Epiphany

Hello, Wärstuhl here! (A.k.a. Polly)

It is the thirteenth day of Christmas today. In English, this day is also known as Epiphany. It is celebrated to commemorate that the wise men came from a country in the East to look up the newborn baby Jesus.

The wise men, often described as three men called Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior, presented baby Jesus with three gifts. This is supposed to be the origin of the tradition of giving each other Christmas gifts.

Despite this origin, gifts are given on Christmas Eve in Sweden and on Christmas Day in English speaking countries. In some countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, though, Christmas gifts are given on this day. I think this is a fine tradition. I do not think we should scrap our own tradition, but I could stand getting Christmas gifts on Epiphany as well!