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The usual Christmas present. What to give for Christmas - a man, a woman, a child, with your own hands

iPads, iPhones and other gadgets have been bought, stores are going to wash the results of December revenue and arrange post-New Year sales. It would seem that everything that was required has been done. But it turns out that there are many people left for whom Dolce & Gabanna with Swarovski rhinestones did not solve their problems.

At a time when the whole country is preparing to take a ten-day breath of relief, the main event of the winter is yet to come for the Orthodox. An event that requires preparation, attention, concentration and - a gift. A gift as a manifestation of care. A gift as a manifestation of attention. And a gift - as an act of faith.

Indeed, what can be opposed to Givenchy perfume? What can be added to the Galaxy Tab tablet?

It is inconvenient to get rid of Chinese souvenirs bought on a subway stall at Christmas. Giving another TV is expensive and not appropriate.

A gift for Christmas - it should be a gift for Christmas.

What to do? There are two obvious ways: it's hard to say what could be more appropriate - a book or an icon?

Thank God, Orthodox publishing houses pleased us at the end of the year with interesting literature. For example, these are two books that have already been written about a lot: “Mothers: the wives of priests about life and about themselves” by Ksenia Luchenko and “The Nun from Intelligence” by Anna Danilova.

Both books are published by, perhaps, the most interesting Orthodox publishing house today, Nikea. Both books are written by well-known Orthodox journalists. Ksenia Luchenko is the former editor-in-chief of Tatyana's Day. Anna Danilova - editor-in-chief of Pravmir. Both books are written in such a way that they are interesting at the same time to a person deeply rooted in Orthodox tradition, and to those who only stand on the threshold of the Church.

"Mothers" is a series of frank interviews with the wives of priests. Entire libraries have been written about priests. And about who, how and at what cost provides the rear of the priestly life - we know not very much. Ksenia Luchenko's book reveals the veil of this mystery to the reader.

“A nun from intelligence. The life story of a veteran of the Great Patriotic War nun Adriana (Malysheva) tells about the amazing fate of an amazing person. This generation of people is leaving - people who carried faith and the fire of life through times when it was not supposed not only to be a Christian, but simply was not supposed to be. "The Nun from Intelligence" was awarded the third place in the nomination "The best spiritual and patriotic" book at the VII competition "Enlightenment through the book".

In the outgoing year, Nikaia pleased us not only with these two wonderful publications. "Stars in the Sky" is a series of 35 interviews with celebrities about their relationship with Eternal. “Not the Last Times” is the experience of the life and faith of the famous journalist Dmitry Sokolov-Mitrich…

It would also be right to give a child not a book about pirates, but a special Christmas present. It can be a beautifully published prayer book - with wonderful illustrations and explanations of issues that trouble children's faith. Or just a good children's book, like the little story "Rain" by Lyudmila Dunaeva, the fairy tale "Once Senya ..." by Tatyana Shishova. For those who are older, the story "Elfrin" or "The Storyteller" by Artemy Lebedev is suitable. They are written taking into account the psychology of the child's age: not directly, indirectly, but they tell the child about the main thing, help him form a sense of the right life choice.

Toddlers can be pleased with special Christmas books: "First Christmas" - a book for the little ones, with amazing sliding pictures; "Christmas Night" on each page opens three-dimensional panoramas of Bethlehem; "Miracle of Christmas" - a huge model of a Christmas nativity scene ...

It is appropriate to give another icon for Christmas: the Savior - after all, it was He who was born into this world, the Mother of God - after all, it was She who gave birth to the Son on this great night, the saint - because the saints lead us along the path to the Savior. Not everyone can afford an icon painted on a board by a professional icon painter - icon painting is laborious and uses expensive materials...

