Why Do We Give Gifts On Christmas & How To Pick The Best Gifts

You may ask, “Why do we give gifts on Christmas?” as you grease the last fold of your wrapping paper or tick the last box in your Christmas shopping list. It might seem like such a simple question, but not many may know the answer - the real, original one - too. 

We may have all just enjoyed the art of giving without ever pondering such things. Is it just for pure joy, or is there a deeply held historical significance? Whatever the reason, we’re sure Christmas gift-giving (and receiving) is one of the most joyous activities you can plan and do.

If you’re interested, here are the major reasons why we give our loved ones presents at Christmas. Also, tune in for the Christmas gift rules to choose the best gift for your friends and family amongst all the wonderful Christmas gift ideas.

Christmas gift-giving is a cherished and widespread tradition.

A Religious and Spiritual History of Christmas Gift-Giving

The reasons why do we give gifts on Christmas date back to as early as the 4th century and were passed through various cultures, religions, and eras. 

Over time, it evolved into what we know as the modern time practice of gift-giving that revolves around shopping, wish lists, and family gatherings as the clock ticks down to the 25th of December.

1. The Three Wise Men’s Biblical Gifts

To pinpoint why do we give gifts on Christmas, it's best to start with its most popular connection from the Bible.

In Matthew 2:1-12, the 3 wise men (or Magi) Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar travelled to honour the newborn Jesus. They brought gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for mortality.

This story has served as an inspiration for modern gift exchange as an expression of gratitude and celebration for not just Jesus but important people in your life as well for many centuries.

2. Saint Nicholas’ Legacy

Some might not be familiar with the name Saint Nicholas, but if we say Santa Claus, does it ring a bell? Of course, we cannot talk about why do we give gifts on Christmas without him - the bearded big man in red with a velvet sack on his back.

His origins trace back to the 4th Century Saint Nicholas, a bishop of Myra (now Turkey), known for his secret gifts to those in need. 

By the time the 17th and 19th Centuries rolled by, under the influence of commercialised Christmas, the tradition and portrait of Santa Claus became what we know today. 

Regardless of transformations, the core of the tradition was still about charity and helping the less fortunate around us. People today still take it as a chance to spread kindness. 

CabinZero fun fact: The name Santa Clauce originated from Sinterklaas, St. Nicholas’ name in Dutch.

Can you see the resemblance of one of the most recognisable Christmas icons, Santa Claus? Photo by breedfoto - stock.adobe.com

3. Pagan Influence Through Saturnalia

Let’s take it further back to discover why do we give gifts on Christmas. For some cultures, gift-giving was the norm way before Christmas celebrations appeared.

Before Christianity spread across Europe, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a pagan festival celebrating the King of Saturnalia, from 17th to 23rd December. During this public holiday, the Romans would feast, party, decorate their houses, and exchange gifts. 

As cultures, religions, and beliefs began to transform with time, many customs of Saturnalia were adopted into Christianity and thus turned into our modern practices of Christmas celebration.

Modern Shifts In Christmas Gift-Giving

Why do we give gifts on Christmas the way we do today? Surely not everyone would say they do it now exactly because they celebrate Saturnalia or reenacting the Magi.

So, when does the act of giving Christmas presents get turned from a sacred tradition into a universally practised, family-centred, and, perhaps, commercial activity?

4. Children-Centred Traditions Begin

During the Protestant Reformation, the focus of gift-giving on Christmas shifted towards children.

Instead of Saint Nicholas, the key figure of gift-giving became the Christ Child, and children became the primary recipients of presents. They received nice and meaningful gifts. 

The idea of punishment, like receiving a lump of coal for naughtiness, emerged later, likely in the late 19th to 20th century, when Christmas and its imagery of Santa Claus became widely advertised and coal the main source of energy.

Hence, you have the story of children being on “the naughty list” and Santa climbing down the chimney and giving coal on his way. 

These Christmas legends, despite originating from opposing religious beliefs, highlight the importance of raising children with morals and virtues. In many cultures today, people still mainly plan the holiday around Christmas gifts for children.

5. The Victorian Christmas Culture

The Victorians shaped Christmas as many of us know it today. Photo by Ievgenii Meyer - stock.adobe.com

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised decorating Christmas trees and placing presents for the family members underneath them. This period marked a new point in Christmas gifting when it became commercialised. 

The Industrial Revolution enabled the mass production of toys, ornaments, and festive goods, making them more accessible to many families. 

Why do we give gifts on Christmas, then? Besides the joy and the love for their family and friends, people also did it because it was a mainstream fun thing to do — planning, shopping for Christmas gifts, decorating, wrapping, and putting them under the Christmas tree. 

