Christmas Presents: History and Trivia

Christmas presents and the history of Christmasthe shift in Christmas Presents and the style of
gift giving has a long history. Earliest historicalgiving that was being done by Americans. In
references seem to point to the origin occurring inaddition, the poem "A Visit from St. Nick"
Ancient Rome. High ranking officials were required(otherwise known as "The Night Before
to give gifts to the Emperor around the time ofChristmas") was written by Clement Moore in
the Winter Solstice. They were not exactly1822 and published. The poem describes Santa
Christmas presents as we know it, at least notClause climbing down chimneys and stuffing
then, date, but instead were part of thestockings full of Christmas presents before flying
celebration of the birth of the Sun God.off into the Christmas night with his miniature sled
St. Nicholas is by far the most easily recognizedand magical reindeer.
source of Christmas presents around the world.More than likely it was a combination of
Parents would leave small gifts of candy or fruitsadvertising, the poetry and many other cultural
for their children in the honor of St. Nicholas.influences that brought about the change in
Eventually the date of this exchange of giftsexchange attitudes surrounding the exchange of
became associated with the December 25thChristmas presents. Now, however, the
festivities.anticipation of both giving and receiving Christmas
Christmas presents became even more of a focalpresents leads to some creative opportunities of
point of the holiday experience in the mid-19thgift giving. Christmas parties, family dinners and
century when Americans began to shift frommore traditional forms of gift giving or hiding
exchanging small, simple gifts and instead beganChristmas presents under the Christmas tree all
taking a more consume-driven approach topresent chances to surprise your family and
Christmas presents and gift exchanges. It isfriends with unique and interesting Christmas
thought that advertising may have encouragedpresents.