But there is a way out. A small workshop produces copies of ancient icons using a unique technology. The carpenter makes a real icon board, with plates (transverse wooden inserts that protect the board from deformation), with an ark (a recess in the plane in which the image is placed). A canvas is glued onto the board - a special linen fabric, which is covered with gesso - a complex composition, on which a pattern is subsequently applied. Then the gesso is ground and polished to an almost perfect state - all according to the icon-painting technology. The only difference from the painted icon here is the high-tech silk-screen printing, with which the image is applied. Then gilding is applied to the icon by hand, varnish from natural components, the effect of aging is given to the icon. Images of the best examples of Russian icons are used for printing, you can verify this by clicking on this link.

All these wonderful things - and much more - can be ordered in the online store BLAGOCHESTiЕ.RU, which is ready to help in the now not difficult matter of choosing a Christmas gift, and everything works for this. holidays normally. Rest early, because our main holiday, Christmas is still ahead.

Piety.ru store team

Christmas traditions have evolved over the centuries. Over the years, not only the customs of the celebration have changed, but also the gifts themselves. Today, many Christian traditions are being revived, including Christmas ones. But the questions of what is given, and who gives gifts at Christmas, oddly enough, remain controversial. We will figure out what to give the godson for Christmas, and whether the children give return presents.

Who gives gifts at Christmas

Finding out who should be given gifts for Christmas is easy if you look into history.

Since this holiday has always been one of the most important for Christians, they tried to congratulate all relatives and friends. Moreover, the closest, especially children, were given the most expensive gifts. They did not forget to give small gifts to just acquaintances and they always arranged charity events.

With the appearance of bans on the church, a number of customs underwent drastic changes. So the Christmas tree turned into a New Year's tree, and even the star of Bethlehem became a Soviet symbol. The custom of giving gifts to all relatives has also become New Year's.

Therefore, many still pay more attention to the choice of gifts for the New Year, and only small souvenirs are prepared for Christmas.

But, despite various prohibitions, the Orthodox tried to congratulate each other on one of the most important holidays of Christianity. And, above all, gifts were given to children by their godparents, who have always been considered spiritual mentors.

Children received money, sweets and toys as gifts. In response, they treated their godparents to kutya, which they brought from home.

It is this custom that has taken root in many regions of the post-Soviet space. And today, for many, a Christmas present is associated with a gift for godchildren.

But Christmas is a holiday for everyone, and, above all, a spiritual one. Therefore, gifts are given not only by godparents, but also by children, grandparents, and relatives. And the best gift for Christmas is a present made from the heart. And it does not have to be a material expensive gift.

At Christmas, it is customary to give symbolic, cute gifts. It can be beautiful postcards, candles, angels, figurines on a Christmas theme. And the best is considered a gift that is made by hand. A part of the soul is invested in such crafts on the theme of Christmas, which means that we give not just a certain thing, but also our love.

Spouses and young people congratulate each other and give gifts. Gifts are given to friends and colleagues. If you wish, you can congratulate neighbors, good friends, and even people with whom you constantly encounter: doctors, sellers, postmen.

Do not forget about mercy. After all, poor people also rejoice at the birth of the Savior, but they simply do not have the opportunity to celebrate. Therefore, try to help such people, give them joy.

Christmas gifts for children from godparents

According to tradition, godchildren come to visit their godparents in the evening before Christmas and bring kutya with them. Everyone gathers around a large table to celebrate the supper.

The evening meal begins with kutya, after which you can enjoy other dishes. Usually on the table.

After the first star lights up in the sky, the guests begin to exchange gifts.

But children can congratulate their godparents on Christmas on another day from January 7 to January 19, while the Christmas holidays are going on.

What gifts should godparents give children at Christmas? Crosses, icons, Christian literature are considered classic gifts. Children are given silver spoons, pendants of a church nature.

There is a beautiful old tradition for every Christmas to give a girl a pearl or other jewelry.

So by the age of majority, the goddaughter gathers a whole set from which you can make a beautiful necklace.

But today godparents prefer to give less expensive gifts. Traditional modern gifts are sweets, money and toys.

