Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Meaning of Christmas Gifting

Gifts has always been an important part of Christmas celebration. Christmas is the time of the year when most Americans are giving gifts to their family, friends, clients, and loved ones. According to a survey by the American Research Group, shoppers around the U.S. say they are planning to spend an average of $646 for gifts this year.

Charlie Brown, from the popular animated TV special "A Charlie Brown Chirsitmas", complained about the commercialism of the holiday season. While this view has its merits, there is certainly an enormous amount of advertisements and promotions associated with the holiday shopping season, we need to look at the true meaning of Christmas gifting. One way to do so is to follow the evolution this tradition.

The tradition of exchanging gifts for holiday celebration actually originated from the pre-Christian Romans, when they celebrated their pagan winter solstice festival of Saturnalia. Gifts were exchanged among citizens, trees were decorated, and slaves were treated to a banquet with table service provided by their masters. The theme of their celebration was on gift giving, temporary reversal of the social norms, status reversals, and generosity to the poor.

The legend of St. Nick and his helping elves provided further meaning to Christmas gifting. On the night before Christmas, St. Nick (also known as Santa Claus in popular culture) would descend through the chimneys with his eight reindeers, filling the stockings hung by the chimney with presents made by the elves during the year. He would deliver presents to all the good boys and girls on his list. Giving presents to children has since become an important part of Christmas celebration. Who would not want to play the role of Santa Claus and give presents to children? Can you imagine what Christmas would be like without presents for the children?

Based on what we know about the evolution of Christmas gifting, giving and exchanging gifts for Christmas is really about sharing the joy of the season, giving to the poor, and showing our friends and loved ones how much we care about them. Afterall, we have already received the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Giving to those in need, giving presents to children, friends and family will only bring us joy and peace. There is much truth to the saying it's better to give than to receive. It is a blessing to be able to give.

Therefore, for this holiday season, be generous to the poor, and don't forget to send a gift to your loved ones.

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