Over the years, the giving of gifts

Over the years, the giving of gifts and the exchange of Christmas greeting cards have become very important customs during the holiday. Some people have criticized the importance of gift-giving, believing that the hurly-burly of shopping for presents and delivering them detracts from the true “Christmas Spirit.” But even critics could not deny that the Christmas spirit of warmth and generosity is still apparent everywhere during the holiday season. Religious, civic and social organizations make sure that the poor, the lonely, and the elderly are remembered with gifts and festive food. Street corners with volunteers ringing small bells to solicit donations to help the needy have become part of the traditional Christmas scene. Families open their doors to friends and strangers far from home and ask them to join in the festivities.