6. The 21st Century Practice

Christmas gift-giving continues to evolve and becomes synonymous with the season. The practice today is colourful, with many traits taken from or inspired by past eras. 

Some cultures still maintain a religious view on giving gifts, while some do just for the pleasure of it. Regardless, gifting your loved ones is one of the cores of Christmas. 

The Human Nature Of Gift-Giving

Not everyone practises a specific religion or follows a culture, why do we give gifts on Christmas still? The answer is: We are humans, and it’s just what we do that can make us happy. 

7. Ancient Human Behavior

According to archaeological findings, people used to exchange tools as a means of networking in the Stone Age.

In Ancient Egypt, gift-giving was a custom during significant events. For instance, people gave gifts to the gods (in form of foods and drinks to objects) for ensuring a favorable afterlife. 

Similarly, in Medieval Iceland, gifting was known to display power and honour as well as assert a certain social status. 

8. The Happy Psychology Behind Giving Gifts

Giving and receiving presents make us happy. Photo by uk christmas gift - stock.adobe.com

Part of why we give gifts on Christmas is because, by giving to others, we ourselves can be happy in return. Psychologists call this the “helper’s high”. It’s a warm feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from generosity. 

Christmas is a special occasion where you can gather together with your friends and families, hence why it’s the perfect time to experience this sense of happiness by giving gifts.

9. Gifts In Exchange For Words

Giving gifts on Christmas is also an opportunity to express your feelings for your loved ones. You know the saying: The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach? 

Yup. On Christmas, it can be through the presents you give them! It’s a straightforward way to let them know that you care and think about them. Such a heartwarming reason for why do we give gifts on Christmas, right?

A well-chosen gift conveys emotions - love, gratitude, or care - that can be difficult to put into words. Giving gifts can be just as good a form of communication. 

Christmas, being a time of gathering and reunion, provides a wonderful opportunity to express your words through gifts. 

The “Five Gift Rule” For Christmas & Which Gift Is The Best Gift?

Now that you have your answer to “Why do we give gifts on Christmas?”, let’s dive into what can make Christmas gift-giving more enjoyable and, most importantly, more meaningful to your recipients!

The Five Gift Rule is a way to streamline your Christmas gift shopping. Instead of picking everything from the shelf and hoping your recipients will like it, this method helps you pick out what’s truly meaningful and useful for them.

If you know their preferences well:

1. Something They Want – A gift that’s been on their wish list.
2. Something They Need – Practical items that improve their daily life, like new work gear or school supplies.

If you don’t know their preferences:

3. Something to Wear – Clothing, accessories, or footwear in the style you usually see them wear. 
4. Something to Read – A new release or classic set that is timeless. Make sure it’s appropriate for their age, if you’re giving gifts to the little ones.
5. A Special Surprise – Something unexpected and creative that makes them smile. It can be a gag gift followed by an actual gift, or just something purely for entertainment such as a DIY set or a custom painting. A trip to 

CabinZero’s Backpacks Make The Best Christmas Gifts

When looking for an ultimate Christmas gift, you can’t go wrong with something versatile, multipurpose, and useful.

One of these things is a backpack. Now, it’s not just any backpack but rather one that is good for travel, playing, and of course, working. 

Backpacks are timeless gifts.

CabinZero’s classic backpacks check all the boxes. It can even be one or all four of the five Christmas gifting rules — something they need, something they want, something to wear, and a special surprise!

Classic Backpacks are designed to last and provide comfort to the wearers. It’s made from lightweight and breathable yet durable 600 denier polyester fabric that is perfect for both daily wear and adventures. 

Available from various types, sizes, and colourways, they are a thoughtful gift for everyone from kids to adults. If you have a seasoned traveller in your friend circle or family, then CabinZero’s classic backpacks also come in cabin-bag sizes!

Why Do We Give Gifts On Christmas: A Conclusion

Why do we give gifts on Christmas? The bottom line is that: 

First of all, it’s a custom that has been deeply rooted and has evolved with us throughout history. Second of all, we do it because it’s simply a very human thing to do. 

We give gifts because we want to spread joy, happiness, and gratitude and express that we care about the people in our lives. Christmas is a perfect time to do just that. As the Bible says, it’s better to give than to receive.

Even if your family is celebrating Christmas at an old favourite or somewhere new, you all can still give each other gifts to enjoy the festive spirit.

If you’d love to discover new destinations this Christmas and learn travel hacks, don’t forget to check out our blog and follow us on social media. And last but not least, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh