The Blu Print: Christmas Traditions

This tradition is fairly simple to figure out.

The Magi brought gifts, so gift giving must be the way to celebrate.

New Revised Standard Version of Matthew 2:1–12 describes the visit of the Magi in this manner:

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.

Since we cannot just give gifts, we must create ways to make the surprise all that much more entertaining. We have gifts delivered by fat, jolly men in red suits, impish little elves and left in stockings, boots, shoes, under the tree and even in the barn.

Some countries open gifts for a number of days, and some countries only open them on Christmas morning. The traditions that surround gift giving and their openings vary from culture to culture.

No matter what day you give your gifts, any one of these gift ideas are wonderful choices for your loved ones to open.

In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.

If you see something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!

Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 1

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 2

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 3

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 4

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 5

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 6

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 7

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 8

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 9

Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 10