Which way you personally should go should be chosen based on personal relationships, financial capabilities and the age of the godson. The main thing is that the gift really evokes positive emotions in the child.

Agree, giving money to a 2-year-old baby does not make sense - rather, it will be a gift for his parents. But to give a card with money or a certificate for the purchase of cosmetics or sports equipment to a teenager is quite appropriate.

Christmas gift ideas for children and grandchildren

The book will always be the best gift for children at Christmas. Even the little ones will be delighted with a beautiful book with bright illustrations. Older children can be presented with a children's bible, thematic educational literature. You can pick up a beautiful encyclopedia or books from the Explore the World series.

It is better for godchildren and grandchildren up to a year to give educational toys for Christmas. It can be sorters, pyramids, musical rugs, soft cubes. Complete this toy with a cool glass ball with snowflakes and an angel inside. Let the angel protect the baby from adversity.

Preschool and toddler children school age you can give board games, sports equipment: balls, jump ropes, ladders, swings, fitballs, mats for sports. Original gift- a set for experiments. It can be chemical or sports experiments, tricks, unusual crafts such as growing crystals.

It is better for older children to give gifts related to their hobbies. In this case, a sports uniform, smart bracelets, creative kits, musical toys and tools.

If you are choosing a gift for a teenager, you should ask what the child lives and is interested in at the moment. Do not impose your ideas and thoughts on the cross or on your grandson, granddaughter. Remember that a Christmas present is supposed to please. Therefore, it is for a teenager that you can prepare a gift in the form of a certificate or money.

More than two thousand years have passed since the great Nativity of Christ, but the tradition of giving gifts to neighbors has been preserved. Christmas was and remains a great holiday, and on this day it is still customary to give gifts to your family and friends.

Gifts of the Magi

The Magi in the Gospel are called wise men who believed in the power of the stars, waiting for a sign when an extraordinary baby, the future Savior, would be born. They were the first to come to greet the born Christ and brought him gifts. According to legend, later they accepted the Christian faith and were killed or died in agony. Now the relics of the Magi are in the cathedral in the city of Cologne, where they were brought from Constantinople.

For Christmas, the baby Jesus was given myrrh (tree resin), frankincense and gold, which meant three things: he was destined to die, he is God and the King on earth. Some of these gifts have been preserved and scattered throughout the Christian world.

It was from this important event, from the offering of gifts by the Magi, that the tradition of the entire Christian world began to exchange presents for Christmas. IN Orthodox Christianity this tradition has also survived to this day.

The best gifts for Christmas

Nowadays, it is customary to give a lot, and it’s easier to say right away that you shouldn’t bring a gift, since there are still some rules. So, it's better not to give:

any things that are not spiritually connected with the holiday (money, hygiene items)
items associated with bad habits and abuse (alcohol, tobacco)
things that offend Christmas (mascots, books with anti-Christian propaganda)

As for desirable gifts, there are no restrictions. You can give something that will resemble the gifts of the Magi - perfume, gold, scented candles, or even incense itself. It is also customary to give Christmas cards, icons, figurines in the form of angels or saints, and much more. God-pleasing gifts to give at Christmas are self-made items. In some countries, it is even customary to always make gifts with your own hands.

You can give something closely related to religion, and this will be the most preferable option. For example, if you are visiting a couple, you can purchase an illustrated children's Bible for a small child.

One way or another, but try to make your gift warm and cordial, and also consistent with the theme of the holiday - the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. Do not forget to read the prayers for the holiday for the health of your loved ones. You can ask the priest in the church about whether your gift is appropriate. We wish you health, strength and strong faith, and do not forget to press the buttons and

21.12.2015 00:20

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In pre-revolutionary Russia, Christmas was the main winter holiday. After 1917, the focus shifted to the secular New Year, and accordingly, gifts are now given from December 31 to January 1. IN last years The tradition of wishing each other a Merry Christmas is being revived. True, so far the idea of who to give what to give for Christmas has not yet been fully formed. To a large extent it depends on whether a person is a believer or not, on family traditions, but there are common places, so let's talk about them.

