Why Do We Give Gifts At Christmas?

Christmas Chocolate Traditions

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some delicious treats. From Christmas cakes and mince pies to candied nuts and boxes of chocolates - the festive season traditions have been associated with food for many years.

One of the main reasons we give presents is to remind us of the Wise Men’s three gifts for Jesus on the occasion of his birth. However long before this, winter solstice festivals included giving gifts to others as a way to bring cheer during the darker days.

We’ve carried on these traditions today, showering our loved ones with gifts during this special season.

What is the history behind chocolate and Christmas?

It all began with the chocolate log. Back in the Middle Ages, roaring log fires would warm houses during the chilly winter months. Later on, these logs became decorative and eventually took on the chocolatey taste of today.

Of course, Thorntons has also been part of the tradition for over a century, helping you to share the magic of Christmas with every delicious gift.

Why do we give chocolate coins at Christmas and Hanukah?

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without some chocolate coins glittering at the bottom of your stocking. We have the Wise Men to thank, as their gift of gold is said to have inspired this tradition. Hanukah gelt is also given to children at this time of year, with the tasty chocolate version replacing real money back in the 1920s.

Christmas chocolate to gift and share

Our Christmas chocolate boxes and gifts have been on peoples’ Christmas lists for years, and with over a century of chocolate-making experience, that’s a lot of festive celebrations we’ve been a part of. From favourite boxes of Continental and Classic, seasonal boxes with carefully crafted festive flavours to beautifully decorated chocolate models and fabulous celebratory hampers – Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Thorntons.

Thorntons Classic Collection and Continental chocolate boxes.

Why Thorntons

For over a century, Thorntons has specialised in crafting high quality chocolate, sweets, toffee, fudge and other confectionery.

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