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Christmas is a time for spending time with friends and family, catching up with each other, celebrating the festive season and of course swapping presents. The act of exchanging gifts at Christmas is one that’s long standing; its roots traceable to the Three Kings and their offerings of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. The journey of the three wise men is a well known one, although it seems that centuries before the birth of Jesus early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Celebrations and gatherings were held during the winter solstice as people knew the worst of the year’s coldest season was behind them, and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. In Europe, the Scandinavians celebrated from December 21st right through until January. In symbolic recognition of the return of sunlight and the diminishing dark days, Scandinavian males would bring home large logs which they would set on fire and the festivities would continue until the log burned out, which could take anything up to twelve days. The end of December was a time for merriment in most countries throughout Europe. At that time of year most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter months and for many people this was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. Needless to say huge feasts would be held and as most wine and beer made during the year was now finally fermented and ready to savour, there was extra cause for celebration. It is believed gifts were exchanged in order to remind people of the wise men’s’ offerings to Jesus. As time passed the gift-giving continued and by the late 18th century the exchange of gifts had became the central Christmas tradition it is today. Around 1820 organisations began placing Christmas-themed advertisements in newspapers and the familiar face of Santa Claus became a worldwide phenomenon. The festive period is today still a time to share gifts with others and the search for the perfect present is something that people across the globe still mull over every December. Everyone has one of those friends or family members who seem to have everything, making present shopping an even bigger challenge! If this sounds all too familiar, don’t give up hope this Christmas as the perfect answer for friends and family who have it all could be to give gift cards for their favourite store. This way you can be sure that your nearest and dearest are getting what they really want this yuletide, because they’re choosing it themselves! You could also choose gift cards that run along a certain theme so if you have friends who are planning home improvements for the New Year, or have just moved house, why not help them out by choosing gift cards for a home furnishings store? The possibilities are endless so get your thinking cap on and give the perfect gift this Christmas.
Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com
Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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