The tradition of giving gifts at this time of year dates back to pre-history. There is evidence of Mid-Winter festivals from the Neolithic period at Stonehenge. The Druids gave sprigs of mistletoe at New Year as good luck tokens for the year ahead. The Roman festival of Saturnalia marked the end of the autumn planting season and ran from the 17th to the 23rd December. During this time there was ‘partying, feasting and gift giving’. In Mediaeval times, St Nicholas Day, December 6th, was the time for childrens’ presents and the adults exchanged gifts at New Year. In later years, especially on the large estates, gifts were given at New Year to staff to thank them for the previous year’s work. It was only with the increasing popularity and commercialisation of Christmas in Victorian times that the exchange of presents moved to the 25th December.

The Tiverton Gazette of January 5th 1926 suggests that the tradition of New Year’s gifts hadn’t completely disappeared in Devon!

‘Special Display of new Year Gifts now showing at B. D. Labdon’s Outfitter, Cullompton’

‘New Year Gifts which are bound to please’ at R. H. Cumming & Sons, Arcade, Exeter. The advert goes on to list a range of ‘gifts’ on offer including ‘Umbrellas in all styles’, a ‘Special New Year Line of lady’s umbrellas’, Gentleman’s Umbrellas, seat sticks, hunting crops and walking sticks.

Other adverts promoted the more usual Winter Sales.

‘W. H. Guiver’s Great Winter SALE commences on Tuesday, January 5th. All surplus stock will be offered at greatly reduced prices. Millinery, coats and frocks at bargain prices. 2 Westexe North, 1 and 2 Paul Street, Tiverton’

And one gave advice for the coming year!

‘Weather Forecast for 1926. Spring – ‘some’ rain. Summer – Fair at intervals with thunder and lightning. Autumn – More rain. Winter – Still more rain – mostly iced. Be prepared! and buy a good raincoat as worn by Mr O.K (photograph on right) and you MAY win a ‘Clyno’ Motor Car as well. Ask for Particulairs. H. C. Wakefield, Raincoat Specialist, 24 Gold Street, Tiverton.’

Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B

References

Our Warwickshire
https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/new-years-gifts-tradition-spanning-centuriestps://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/new-years-gifts-tradition-spanning-centuries  accessed 19 December 2025

English Heritage
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/why-do-we-give-gifts-at-christmas/tps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/why-do-we-give-gifts-at-christmas/  accessed 19 December 2025