A season for generosity
Tamara Rebeira savours the joy and spirit of gift giving
Christmas is a magical time that’s enveloped in the warmth of togetherness, the joy of giving and timeless traditions. For centuries, people around the world have celebrated this holiday with unique customs, rich traditions and of course, gift giving.
The practice of exchanging gifts has evolved over time and blended modern trends with longstanding customs; it has made the festive season a distinct experience for families and friends.
GIFTING The tradition of gift giving at Christmas dates back to ancient times. It is often said that it’s inspired by the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh presented by the Wise Men to baby Jesus. These offerings were symbols of reverence and celebration, and set a precedent for the exchange of gifts.
In medieval Europe, Christmas was celebrated with feasts and fairs, and the exchange of modest gifts became a way to foster community spirit. It wasn’t until the 19th century that gifting began to resemble the practice we know today.
EVOLUTION Christmas gifting has transformed over the years; it has adapted to changing times and trends. Initially, they were simple and handmade – often crafted with love and care by family members, and included gifts that carried sentimental value such as knitted scarves, baked goods or homemade toys.
By the 20th century, mass-produced items became popular gifts and the focus shifted to presents purchased from shops. Advertisements, holiday catalogues and the advent of shopping malls turned Christmas into a season of consumerism, with children eagerly awaiting the latest toys and gadgets under the Christmas tree.
In recent years however, there’s been a revival of more thoughtful and meaningful gifting. People are increasingly favouring experiences over material possessions to create lasting memories.
Certain Christmas gifts have stood the test of time and become classics in households around the world. Some of the most enduring gifts include books, toys and games, Christmas hampers filled with treats and more recently, DIY and personalised gifts, and subscriptions.
TRADITIONS Christmas isn’t simply about gifts. It’s about the traditions that bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. Each country and culture has its unique way of celebrating Christmas.
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century and has since become a global practice. Today, families adorn their trees with ornaments, tinsel and lights.
Carolling, which is said to have begun in England, involves door-to-door visits to sing carols, and spreading cheer and goodwill. The festive season is also synonymous with food, which is an integral part of the celebrations.
BLENDING In today’s digital age, Christmas celebrations have adapted to embrace technology and new trends. Online shopping, virtual gifting and even digital greetings have become common, making it easier than ever to share joy with loved ones, irrespective of the distance.
Though the nature of Christmas gifting has evolved, the essence of the season remains unchanged – it is a time for generosity, compassion and spending time with loved ones.
Whether it’s giving a gift, sharing a meal or simply being present, Christmas is about the joy of giving, warmth of tradition and hope that the season brings.