Christmas gifts are a tradition wrapped in more history and culture than we realize when we unwrap our bright packages. From the origins of Christmas gifts to the modern trends that shape our holiday shopping habits, there’s a world of fascinating and festive facts about the parcels under the Christmas tree. Curious shoppers, holiday lovers, and trivia buffs alike can enjoy these seven Christmas gift facts that add a little sparkle to the season while inspiring the next gift you give.
7 Christmas Gift Facts
1. A Japanese tradition celebrates the gift of fried chicken for Christmas. (Source)
The Japanese specifically enjoy gifting each other food from the American fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken. The gift of a KFC chicken dinner during the holidays stems from a genius marketing campaign from the 70s that included the slogan, “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii,” which translates to, “Kentucky for Christmas!” This campaign cemented itself in the country’s cultural Christmas traditions.
2. In Pre-Roman times, Druids gave gifts at the New Year. (Source)
The Druids celebrated the winter solstice with feasts and gifts of mistletoe, a sacred plant in their religion. Later, the Romans gave New Year gifts called strenae in honor of Strenia, goddess of health. These gifts were often sprigs from sacred trees or gilded nuts with the image of the god, Janus.
3. Christian gifts are intended to symbolize the gifts of the magi. (Source)
Christmas is a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the story of Jesus’ birth, three wise men gifted the baby with valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Christian Christmas gift-giving is inspired by this tradition.
4. In the Mid-Atlantic region, home improvement gifts are popular. (Source)
Homes in this region are older than those in other parts of the United States, so gifts of tools, gardening supplies, and appliances are welcome and useful.
5. Stuffing stockings with gifts is an accidental tradition. (Source)
Ladies used to hang their stockings over the fire to dry. According to a legend of St. Nicholas, the jolly gift-giver heard about a local father who didn’t have enough money to marry off his three daughters. The generous St. Nick tossed some coins down the man’s chimney that landed in the daughters’ stockings. This gift-giving tradition stuck!
6. Christmas tree farming is a booming American market. (Source)
In many cultures, Christmas gifts must be placed beneath a tree. Americans seem to favor real trees over artificial ones, since 25 to 30 million trees are sold each year. There are around 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States. It takes about 15 years for a tree to reach a height suitable for sale.
7. Wrapped Christmas gifts as we know them originated in the UK during the Victorian era. (Source)
Much of what we think of as the Christmas aesthetic, including wrapped and ribboned gifts, began in the Victorian era, spreading through the popularity of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the enthusiasm of Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. They both adored Christmas.
Featured image photo credit: Markus Spiske.
