How gift giving came to be
JOBURG – Here is how gift giving in the festive season became a special aspect to Christmas.
According to WhyChristmas.Com, the reason we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men – frankincense, gold and myrrh.
The site explained that Christmas itself is really about a big present that God gave the world about 2 000 years ago – Jesus.
Presents are said to be open on different days over the world as well. The earliest presents are opened is on St Nicholas’ Eve on December 5 when children in the Netherlands receive their presents. On St Nicholas’ Day December 6, children in Belgium, Germany, Czechia and some other European countries open some of their presents.
Children in many other countries, open their presents on Christmas Day, December 25. The latest presents are opened is on January 6. This is known as Epiphany and is mainly celebrated in Catholic countries.
