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Why do people give gifts at Christmas and how does it relate to the holiday?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
The history of festivities and giving gifts dates back to the ancient Rome's Saturnalia festivities, held during the last ten days of december. When Christianity became the Roman Empire's State religion, the early Church fathers wanted to incorporate these very popular pagan festivities in the Christian calendar, and decided to celebrate the birth of Christ in the same period. The story of the three Kings bringing gifts was a good and Christian excuse for maintaining the habit of exchanging small gifts.
But today's tradition of abundant gift-giving dates back to the emergence of Santa Claus and the commercialization of Christmas in the US since the second half of the 19th century. Santa Claus is derived from Sinte Klaas (St. Nicholas), a popular midwinter gift-giving celebration in parts of northwestern Europe that dates back to the early 17th century and still is celebrated there - today mostly in Belgium and The Netherlands - on December 5th.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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What is the world's favorite holiday?
Well, if you think about it, the world's favorite holiday is Christmas! Christmas is the favorite holiday because people get and send gifts in this time.
Does China give gifts at Christmas?
No, China does not give gifts at Christmas. This is because Christmas Day is not an official holiday in China.
Specifically what religions do not give gifts at Christmas?
Originally only Christians gave gifts at Christmas. In modern times, the gift giving part of the holiday has become a non-religious affair in which people of many different religions take part.Christmas is only a religious holiday for Christians.However some people practice it as a secular holiday, regardless of their religion.
Where online can one purchase Christmas holiday gifts?
There are many places online where one can purchase Christmas holiday gifts. Oriental Trading offers a variety of Christmas holiday gifts. From do it yourself gifts to gifts already made. Another place to find Christmas holiday gifts would be on eBay or on Amazon.
What is gifts to do with Christmas?
Christmas coincides with an ancient Greek holiday in which men would party and have sex with each other as well as exchanging gifts.
Where can you buy Christmas gifts?
When looking for Christmas gifts, one can look in many different places. During the holiday season practically every retail store and supermarket will have a dedicated section for Christmas gifts. Alternatively you can also buy Christmas gifts online, in places such as Amazon.
Where can chocolate christmas gifts be purchased?
Chocolate Christmas gifts can be purchased at See's Candies, Neiman Marcus, FTD, and All About Gifts and Baskets. Stores like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Target also carry chocolate Christmas gifts around the Christmas holiday.
What is the person called who exchanges gifts?
There is no particular word or term for a person who exchanges gifts. Sometimes during the Christmas holiday season people set up gift exchanges. The people giving the gifts are often referred to as a Secret Santa.
How do people observe Christmas?
There are basically two main reasons people observe Christmas. Some observe it in honor of the Christ child's birthday, while others celebrate the holiday as a time to exchange gifts.
If you are on holiday does Father Christmas still bring you gifts?
Well, of course he can! There are people who live in hotels/motels, and in shelters too. Father Christmas knows where to find all families... that is his job.
Name something people do in December in order to get in the holiday spirit?
Some of the the things that people do in December in order to get in the holiday spirit are decorate their homes, buy gifts, sing carols, listen to holiday music, put up a Christmas tree, and do charitable works.
What are some christmas celebrations in germany?
Christmas markets are a big part of Christmas celebrations in Germany. At these markets you will find holiday foods, gifts, and decor. Other Christmas celebrations in Germany include Advent, decorating the Christmas tree, and exchanging gifts on Christmas day.
