It’s that time of the year when online stores and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are bombarded with customers trying to find presents for their nearest and dearest. They want something that says I love you in the most heartwarming way.
Christmas, especially, is a time of giving and receiving. Among other cherished rituals, people have been exchanging gifts at Christmas for centuries. But have you ever wondered why? Why do people dedicate so much time and energy to this custom?
Let’s go over some common reasons and varying perspectives!
History of Gift Giving on Christmas
First things first, let’s unpack the historical significance of gift-giving on Christmas. The tradition has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.
More importantly, the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus is a cornerstone of the tradition. Christmas gifts (聖誕禮物) are therefore a way to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
But where does Santa Claus come from? The credit goes to Saint Nicholas all the way back to the 4th century. He was known for secretly giving gifts to the needy, leading to the tradition of secret gift-giving.
The Victorians also made some contributions to this tradition. They turned Christmas into a family-centered holiday, popularizing gift-giving for children.
Symbol of Love and Generosity
We’ve all read The Gift of Magi, a short story by O. Henry about a young, poor couple who make sacrifices to buy gifts for each other. Della sells her long, beautiful hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch, and Jim sells his watch to buy decorative combs for Della’s hair.
The point? Giving gifts is a symbol of love and generosity. It is a way to express appreciation to the people in your life, including your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues.
The impact of gift giving goes beyond material possessions. It’s about giving your time, attention, and a part of yourself. It is also a way to strengthen emotional closeness.
The Biological Perspective
There’s a good amount of research unpacking the impact of gift-giving on the human brain. When you put time and effort into buying gifts for a loved one, you get that feel-good feeling.
Giving and receiving gifts also activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure. It also triggers a neurochemical reaction. Altruistic acts, such as gift-giving on Christmas, boost the production of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. All of these hormones are associated with happiness, bonding, and stress reduction.
Sense of Belonging and Community
From a social and cultural perspective, gift-giving is a way to affirm relationships. Individuals feel valued in their relationships. Gift giving also strengthens social bonds and helps you participate in a social ritual.
Lastly, knowing your gifts will be well-received makes you happy. You become an active participant in the ritual, solidifying connections.