Christmas gift-giving: What’s the story behind the tradition?
Gift-giving is one the most loved Christmas traditions in the UK and around the world. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we give gifts at Christmas?
The origins of Christmas gift-giving are rooted in tradition. Giving gifts at Christmas reminds us of the joy that can come from sharing.
Your donation could give a child the joy of opening up a Christmas present where they’d otherwise miss out.
The tradition of giving at Christmas started with the story of Jesus. According to the Bible, three wise men travelled to meet Jesus, bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were presents to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Today, many people give gifts to remember and honour this story.
Saint Nicholas: The start of the gift-giving tradition:
The story of Saint Nicholas is about a man famed for giving to those most vulnerable. One of the most famous tales of Saint Nicholas was of him secretly leaving coins for a vulnerable family by dropping them down their chimney.
Saint Nicholas, who is known as the patron saint of children, and is now known as Santa Claus. The story of his kindness reminds us that gift-giving comes from the heart. Here are some gifts you could give a vulnerable child:
A trip to visit Santa
You could pay for a trip to visit Father Christmas for a child who would otherwise miss out.
The Victorian era (19th century) played a big role in shaping how we see and celebrate Christmas today.
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol highlighted the importance of giving and generosity at Christmas. Whilst other factors, such as the rise of commercial influences from corporations like Coca-Cola and the rise of department stores has also helped transform Christmas into a season that focuses on giving presents.
Christmas has become a time to think of others and give gifts as an act of kindness. You could continue this tradition by making a difference to a vulnerable child:
Donate £15 and you could buy books and toys to help a child learn.
In recent years, many people have shifted to a more mindful approach to Christmas gift-giving. Rather than buying lots of Christmas presents, there's a growing trend to give thoughtful, sustainable gifts.
For example, you could buy a gift that gives back to charity in someone's name.
The perfect Christmas gift is about how much thought you put into it. Whether it’s a teddy, toys and books, the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart. Why not consider giving a gift to charity this year?
Right now, 4.3 million UK children live in poverty. That’s almost 1 in 3 children and the worst number ever recorded. More children are suffering. More families are at breaking point. We see this every day. And it doesn't stop because it's Christmas.
The magic of Christmas begins in childhood. Hanging stockings. Sharing festive food. Presents under the tree. It’s a time for children to feel loved and make memories that last a lifetime.
But for vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical. No stockings. No presents. No festive food - maybe no food at all.
But you could help change that. Your gift could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
Agree? Be a Secret Santa and help a vulnerable child
