Have you heard about the Three Gifts at Christmas tradition? Do you know where the idea originates from?
If you are looking for a way to enhance yet declutter your festive season, the Three Gifts at Christmas idea may be for you.
I think it is a great way to ensure money is wisely spent on gifts that are both required and desired rather than simply buying for the sake of it, as can sometimes be the case.
Our children are growing up fast and as much as we loved our old festive traditions of Christmas Eve Boxes and fun Family Stockings, I have become increasingly aware of the frivolity of it all and the waste we create. Maybe I am becoming even more Bah Humbug and grumpy in my years … I’ll leave that one for you to decide.
So, what is the origin of the Three Gifts at Christmas idea?
As we have mentioned before, despite the fact that Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Papa Noel (and whatever else you may call him) has been growing in popularity in Spain over the past years, The Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) are still the most respected and celebrated in this country.
After all, it wasn’t a well sized, jolly, white bearded man in a red outfit that bore gifts to the newborn Jesus was it? Or was that just in the Simpsons or whatever else they told our children… (joke ;-))
However, I don’t want to dwell on that too much as I appreciate we all have our own beliefs and interpretations of events. I am here to share our ideas and interpretations with you.
The three gifts at Christmas idea appears to have originated from the gifts brought by the three kings, that of:
- Gold
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
What is the Meaning of the Three Gifts?
During research for this idea, I googled the three gifts at christmas idea and found many interpretations. I thought that this post on Keeper Of The Home offered a clear explanation of the meanings of the three gifts
Gold
The gift of gold symbolizes something of great value. It’s to be something the child wants – something precious to them.
You can let your child choose this gift or you can simply buy something you know they really want. This is the one you can really have fun with…but don’t go overboard. I’ve always found great deals on my “gold” items – and most of the time I buy used things. Buy used and save the difference.
Frankincense
The gift of frankincense symbolizes something spiritual. Frankincense was burned in the temple as part of worship. For this gift, we give something that helps with the child’s spiritual walk.
Our interpretation: As we are not religious, something for the mind / educational / learning
Myrrh
Myrrh was a medicinal item back in the day. This gift symbolizes something for the body. I’ve heard it told that the Wise Men brought this gift to Jesus in preparation for when he would die for us. This item can be any number of things: clothing, shoes, cologne, underwear.
Our Family In Spain Version of Three Gifts at Christmas
So, this year, we are limiting our gifts to three per person. There will be no Christmas Eve box nor family stocking. There will however be lots of homemade decorations and naughty foods. After all, both Nana and Granny are coming to visit so we cannot kill the festive spirit totally … I’m waiting for next year to do that (but Shhhh for now, that’s a new blog post for in the new year 😉 )
Our three gifts will be:
- Something for the HEART
- Something for the BODY
- Something for the MIND
As our children are now older and thankfully, incredibly thoughtful, we will all participate in selecting gifts for each other. We like to keep it interesting!
What will we end up with? Who knows. And, to be honest, that does not really matter at all. It is the general build up and anticipation that is still exciting. Amusing threats and insinuations have already begun. Imagine what 15 year old Joshua thinks would be good for his dad’s body and his mum’s mind! Ha ha ha!
Have you tried the Three Gifts at Christmas idea? What do you think?
