Gifts under the Christmas tree are that cliché that we have known since we were children and that every year, during the holidays, comes back to make us feel special. The reason why at Christmas we exchange gifts of various kinds has its roots in the Christian religious tradition – in fact we remember the birth of Jesus and the gifts of the Three Wise Men – but in reality it is something profoundly simple and human: communicating to those around us how important it is for us. Over time this gesture has transformed, moving from pagan rites to the stories of the saints, from family customs to commercial fashions, up to Santa Claus, a figure that speaks as much about us as about our roots.
Where does this tradition really come from?
The idea of exchanging gifts in the middle of winter is much older than Christian Christmas. Ancient populations celebrated the winter solstice as a moment of change: the light returning, life starting again.
Already in Homeric Greece the gift is never a simple gesture of courtesy: it is a language, a way of saying “I see you, I recognize you, I welcome you”. Through the gift, alliances are built, the guest is honored and the hero’s fame is strengthened.
During the Saturnalia (17-23 December), the Romans celebrated by exchanging the famous “gifts”: lucky branches, small symbolic objects and lights. It was a particular, almost subversive celebration, because the differences between social classes were ironed out: masters and servants celebrated together and the exchange of gifts was a mutual wish for the new year.
With Christianity, this custom became intertwined with the story of the Magi bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus: gifts that respectively recognize his kingship, his divine nature and his humanity. For centuries, especially in the Christian West, gifts were delivered on the Epiphany, January 6, the day of the Magi.
Only later did the tradition begin to shift to December 25th, thanks to a figuta who left an enormous imprint on the popular Christian imagination: Saint Nicholas of Myra, bishop who lived in the 4th century, known for his works of generosity. According to legend, the Saint left gold coins in the socks of the poor. This story inspired the creation of various characters who bring gifts to children, such as our local Saint Lucia or the Belgian Sinterklaas.
Over time these figures have merged with the traditions of Northern Europe and with American reinterpretations to give life to what we now call Santa Claus. In the nineteenth century, especially in Victorian England, Christmas took the form we know: a domestic celebration, centered on the family and in particular on children.
With the arrival of department stores and advertising between the 19th and 20th centuries, the gift ritual is increasingly intertwined with the commercial dimension: Christmas enters the era of marketing, while continuing to present itself as the moment of “free” gifts.
What does it mean to exchange Christmas presents today
Today the exchange of gifts exists on two tracks: on the one hand it still recalls the Christian tradition and the symbolism of the gift of the Magi; on the other hand it has become a secular and daily way to express affection, attention and belonging. For many, a gift is a personalized thought, rather than an object: it’s worth what it says, not how much it costs.
On the other hand, the commercial side is difficult to ignore: weeks of purchases, continuous advertising, last minute rushes can make you lose sight of the meaning of the gesture. Perhaps this is why more conscious practices are returning in recent years: handmade gifts, experiences to live, sustainable or solidarity choices. A way to bring the symbolic value back to the center, rather than the price.
And when do the presents open? It depends on family traditions. In many Italian homes we wait for midnight on Christmas Eve: we finish dinner, turn off the light a little and start the journey. Others prefer the morning of the 25th, especially with children, because there is something magical about waking up and finding packages under the tree. In some families the tradition of the Epiphany still persists, with some gifts dedicated to the Befana, who continues to bring sweets and small gifts in memory of the Magi.
