Christmas is the annual Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Most members of the Roman Catholic Church and followers of Protestantism celebrate Christmas on December 25, and many celebrate on the evening of December 24 as well. Members of the Eastern Orthodox Church usually  celebrate Epiphany on January 6 , a commemoration of the baptism of Jesus. Epiphany also traditionally commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men  in Bethlehem , where they adored the infant Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The custom of giving gifts to relatives and friends on a special day in winter probably began in ancient Rome and northern Europe. In these regions, people gave each other small presents as part of their year-end celebrations.

With the rapid expansion of the industrial economy, not only where there new good for sale, but a new middle class was emerging. This group of newly affluent people placed special emphasis on home and family life.

Christmas became a largely domestic holiday and a new custom of Christmas gift giving became the norm.

In the 1800's, two more Christmas customs became popular--decorating Christmas trees and sending Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many well-known Christmas carols, including “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” were composed during this period. 

Commercial innovations such as department stores and mass advertising further promoted the custom of exchanging gifts. In modern times it is quite acceptable to give gifts not only to family members, but to fellow employees,  classmates and so on. People frequently lament the seemingly over commercialization of Christmas, but it remains the most important family holiday around the world.

 Today, companies manufacture Christmas ornaments, lights, and other decorations throughout the year. Other firms grow Christmas trees, holly, and mistletoe. Many stores and other businesses hire extra workers during the Christmas season to handle the increase in sales.