How did the tradition of exchanging gifts REALLY start, from the wise men or Saturnalia?
If Christmas gifts remind us of the gifts that were exchanged in Rome during Saturnalia, then what do the gifts the 3 wise men bought baby Jesus symbolize, I read that the tradition of exchangeing gifts started when the three wise men bought gifts to baby Jesus, well then how do we know that the tradition of exchangeing gifts didn’t start when people exchanged gifts in Rome during Saturnalia? A: The only way christmas gifts could be a reminder of the gifts the wise men brought would be if WE gave gifts to poor strangers because that is what Christ was to these men. Not giving to those who have plenty already.
