People exchange gifts to remember the Three Wise Men (in Portuguese: Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar) who offered gifts to the child after his birth.
The Santa character was inspired by a Roman bishop from the fifth century, "St. Nicholas", which offered, on 6 December, donations in secret, to the daughters of a very poor man. Gradually this day merged with the Christmas period and was immortalised by a Coca Cola advertisement some decades ago featuring an iconic Santa Claus.
Merry Christmas to all and many gifts in your (little) shoe!!!!
Dear João,
ReplyDeleteI'm truly delighted (and thankful) that some of you have been sharing here info on Christmas celebrations as well as your own Christmas trees and Nativity Scenes or even music.
Hope you keep your good work throughout 2015, João.
Wishing you and your fantastic parents a very Happy Christmas and more sharing afterwards :)