If you’ve read my typical late November post about Christmas wishes, you’ve likely seen my list of items, which I usually get one or two of each year. A week before Christmas, I edited the post and removed the items. Some find it mean, while others are unaware, and some suggest I should tell them what I want. But what about Christmas gifts?
Giving gifts is a modern tradition, but the practice of exchanging gifts at Christmas dates back to ancient times. In Christianity, it’s traced back to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child by the three Magi. The Magi, wise kings from the East, traveled a great distance following a star to find Christ and bring him gifts. Their visit was initially celebrated on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany.
Giving gifts became more associated with Christmas than with Epiphany over time. The Church calendar recognizes the period from Christmas to Epiphany as the “twelve days of Christmas.”
The ancient Church observed Christmas as a holy day, not as a celebration. The tradition of giving gifts to loved ones at Christmas gained popularity in the modern era, particularly after the Middle Ages. Various countries and peoples made gift-giving a regular part of the holiday. By the time the Americas were settled, many settlers had begun to practice giving gifts at Christmas. The early Dutch settlers introduced St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, to the New World. In contrast, the early French and English colonists were more likely to give gifts at New Year’s or Epiphany.
A shared Christmas culture developed, with gifts given on Christmas. In the nineteenth century, gift-giving took on new dimensions, influenced by the works of O. Henry, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Nast, who shaped our concepts of Santa Claus and other aspects of the holiday.
Today, we all give gifts at Christmas for various reasons. Some celebrate the Christian holy day, while others express care for family and friends. However, sometimes giving gifts becomes mechanical and burdensome. In such cases, it’s worth reflecting on the purpose of giving.
Christmas is not about gifts but sharing love and friendship. Recently, I visited my father and told my sister that if he dies tomorrow, he will die happy. Giving happiness is more valuable than any gift and is not easy.
This year, I need something on my Christmas list. Here’s what I want:
- My father wants to find peace with all the things he regrets
- Addie Grey to find happiness and stability
- Get back on track emotionally and physically
- After having two children, my niece finds a promising future, and then has a worthless father.
- My Girlfriend’s daughter is to be safe as she prepares for her first child
- For people to smile and help a neighbor shovel the driveway
You get the drift. Be kind to all you meet and yourself.
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