Scholars believe that the custom of gift-giving originated in the Roman empire, during the celebration of Saturnalia. The gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, given to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men are looked upon as the original Christmas gifts. In Europe, the tradition of Christmas presents dates back to at least as far as the sixteenth century.
Before that, people exchanged gifts at New Year’s. Stories about the original St. Nicholas told of a kind man who helped and bestowed gifts on many people. The anniversary of his death, December 6th, became the day to give gifts, especially to children.
Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, became a tradition in Old England as the day to give gifts of money to the needy that were gathered in boxes at churches, as well as boxed-presents of appreciation to servants (see Boxing Day).
Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.
- from Gifts of the Magi by O. Henry
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