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.
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.
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.
Good children get gifts and naughty one a chunk of coal.
On Christmas eve or Christmas Day. Whatever is your families tradition
Nicholas of Myra would toss his gifts through an open window or down a chimney and would not personally enter a house.
Dec 24, after the Christmas dinner.
There is no tradition of gift giving during Passover.
This tradition is said to be based on the generousity and kindness of the three kings, or three wise men, who visited the Christ child and brought him valuable gifts. Afterward, they bravely defied King Herod and did not return to him to let him know the location of the Holy Family.