In this article:

Traditional Christmas gifts

At Christmas, the emphasis should be on symbolism, spirituality and pleasant emotions, because this holiday is bright and, above all, spiritual. In the old days, those who could afford gave expensive gifts and generous donations. But now the main material gifts remain for the New Year, and on Christmas it is worth presenting something that will keep your love and affection and remind the donee of this.

A candle is one of the most symbolic Christmas gifts, because it symbolizes light, warmth and faith. On January 7, it is customary to light candles and put them near the window, thus asking to bless your home. A candle is also comfort, peace, magic.

The choice of candles is huge. There is a theory that a candle of a certain color expresses your wishes for the holiday. So a white candle - purity of thoughts, red - recognition of courage and masculinity, yellow symbolizes femininity, and blue serenity. The best souvenir would be a simple candle, decorated with your own hands. For example, cut a picture from a napkin you like and “stick” it to a candle with a heated spoon - you get an original present.

Symbols of faith and Christmas

Figurines of angels, icons, the Bible and other spiritual books can be considered classic gifts. It is better that such souvenirs be small, try to find out in advance how those to whom you are going to give something relate to Christmas and Orthodoxy in general. And if you can choose the figure of an angel to your taste, then they will always tell you about the icon or spiritual literature in the church shop.

Christmas sweets

Since Christmas is preceded by a fairly long one, treats and sweets have always been part of the celebration. IN Lately many western traditions come, including very beautiful gingerbread men, lollipops, etc., and other sweets. Of course, if you have the opportunity and desire, it is better to bake sweets yourself. Even if you don't decorate them.

Traditional Russian sweets were gingerbread, pies, candied fruit. And on holiday table must have been. So whether to give a real honey gingerbread or a multi-colored gingerbread man is up to you.

Christmas souvenirs

If we recall Russian literature, it turns out that the bell is another constant companion of Christmas. Bells can decorate a Christmas tree or from spruce branches and candles. This is a universal gift that will always be to your liking.

For people who are not very religious, you can choose a Christmas-themed photo frame or some other home decoration.

A great gift for Christmas, fully in keeping with the spirit of the holiday -. The main thing is to sign it by hand. After all, this is a holiday of kindness, mercy, help to loved ones. Postcard - great way show that you love and always remember those to whom you give it.

spruce wreath

Another newcomer from the West - - has firmly taken its place in Christmas paraphernalia. After all, Orthodox churches have been decorated with spruce branches or compositions from them since ancient times. The wreath has a deep spiritual meaning. circle - eternal life, green - the color of life.

The wreath can be hung on the door or decorate the table with it. A wreath with 4 candles is considered traditional. But you can make it with your own hands, decorating it with what the donee will like and will be significant for him.

What to give for Christmas to a woman and a girl

An excellent present for a girl will be one of the following things:

jewelry decoration

If the girl is a believer, you can choose a pendant, charm or bracelet with the words of a prayer.

Fruit bouquet

Let the fruits be sold now all year round, but such a bright and juicy gift will warm the heart of any lady on a holiday.

Cooking supplies

If you know for sure that a woman loves to bake, give her baking dishes bright colors and unusual shapes. Surely she dreams of them, but it seems unreasonable for her to buy them if there are ordinary ones.

Gifts for boyfriend or man

A warm scarf or gloves (especially if they are sensory) will please a man and will always be useful.
Sweater

Indeed, one must proceed with caution. You should not choose a thing with a huge deer. It is better to give preference to quality, to find out what colors a man likes. And if you choose a sweater with Christmas symbols, then it should be almost invisible.

Hobby

If you are well aware of a man's addictions, please him with something that will be useful to him. An accessory for your favorite car, accessories for gadgets, a thermos or a new spinner - depending on your hobbies.

