Posted by Our online store is functional and expanding daily as we enter the Christmas season. Today, we have 100 Southwestern jewelry items in our website online store, and the number increases daily. We have the ability to accept PayPal and credit cards, and we are now prepared to ship in the continental United States from coast to coast and border to border.
The Evolution of Christmas Gift Giving
Gift-giving during Christmas has evolved over centuries, drawing from various cultural, religious, and historical influences. The tradition finds its roots in the Roman festival of Saturnalia, where people exchanged gifts to celebrate the winter solstice. As Christianity spread, this practice merged with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In medieval Europe, the tradition of gift-giving became associated with St. Nicholas, a generous Christian saint. Over time, his feast day, December 6th, transformed into a day of gift-giving in many European cultures. The tradition further evolved with the influence of the Christkindl, the angelic gift-bringer in German-speaking regions.
The Victorian era in the 19th century solidified the modern concept of Christmas and gift-giving. The revival of Christmas traditions, fueled by literature like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” emphasized family, goodwill, and generosity. The popularity of the Christmas tree, inspired by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, provided a focal point for gift exchanges.
By the 20th century, the commercialization of Christmas accelerated, with retailers promoting the idea of gift-giving as a way to express love and joy. Today, Christmas gift-giving is a global and diverse practice, shaped by cultural, religious, and commercial influences, reflecting the spirit of generosity and celebration.
The Three Wise Men
I liken my gift-giving practices to the three wise men. A decade ago, my friend published his novel Gaspar, Another Tale of the Christ. The novel is narrated by the wiseman Gaspar who my friend chooses to be a Greek by birth. I enjoy his interpretation of the Christmas story which you can find here on his website along with an audio reading by American actor, director, writer, and producer Alistair McKenzie. Hit the link and scroll halfway down the page and you’ll find it.
You can read the short version of how he describes the presentation of the gifts to close the ‘Christmas story’ using the drop-down arrow here.
The First Gifts of Christmas
Melchior steps forward, bows first to the father, and then kneels before the child’s mother. He places a wooden box at her dirty feet. When he lifts the lid, he reveals a large coffer of gold that reflects the dancing light from the candles throughout the stable. The parents stare wide-eyed, the shepherd boys gasp. They have never seen so much wealth!
“Gold for your boy,” Melchior proudly proclaims. “With it, I announce and honor his kingship on earth and the virtue with which he will rule.”
Melchior steps aside and clasps Joseph’s hands, “Teach him well, young man.”
“I will teach him,” Joseph responds, “but I have no ambition that he will be anything more than my son. I am but a carpenter, and that is the trade he will inherit from his father.”
Balthazar bows to Melchior, then to Joseph and kneels before the mother. He too places a box beside the one Melchior has positioned at her feet. When he opens the lid, the room is filled with a sweet fragrance.
“I offer your son frankincense,” Balthazar is careful to restrain his deep voice so as not to wake the child. “With this incense I acknowledge what has been foretold in scripture since the beginning of time: this boy will grow to be more than a man. May this perfume envelope his divinity.” Balthazar’s words are cryptic and mysterious, but no one has the courage to ask him for an explanation.
Balthazar embraces Joseph. “Do not be afraid.” The father and the tired mother force weak smiles, not certain what he means, but there is trust in their eyes.
My companions urge me forward. I follow their example. I have no idea what to say, so I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and intone “OM!” No one hurries me. For how long I stand in contemplation, I cannot say, but I step forward, bow to Joseph, and then kneel before his wife with the wooden chest I have carried from Barigaza.
I open the box to reveal the pieces of myrrh that appear to be small rocks but are not. Like frankincense, they are fragrant, and the aromas meld to dispel the smell of urine, dung, and wet, moldy straw.
I trust that the words that flow from an unknown source within me are true. “As he is divine, so, too is he a man of flesh and blood, and he will suffer, more than any man who has ever breathed or who will breathe. When the time comes, anoint him with the fragrance of this gift and know that when he cannot stand, he will be carried in the arms of angels.”
The mother wipes the single tear that escapes her eyes.
I rise and stand before the father.
“When?” he asks me with a worried look.
“In time,” I answer. “In time.”
Indeed, gift-giving is a grand tradition of the Christmas season. I invite you to visit our online store for that special gift. If you live in Prescott, please stop by to view our complete inventory. Return to the online store frequently as we update it daily.