The answer is: False

In pre-Christian Rome, the emperors compelled their most despised citizens to bring offerings and gifts during the Saturnalia festival (in December) and Kalends (in January). Later, this ritual expanded to include gift-giving among the general populace. The Catholic Church gave this custom a Christian flavour by re-rooting it in the supposed gift-giving of Saint Nicholas.

The practice of exchanging gifts during the holiday season can actually be traced back to multiple cultural traditions long before the birth of Jesus. The Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice, was a time of festivity and reversal of social norms, where gifts would be exchanged, lights would brighten the long nights, and the spirit of camaraderie was essential. This celebration was all about good cheer and community, which, interestingly enough, still resonates in today's holiday spirit.

As the Roman Empire encountered early Christianity, various pagan customs began merging with Christian practices. This is where Saint Nicholas enters the scene, a figure renowned for his generosity, especially towards children and the poor. In many cultures across Europe, he became associated with gift-giving, transforming into the Santa Claus we recognize today.

Excitingly, the idea of gifts is not just about material exchanges but speaks to the deeper characteristics of love and generosity celebrated throughout many religious traditions. From Jesus' teachings about compassion and kindness to the acts of charity embodied in various faiths, giving reflects an essential human value.

And if you're ever curious about the traditions that accompany gift-giving, you'll find that many cultures also view it as a way to symbolize blessings or as a means of bringing luck for the coming year—fascinating threads woven into our winter celebrations!