to several cultural and historical traditions. One important source is the celebration of the ancient Roman festival called Saturnalia, which took place around the winter solstice. During Saturnalia, gifts were given as symbols of goodwill and friendship. These gifts were often exchanged to promote the spirit of togetherness.
In addition, Christian tradition also contributed to the evolution of Christmas gifts. The story of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus has had a lasting influence on the