The warmth of Christmas is not only reflected in the twinkling lights and festive tunes, but also in the gifts exchanged with affection and thought. But where does this ancient custom of giving during the Christmas holidays come from?

The Saturnalia Celebrations: An Exchange of Gifts and Lares Protectori

The seed of the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas has deep roots that date back to the Saturnalia celebrations in ancient Rome. Between 17 and 24 December, a week of joy involved the entire population, including the slaves. During this period, people exchanged small gifts called "gifts". Furthermore, the statuettes of the Lares, protective deities of families, were often given as gifts as a symbol of good omen.

The Christian Transformation: From the Three Kings to Saint Nicholas

With the advent of Christianity, the ancient pagan customs underwent a transformation. The gifts became a symbol of an episode narrated in the Gospel: the Three Wise Men, coming from the east, brought precious gifts to baby Jesus in Bethlehem, including gold, frankincense and myrrh. This tradition was intertwined with the figure of Saint Nicholas, a bishop of the 4th century.

The legend of Saint Nicholas says that he saved three girls from the sad fate of poor marriage, giving them a dowry consisting of bags of gold thrown into their house from the window. Over the centuries, Saint Nicholas lost his religious connotation to become an iconic character: an old man with a white beard, dressed in red, and known for his generosity.

The Journey Continues: Saint Nicholas and the Magic of Modern Christmas

Today, Saint Nicholas continues his journey around the world aboard a sleigh pulled by reindeer, bringing joy and gifts to fuel the magic of Christmas. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas has become a central element of the celebrations, a tangible way to express love, gratitude and generosity during this special holiday.

This time of year, as we joyfully unwrap our gifts and share heartfelt smiles, we reflect on the rich history that has shaped this wonderful tradition of giving and receiving, connecting our present to a past imbued with meaning and affection. The magic of Christmas gifts, so rooted in our history, continues to transform Christmas into a moment of love, sharing and joy.