Q: Why do we give presents?

Gift giving is an ancient tradition. It is a practice found throughout human history. Some even think that giving presents is hardwired into our genes. Zoologists have observed chimpanzees, our closest primate relatives, gifting each other food and tools.

The French anthropologistSomeone who studies human beings and societies. The word "anthropology" comes from the Greek "anthropos", meaning "human". It developed as a subject in Europe in the 19th century, although some regard the Arab historian Ibn Khaldun as the first anthropologist. Marcel Mauss studied gift giving rituals across the world. He believed that ultimately, gift giving is a way of strengthening social bonds. 

Q: What was the first Christmas present?

Many Christians say Christmas presents began with the Three Kings, who gave gold, frankincense and myrrhA sap-like substance extracted from certain trees. It is used as a fragrance and a flavouring.  to the baby Jesus. 

But actually, there is a long tradition of gift giving in December throughout Europe. The Romans celebrated SaturnaliaSaturnalia, which ran from 17 to 23 December, was a Roman festival in honour of Saturn, the god of agriculture.  during the winter solstice. It was a week-long holiday of eating, gifting and excess. When Christianity spread, many early Christians decided to hold onto some of the Saturnalia traditions. 

Q: Who gives Christmas gifts?

If Santa Claus visited every home on Earth on Christmas Eve, his sleigh would need to travel 2,340,000 miles per hour. 

But Father Christmas is not the only festive gift giver. In Italy, Babbo Natale is joined by La BefanaLa Befana brings gifts to the nice and coal to the naughty., an elderly woman who delivers gifts on her broomstick on EpiphanyA moment of realisation. Epiphany is also a Christian celebration on 6 January. People remember the visit of the Three Kings, also known as the Wise Men or the Magi, to Jesus.  Eve. And in Norway, children leave porridge for Julenisse, an elf-like creature wearing a red hat.

Q: How much do we spend at Christmas?

There is no doubt: our spending on gifts has risen dramatically over the last century. Today, the average British child receives 16 Christmas presents. This year, Britons plan to spend an astonishing $33.9bn (£25.6bn) before Christmas Day - enough money to run the UK's National Health Service for 75 days. 

But it is Americans who are most likely to reach for their wallets. In 2020, holiday retail sales amounted to more than $1tn. 

Q: What is the most expensive present ever given?

It may not be a Christmas present, but in 1778, the USA signed a treaty of alliance with France. In return, France sent $20bn (£15bn) worth of cash and military equipment to help the US win the American War of Independence. 

More recently, in 2021, an Indian businessman built a scaled-down replica of the Taj Mahal as a present for his wife. The original Taj Mahal was a gift too - a tomb built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife. 

Q: Has gift giving gone too far?

Some think, yes. As long ago as 1904, journalists complained about the commercialisation of Christmas. "Twenty five years ago, there was less wearing of the soul; and, most of all, there was less loading up with trash," said one Harper's Bazaar writer. In 1912, former US President Theodore Roosevelt joined SPUG, the Society for the Prevention of Useless Giving. 

In Europe, 10% of people return unwanted presents. Meanwhile, others go into debt to pay for Christmas. In the USA, Scroogenomics author Joel Waldfogel thinks gift giving goes against the Christmas spirit. "The thought doesn't need to be communicated with a lot of money."