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Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''  

Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''  

In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in [[The Netherlands]], Santa Claus is shown in a Catholic [[bishop]]'s [[miter]]. In some countries, Saint Nicholas is not associated with the holiday at all; for example, in [[Spain]] it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children, and in [[Hawai'i]] it is the jolly native [[Kamaunamauna]]. However, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving is prevalent in all cultures.

In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in [[The Netherlands]], Santa Claus is shown in a Catholic [[bishop]]'s [[miter]]. In some countries, Saint Nicholas is not associated with the holiday at all; for example, in [[Spain]] it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children, and in [[Hawaii]] it is the jolly native [[Kamaunamauna]]. However, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving is prevalent in all cultures.

In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As [[Stan Freberg]] put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.

In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As [[Stan Freberg]] put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.