| Most people today trace the practice of giving gifts on Christmas Day to the three gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus | People in the United States go to church, give parties and enjoy other forms of entertainment |
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| The winter solstice was a time of festivity in every traditional culture, and the Christian Christmas probably took its place within this mythical context of the solar cult | Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas |
Italian children receive gifts or money on New Year's Day.
7| But in reality it was they, together with all their fellow men, who received the gift of God through man's renewed participation in the divine life' ibid | |
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| In many European countries like Italy, Portugal and Netherlands, families start the new year by attending church services and then calling on friends and relatives | 'Children were given presents as the Jesus child received gifts from the magi or kings who came from afar to adore him |
'Children were given presents as the Jesus child received gifts from the magi or kings who came from afar to adore him.
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