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Origins of Holiday Gift Giving from Ancient Rome to Modern Day The custom of giving Christmas gifts has ancient roots. Over time, the practice evolved from small gifts and treats given in stockings to a commercialized sensation. The practice of giving gifts at the beginning of winter traces back to ancient Rome. According to Dennis Green’s article, “The Origins and Practices of Christmas: Christian or Pagan?” written December 8, 2008 and found on the Free Republic website, “Ancient Romans held year end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god; and Mithras, the [sic] god of light…As part of these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving. These customs gradually became part of gift giving.” According to The Rise of Western Christendom by... [read full story]
