How to Exchange Gifts on Epiphany

In some cultures, the day of exchanging gifts in memory of the birth of Christ is not Christmas Day, but rather, Epiphany. This holiday, which occurs 12 days after Christmas, celebrates the coming of the Magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Some children await not Santa, but the three kings. Even those who celebrate Christmas may want to exchange gifts on Epiphany, however, provided they are the right kind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gifts

Exchange Gifts On Epiphany

1. Decide within your church group or family how the exchange will work--whether only children will receive gifts, or adults as well, and who will give gifts to whom.
2. Decide when and how you will exchange the Epiphany gifts--the evening of January 5 (the traditional coming of the three kings while children are sleeping), the following day or both.
3. Keep it simple. Cultures that the celebrate the coming of the three kings believe that the gifts are put into shoes or stockings, thus they are small.
4. Come up with variations on the theme. The gifts you exchange should have to do with honoring the Christ child, but there are many ways to do this. For instance, some Christian stores sell sweets wrapped in Bible verses, as well as practical objects like key chains decorated with religious symbols.
5. Help children to give as well as receive. Even young children can pick out a small present for sibling and learn the satisfaction of giving someone else joy.
6. Make a gift. Bake, sew, glue, twist or hammer. A church group might even consider sponsoring a craft class for the purpose of making gifts for their Epiphany celebration.
7. Share a gift of food, clothing or personal items with someone less fortunate. Your church or service club can help you.
8. Compare the items you receive (religious jewelry, books, decorations or food) and talk about what they symbolize in relation to the coming of Christ.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure everyone, especially children, understands the significance of Epiphany gifts--they are an imitation of the gifts the wise men gave and also a symbolic way to give thanks to God for the greatest gift of all, his Son Jesus.
• If you are not familiar with Epiphany gift-giving, ask someone who is. The Italian, Mexican, Spanish and French cultures all celebrate Epiphany, as do the Russian and Greek Orthodox churches.
• Candy canes are a tasty treat and also have religious significance. The canes themselves or something made with them (muffins or cookies) make a fun present that is still in the spirit of Epiphany.
• Don't overdo it. Save big presents for another time. Celebrate the spirit of giving and of gratitude instead of the idol of consumerism.