why do we put presents under the christmas tree

The tradition of placing gifts under the Christmas tree is believed to have originated in Germany during the 16th century. According to legend, a man named Martin Luther, who was a devout Christian, was walking in the woods one night when he saw the stars twinkling through the branches of a pine tree. It reminded him of the bright star that guided the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. He brought the idea home to his children, who then began to leave their shoes outside the door, hoping that the Christkind, or Christ Child, would fill them with gifts as a symbol of his generosity.