Under the Pillow or Under the Tree: How to Give Gifts for Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year are times of warmth, family coziness, and, of course, gifts. To create holiday magic, it’s important not only to choose what to give but also to think about how to do it. After all, the way a gift is presented can create an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Christmas is approaching, and just a week later comes New Year’s Eve – a perfect opportunity to delight your loved ones and find joy yourself.

So, what are the ways to present gifts that bring smiles and spread true holiday cheer?

The Magic of Christmas: Gifts Under the Pillow

One of the warmest traditions is placing gifts under the pillow for Christmas. This practice, especially popular among children, creates a sense of real magic. Falling asleep on Christmas Eve, kids excitedly make wishes, and in the morning, they wake up to find a little surprise under their pillow. It could be anything – sweets, a book, a small toy, or cozy, warm, and beautiful winter accessories.

For adults, this method of gift-giving can also be a pleasant surprise. Imagine how delightful it is to discover something unexpected under your pillow in the morning – a moment that brings warmth even to the most serious of people.

Holiday Classics: Gifts Under the Tree

The tradition of placing gifts under the Christmas tree is relatively new but has quickly gained popularity. On Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, gifts are carefully wrapped in festive packaging and “hidden” under the holiday tree. On the morning of December 25th (or New Year’s Day), the entire family gathers around the tree to unwrap gifts and enjoy the surprises together.

A colorful package and neat ribbons add a special touch to the atmosphere. The more elegantly a gift is wrapped, the more excitement it brings when opened. Even the simplest things, beautifully packaged, turn into holiday treasures.

By the way, to add intrigue, you can label the gifts without revealing who they’re for. This creates an extra bit of fun during the process of finding one’s name.

The Tradition of Christmas Stockings

Another way to spread holiday joy is by placing gifts in Christmas stockings, usually hung by the fireplace or on the wall. Although this tradition has Western origins, it’s becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine. Gifts in stockings are usually small: chocolates, souvenirs, or accessories.

This method of gift-giving is especially great for children – it’s cute, original, and uplifting.

Christmas Quests

For those who want to add interactivity to the holiday, organizing a small quest to find gifts can be a wonderful idea. Instead of simply placing the gift under the tree, hide it somewhere in the house and leave clues. It could be a game with riddles, puzzles, or notes leading to the gift.

Quests are particularly popular with children, but adults also enjoy participating in such fun activities. This makes the process of receiving a gift exciting and memorable.

Warm Surprises at the Holiday Table

Another way to surprise your loved ones is by presenting gifts during the festive dinner. For instance, you can place small surprises in guests’ plates or under the table settings. This could be a holiday card, a symbolic figurine, or even a small keepsake.

This method of gifting creates an atmosphere of closeness and care. Guests feel that they were thought of and appreciated while preparing these surprises.

Gifts Delivered “by Mykolay”

If you want to make the holiday especially magical, you can arrange for gifts to be delivered “by Mykolay.” Today, many delivery services offer this option, where a person dressed as St. Nicholas delivers the present. This is especially delightful for children, who get to see the magic come to life right in their homes.

If you’d like to do it yourself, you can write a letter “from Mykolay” and leave it next to the gift. These small details create a true sense of wonder.

The Most Important Thing Is the Mood

Gifts for Christmas and New Year aren’t just material items – they’re a way to spread joy, warmth, and magic. A pillow, a tree, a Christmas stocking, or an unexpected surprise at the table – any of these methods add special meaning to the holiday.

Don’t forget that the most important thing in a gift is love and attention. Take the time to wrap it beautifully, add a heartfelt note, and present it in a way that makes your loved ones feel truly happy. After all, it’s these moments that remain in our memories for a long time, creating a festive atmosphere we want to return to again and again.

Read about Ukrainian Christmas traditions HERE.