The arrival of Christmas is loaded with emotions. It is a date in which families gather to celebrate. They set up the Christmas tree, prepare the typical meals of each country, and the children anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus, loaded with gifts. And it is that, although the real meaning of Christmas is deep and has a great spiritual connotation, the reality is that Christmas bonuses are already an indisputable part of our culture. But have you ever wondered when, where and how they originated? Keep reading and join us to discover the interesting origin of the Christmas bonus.
The origin of Christmas bonuses can be traced back many years. First of all, we must go to the most basic of the definition. There are two versions about it. The first says that the term bonus It comes from the Celtic “eguinad” or “equinand”, and that with this word the Celts named the gifts that were given at the end of the year. Others argue that bonus It derives from the Latin phrase “noc in anno”, which means “in this year”.
Be that as it may, the Christmas bonus has two aspects. In the first place, the simple custom of giving something to our loved ones on these dates arose, a custom that is still maintained around the world. But Christmas bonuses also evolved on a social scale, becoming a gift in money that business owners give their workers at this time. In most countries it is considered even within the labor legal framework.
Now, who gave the first Christmas bonus? How did it come about? Well, although there is no equanimity in this regard, it is believed that The first to materialize the Christmas bonuses was King Tito Tacio, who ruled Rome together with Rómulo, one of its founders. The custom that the president started was to collect pine branches cut from the forest of Estreñía or Estrenua, goddess of health. These were given to family and friends, with a message of good luck in the coming year. Soon the pine branches were evolving, giving rise to another class of gifts of greater value, such as precious metals, fabrics and clothing.
The bonus to the worker
Christmas bonuses currently have the status of law in many countries. In the case of Spain, for example, this special payment became legal and indefinite in 1945. It was a measure that was intended to slightly alleviate the situation of poverty, scarcity and rising prices that existed after the Civil War and World War II.
Before that, there was another peculiar practice with which workers got their Christmas bonus. The professionals who offered services to homes, dressmakers, milkmen, sweepers, night watchmen, among others, dressed in their best clothes. So They visited their clients, carrying a Christmas postcard. They expected a tip as a reward, their Christmas bonuses.
In many countries December bonuses are associated with sweets, meals or special preparations, to share good food with loved ones. If you dare to join the tradition, and prepare Christmas bonuses for yours, take note of these fun ideas.
1. Christmas bonuses in jars
Many times, sweets such as chocolates, almonds or any other typical ingredient of each region are the most valued. If you want to give your family and friends a Christmas bonus full of love and personality, a good way is to use jars.
In the first instance, they are a reusable object, that they can then use in the kitchen or to store things. In addition, you can choose the size you want, depending on the amount of candy you will give. The ideal is to decorate them with Christmas motifs, so that they enchant from the image.
2. Christmas bonuses in cloth bags
Another good idea to give Christmas bonuses to your loved ones is to take advantage of the cloth bags to prepare a personalized gift. Your aunt likes a particular chocolate bar, and your brother is raving about a brand of chocolates. How about if you put together a small pack, in which you show how much you love them, and also how much you know their personal tastes?
You may place your gifts in a cloth bag and decorate it with your own hands. The Christmas motifs will help to give identity and a festive character to your gift. Any ideas? Santa’s reindeer, a Christmas tree, or a simple red and gold ribbon.
3. Christmas bonuses in plastic bottles
Christmas bonuses do not have to carry a large budget. In fact, you can combine economy and recycling when making them. Take one and a half or two liter plastic bottles of liquids and cut them to the height that you like best. File the edges so they are not sharp. Later cover them with red felt and design the figures that you like the most. Santa or his helpers, or the famous reindeer. Once you have your Christmas packaging ready, fill it with the most charming gifts.
4. Christmas bonuses on wooden trays
And another of the best ideas to give your Christmas bonus to your family and friends is to use wooden trays. They can be any size and shape you want. You can also paint them or decorate them with ribbons. In relation to the content, it will depend on your budget. But You can stand out with a bottle of wine or sparkling wine and something delicious, sweet or salty, to eat.
Also, if you want to make a more complete gift, you can add details that you know the person likes. A few scented candles, a table decoration or a few glasses, They are good ideas to put into practice.
And you, Did you know the origin of Christmas bonuses? Have you thought about the Christmas bonus for your loved ones? If you still have doubts about it, consult our article on what to give for christmas And if what you want is a little inspiration, get excited with this charming selection of the most beautiful Christmas phrases. Until next time!