The tradition of exchanging gifts is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where people would exchange gifts during the festival of Saturnalia.
It is a tradition to exchange gifts on Christmas in the United States.
It sounds like a Christmas stocking hung by the chimney, a tradition where people place stockings to be filled with gifts from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
The tradition of wrapping gifts in paper started as far back as 105a.d. in China. Soon the tradition spread to Egypt and all throughout Europe. The trend hit America in the 20th century by Hallmark.
Giving gifts symbolizes the kings in the Bible giving the gifts to Jesus when they visisted Him. Today, gifts are given more out of tradition than any symbolization, though.
The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace would be hard to explain to an alien, as it involves placing oversized socks filled with gifts by the chimney for a magical being to fill. The concept of a jolly old man known as Santa Claus flying around the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver presents would also be difficult to rationalize.
It is appropriate to give a small gift for this blessed event. The tradition of giving gifts at a christening has been around for a long time. I would suggest maybe a small bible or some rosary beads.
Nicholas of Myra would toss his gifts through an open window or down a chimney and would not personally enter a house.
Good children get gifts and naughty one a chunk of coal.
On Christmas eve or Christmas Day. Whatever is your families tradition
St. Nicholas is often depicted as entering homes through chimneys to deliver gifts, a tradition that likely stems from the historical practice of leaving shoes or stockings out for him. The image of him going down the chimney symbolizes his generosity and the spirit of giving. In folklore, he is portrayed as a magical figure, making his descent effortless, embodying the wonder and joy of Christmas. This imagery has been popularized in various stories and songs, solidifying his association with chimneys during the holiday season.
Dec 24, after the Christmas dinner.