What is the 3 Gift Christmas Rule And Why You Should Do It (2024)

Are you familiar with the 3-gift rule when it comes to the holidays? Many families have been doing it for years and for a variety of different reasons. While the 3-gift rule is not followed as much as it was in previous years, it is still popular with many families today.

When the holidays come around, it is nice to see those twinkling light decorations, hear the holiday music coming through the speakers, and look at all of those beautiful Christmas trees our children have helped decorate. For many of us, we also associate it with the smell of our favorite holiday baked foods and desserts and giving back to others.

What is the 3 Gift Christmas Rule?

You may already know the answer to this question, but for those who have never heard of following the 3-gift Christmas rule, you are probably wondering what the heck we are talking about!

The 3-gift rule for Christmas is where we limit the number of gifts we give to each person. Instead of filling up the present list with as many gifts as we can, we stick to three, with each gift having a special meaning to it.

Over the years, there have been different versions of the rule, but the idea is still the same. We have adapted it to something more modern and will continue to change it up to fit our family.

History of the 3 Gift Rule for Christmas

Originally, the 3-gift rule came from the idea that on December 25th, Jesus was given 3 gifts from the Wise Men. Each one of the wise men brought a special gift, each with its own significance.

Gold – something of great value. Frankincense – the gift of something spiritual. Myrrh – this gift represented something for the body.

Throughout the years, we have kept the same ideas for the 3 gifts, but they, like we mentioned, have become more modernized. We have changed it up a little to fit our modern lifestyles. Today, many families go with these ideas when it comes to the three-gift rule:

Something They Want.

An example would be their favorite toy for kids (here’s our pickfor the girl toy options), or for adults, it would be something they have had their eye on and really want. Electronics, toys, and games would be just a few examples.

Something They need.

Generally, we go with clothing, especially for kids, because they grow so much. However, this could be used for anything your gift recipient may need. Things like shoes, clothes, or food items could be included.

Something to Read.

A book, of course! Something to read could be anything they can read, including cookbooks, magazines, storybooks, or novels. Reading books seems to be something we do less of each year, but giving your gift recipient something to read as a gift can help bring that back.

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Reasons to Follow the 3 Gift Rule

It is no secret that over the years, the holiday has become more commercialized. Whether you are watching television or are out and about enjoying your day, the idea of buying the perfect gift is everywhere. We are shown images of Christmas trees that have a stockpile of gifts under them and are given the impression that bigger is better and that the number of gifts you have under the tree means that you are loved more.

It is not just Christmas that has become more commercialized; it seems like every holiday has become more and more about spending money and buying more gifts.

We previously mentioned that many families celebrate the 3-gift rule for different reasons, but what are they? Why would you want to incorporate the 3-gift rule for your family?

It Helps To Save Money.

Gifts can be expensive, and they seem to get more expensive every year. As a way to help save money, knocking down the number of presents given can help save you money. Just think of how much money could be saved and used for other things if you cut back on the amount you spend on pricey gifts during the holidays.

The Message is More Meaningful.

Giving only 3 gifts in the above categories creates a more memorable holiday because the gifts mean more to them. They are gifts they actually want and can use. Not just something that is under the tree and will be stashed in storage later.

The Concept Teaches Less is More.

By following the rule of only giving the 3 gifts, it can help teach children that less is more and that you do not need a stockpile of presents under the tree to be happy.

If you are not used to celebrating the 3-gift rule, it can seem like a drastic change, especially for the children. However, the 3-gift rule and its benefits can be a wonderful way to make sure the holidays aren’t just about the gifts.

Plus, it can be altered to fit the needs of your family, and you can change up the different categories to fit your style.