Different cultures have different explanations for the giving of gifts. Some base it on the story of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who secretly gave bags of gold to cover the doweries of the daughters of the poor. His feast day is December 6th and this is often the occasion for giving gifts to children. He is also the origin of the Santa Claus tradition associated with Christmas itself. Other cultures give gifts at Christmas or Epiphany in imitation of the Three Wise Men, who gave gifts to the Child Jesus, as we see in Matthew 2:1-12. Whichever tradition a family follows, we should always keep in mind that we are the recipients of the greatest Gift, Christ Himself, and the Salvation He provides.