Thermo mug

Useful present. There are, for example, car thermo mugs with a usb connector. However, if you don't already live together, make sure that under the bed/in the closet, etc., your boyfriend does not keep a box with a dozen of these mugs.

Christmas gifts for children

If for the New Year Santa Claus has already brought new toys or gadgets to children, then Christmas gifts should be meaningful and age-appropriate.

Even the little ones will appreciate a beautiful edition of a book with their favorite fairy tales or a children's bible with colorful illustrations.
An older child will be delighted with a new board game or a set for chemical / physical, etc. experiments.
Sets for needlework or crafts will also be a good and pleasant present.
Children under one year old can be presented with some kind of educational toy - soft cubes with pictures, pyramids, music sorters (after 6 months).
Another universal gift will be glass bowl with an angel inside, shiny snow and music. Suitable from 0 to infinity.

Christmas gifts for friends

Friends can be pleased with Christmas symbols or beautiful composition from needles and candles. You can also collect or buy a beautiful basket with sweets, fruits and drinks.

If you know that your friends dream of something useful and you can afford it, go for it. Angels and frames are good, but the place in the apartment is not rubber. And a slow cooker or a sandwich maker, for example, will bring more joy, and you will have an extra reason to come for a treat.

What to give parents (mom and dad)?

It is always difficult to choose a gift for the most important people in life. If there is no exact knowledge or all desires were fulfilled on New Year, then mom will surely be delighted with a box for jewelry or memorabilia, decorated in a Christmas theme.

You can also please your mother with a beautiful Christmas service. Or a new bag.

It is believed that sweets and chocolate are gifts exclusively for women, but dad will also be delighted with a set of good quality chocolate or a bottle of an expensive strong drink.

For both mom and dad, you can choose a gift certificate and give them an unforgettable experience. The main thing is, if the parents are not extreme, do not give skydiving or flying with a dead loop.

Gifts for a son or daughter on Christmas Eve

For parents, children at any age remain children, so even if the children are adults, you still want to congratulate them on Christmas with something special.

If the children are teenagers, then following the old Russian tradition, you can give them some money or write out home-made certificates for extra time to watch TV, play at the computer.

Adult children can simply write a congratulation and invite them to a beautifully and tasty table set.

remember, that Holy holiday- family and it is not so much gifts that are important as attention. May Christmas 2021 be kind and happy!

Helpful Hints

Preparing for the New Year and Christmas holidays, time flies, so it's better to start looking for gifts for relatives and friends in advance. Christmas presents are varied and can be bought both in stores and at various fairs.

Let's see what is possible what is appropriate give At Christmas.

Christmas presents

Recently become popular as artificial and real Christmas trees in pots. No less common and specially grown for Christmas plants, for example, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths and other bulbs.

But the most popular and sought-after Christmas flower remains (another name is poinsettia).

In general, you can give preference to any colors.

Of course, on Christmas holiday people give each other sweets, because many people like sweets.

It is also appropriate to give sweets in carved chests, wicker boxes and baskets.

Might fit well a basket of wines, fruits, biscuits or jams.

Since fasting ends on Christmas Day, you can ancient tradition present your friends or relatives with various dishes: homemade cheeses, jams, liqueurs, pies or smoked meats.

In general, you can give chocolate, nuts, honey, from which you can cook a lot of delicious holiday pastries that will not leave guests indifferent. Fragrant biscuit pastries, French Christmas logs, German Christmas stollen, English puddings and muffins, kozuli and gingerbread, pies, kulebyaki, Russian pies - all this can be delicious homemade gift.

Christmas is an occasion to give something original, symbolizing changes and New Year holidays.

Perhaps these will be figurines of saints, good gnomes and angels. If you present one of these figurines, you thereby wish the person that such a character would patronize him all year.

On this wonderful holiday, there is a tradition to give each other guardian angel. These may be figurines different materials: chocolate, porcelain, wood, fabric and others.

This wonderful holiday is also an occasion for a gift. from fur: mittens, scarves, backpacks or bags.

Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated in the family circle, so each relative needs to choose the right gift.

Husband a good gift will scale model of a motorcycle or car. Grandma will love it subscription to an interesting magazine, and grandfather beautifully designed board game: dominoes, backgammon, chess or others.

If you want to present a Christmas gift to your beloved girl, then it can be any jewelry decoration.

And for a girl who combines mind and beauty, a designer one is suitable.

Brother or beloved man will come in handy cufflinks, a stylish tie, some useful car accessory or key chain.

Also, the man will be pleased good cognac or original flask.

Special electric mug or thermos will warm up a man-fisherman or a man who cannot imagine his life without a garage pastime.

If a man, for one reason or another, often spends time in a car, then by the way, you will have to car massager with heating.

Christmas cards have long been traditional gifts for Christmas. They don't have to be expensive, but they are beautiful. nice words everyone can write on them.

If you want to give a souvenir for Christmas, then pay attention to straw souvenirs, after all, this material can even be a Christmas wreath, to which dried fruits, gingerbread and gilded nuts are attached.

Don't Forget the Variations souvenir Christmas bells.

Colleagues can present small souvenirs in the form of caskets, candles, porcelain figurines.

Gifted with a set essential oils(tangerine, pine, orange or others), will become pleasant and useful gift for Christmas Eve.

Women colleagues or just acquaintances whom you are going to visit can be presented with inexpensive souvenirs, such as: a kitchen towel with a Christmas pattern, a set of coasters for hot dishes, containers for spices or silicone molds for cupcakes.

If you can't find the right gift for Christmas, then give a ticket to one of the many Christmas puppet shows. Such a gift will be especially relevant if you present it to friends who have children.

Undoubtedly, Christmas- this is a special holiday, on which you need to give special Christmas presents, however, they do not have to be expensive.

Candles for Christmas

If you prefer traditional gifts, then candles- This the best option gift At Christmas, because it is a symbol of the Eternal Light. The shape and size of candles is best chosen according to the preferences of the gifted.

Which candles to choose for a particular person:

Scented candles are suitable for lovers and newlyweds
Candles in the shape of animals and birds will appeal to children
Older people will love candles in the shape of a house or pieces in a ceramic lampshade
Bath candles will appeal to romantics
Candles in candelabra or massive candlesticks are a preference business people
Conservative and balanced people will like classic-shaped candles
An oval or round shape of a candle is suitable for a narcissistic person.
The square shape of the candle is designed for purposeful people.

The symbolism of a candle largely depends on its color:

The blue candle symbolizes the divine principle and chosenness, glory, honor, and fidelity to ideals.
A red candle is a symbol of masculinity, courage, strength and firmness of character, power and greatness.
A yellow candle represents femininity, calmness and tenderness, as well as respect and wealth.
Green candle - a symbol of hope and freedom
The white candle symbolizes purity, innocence and wisdom.
A black candle is identified with darkness and fear.

Christmas gifts for parents

Christmas is the time when the time comes to forget all the bad things and reconcile. This is a great occasion to get together at the same table with your parents and give them gifts. Christmas gifts.

If you choose a gift for your parents, then you should stop at small souvenirs, sweets, warm and cozy things.

A nice gift for parents will be:

Interior decorations
Decor items
Chocolate
Candles
Candlesticks
Beautiful flowers.

Tea-loving parents can be presented good tea, coffee or a tea set with Christmas motifs.

This is perhaps the most Christmas present ever. Gingerbread cookies are suitable as a small and inexpensive, but bright gift.

Older people need warm clothes, so great gift for them will be vest, plaid natural material, terry bathrobe or warm slippers.

You can also buy electric fireplace or electric heater with beautiful design.

Or take a beautiful wicker basket and fill it with fresh, delicious products, which older people living on modest pensions cannot always afford. In such a basket you can put: peanut butter, peach jam, a jar of salmon caviar, fruits, sweets, tea or other products.