The history of Christmas gifts gives us an idea of how the nature of gifts has changed through the ages. It is said that Christmas as it is celebrated today started during the Victorian era of the 1860's. Family members exchange gifts with each other. The gifts can be very simple things, the love and bonding which it fosters is the important idea.
Sometimes the gifts are laid under the Christmas tree. Apart from the pleasure of getting gifts, the gaily and tastefully wrapped packages are a feast for the eyes. History of Christmas gifts makes us aware of the fact that there are particular times for giving gifts. Gifts are given on the Christmas day or Christmas Eve or on Saint Nicholas day. Specially in Holland, Christmas is purely a religious festival, the gifts are given to the family and friends on Saint Nicholas day. German children are lucky, as they have two gifts giving days. The first one is on fifth December. The day is earmarked for small gifts. The main gift giving day is Christmas Eve. Hungary follows the same pattern, except for the fact that there the gift is given by Jesus instead of Santa Claus. Poland has two gift giving days, one on fifth December and the other on Christmas Eve. Spain has a tradition of giving gifts on Epiphany on sixth January. The Russian tradition of gift giving day falls on the New Years Eve.
It is apparent that all the countries where Christmas is the main socio-religious festival, the gift giving day varies according to local customs and traditions. The history of Christmas gifts enlightens us on these varied traditions. Enjoy your gifts from Christmas Carnivals.
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