TRIVIA BITS … CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The origin of the giving of presents at Christmas is lost in the mists of antiquity but it is certain to be a hang over from Pagan times.
Over the centuries it became the fashion to give Christmas gifts in pretty boxes becoming known as Christmas Boxes.
In the early days of Christianity, 25th December was essentially a Holy day given over to the worship of the Child whose birthday they were celebrating. All other customs and rituals were carried out wither before or after that day.
Christmas Boxes were relegated to the ‘after’ and on 26th December, families used to travel sometimes quite long distances to be together and give and receive gifts. This may be how 26th December became known as Boxing Day – the day when people presented their Christmas Boxes.
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