Global gift-giving traditions: Christmas and New Year around the world
Gifts given in different countries for Christmas (photo: Freepik.com)
Christmas and New Year are times when people exchange gifts, wishing each other happiness and prosperity for the coming year. Every country has its unique traditions of gift-giving that reflect its culture, customs, and even climate.
More traditions that might inspire you to choose original Christmas surprises for your loved ones - in the material below.
Spain: Sweets in a woven basket
During the winter holidays in Spain, it is not customary to give large or expensive gifts, especially among friends or acquaintances. Instead, a traditional gift is a woven basket filled with sweets, champagne, or other beverages.
This is an excellent option for those who want to greet guests with warmth and coziness. Turron, marzipan, and other national treats are favorite sweets that will undoubtedly add a festive mood.
China: Paired gifts
Although China does not celebrate Christmas, Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January or early February, has its unique gift-giving traditions. In China, symbolism is important, so gifts are often given in pairs, such as two cups, two blankets, or a set of decorations.
This symbolizes unity and harmony in relationships. Gifts usually have aesthetic value and deep meaning, making them special and memorable.
India: Handmade gifts
Indians prefer handmade gifts, emphasizing the care and warmth invested in the present. People exchange knitted hats and scarves, clay figurines, jewelry boxes, and other handmade items.
Such a gift is aesthetically pleasing and carries an emotional connection between the giver and the recipient. Our country's artisans also create wonderful handmade items that would make great Christmas surprises.
People in India like to make gifts with their own hands (photo: Freepik.com)
Italy: Fashionable gifts
Italy is a country renowned for its fashion and high sense of style. Italians often give accessories like scarves, bags, belts, or watches.
These practical gifts will eventually be used, even if they wait a while. Moreover, more intimate and personal gifts, such as perfumes or cosmetics, are typically given only to family members.
England: Warm and family-oriented gifts
In England, Christmas is an exclusively family holiday, and therefore the most valuable gifts are those with emotional and historical significance. These may include collectibles, antiques, or jewelry passed down through generations.
The English also love giving personalized gifts that reflect their family traditions and attachment to loved ones.
USA: Many small gifts
In America, Christmas is associated with a large number of gifts. Americans love presents, and the more, the better! Here, the size of the gift is not as important as the unwrapping process. Gifts can be small, but their quantity is always impressive.
The more gifts the better (photo: Freepik.com)
France: Personalized and practical gifts
In France, it is customary to give gifts chosen according to the recipient's interests and needs. Since the French greatly value a personal approach, gifts are often selected with the recipient’s recommendations in mind.
They can be anything, from store gift certificates to specific items that meet the recipient's exact preferences and tastes.
Sources: Aperian, Lifehacker, and Wikipedia.
