why do people give presents at christmas

Giving presents at Christmas is a long-standing tradition that has its roots in the story of Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Christian bishop from what is now Turkey. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas heard about a poor family who couldn't afford to send their three daughters to marry. He decided to help them and went to their house one night, leaving three bags of gold in their stockings by the fire. The gold was enough for the family to pay for their daughters' dowries, and the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas was born.