Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

These gifts to the baby Jesus, was this the source of Christmas giving? Searching various websites it is obvious that Christians most closely attach this sentiment to the Magi gifting. Secular society rather points to a Roman year end exchange signifying a good year, Saturnalia, named after the Roman god Saturn who was their god of wealth, prosperity, dominion. The other more noted source was modeled after the legend of Old Saint Nick.

All one has to do is look down a history of celebrations across a wide variety of cultures to discover the coming together of one universal celebration, the most common use of gifting. This did not come into common practice by the masses until the 1800’s. 1800 years passed before the collective celebration began. Why?

Christmas became a commercial enterprise upon which many businesses thrived or died according to  year-end sales. That has not changed much. Anyone in the retail business is very aware of the effects of seasonal sales. Large amounts of advertising money is dedicated towards Christmas sales.

Do you feel pressured into buying Christmas gifts? I cannot see Christ wanting anyone to feel pressured into gifting. He is all about love. Love is given freely, without reservation and without demands. There is no way that I can afford monetarily to match the love that I feel for my family. So why do I have to suffer the pressure of the season?

I will allow you to ponder that answer for yourselves. My answer will only fit me.