Even such widely celebrated holidays as New Year and Christmas have their own peculiar traditions depending on the country and culture. And even more so, it concerns gifts that are acceptable and unacceptable in different parts of the globe.
Еurope
In northern Europe – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway – they like gifts associated with the warmth and comfort of home. Candles, blankets, as well as scarves, shawls and warm sweaters with deer and snowflakes will always come in handy. In France, they love to give all sorts of nice trinkets, but perfumes and ties can be put under the Christmas tree only for the family.
In Germany it is not accepted to give expensive gifts – it automatically obliges the recepient to respond with the same gesture. Practical things are often presented here, as well as books. In European countries where women's rigths are revered and respected, it is better to avoid gifts related to housekeeping.
Residents of Italy like to give beautiful things, good wine, and also come to visit with sweets and pastries of their own making. In Spain, it is better not to go too far with the "unusual" gift and choose something more traditional. While choosing gifts, it is better to avoid the number 13.
In Ireland, people like to give flowers, but it is worth bearing in mind that lilies are only given on religious holidays, and New Year is not one. Mirrors are also a taboo gift.
The Far East and Muslim countries
In China, on the eve of Christmas, it is customary to give apples – in the shops, apples are even sold individually, in gift wrapping. The Chinese love "paired" gifts – cups, blankets, candles. Businessmen can always be given expensive cigars and wine. In many Far Eastern countries, one can not give a watch (a symbol of death).
Both in China and in Japan and Korea, white is considered a mourning color, especially for flowers. Koreans are not very fond of the red color, which is associated with blood. In Japan they like to give cosmetic or food sets, but on New Year's Day, expensive gifts are not accepted, because this holiday is not considered very important. Thais give each other everything, except for ivory and not with their left hand. Choosing gifts, Vietnamese try to avoid sharp objects, watches and cats. But they like to receive money in red envelopes.
Muslims for New Year can not give alcohol, leather products, and also should be extremely careful with drawings of living beings on clothing or objects. According to tradition, perfume and jewelry for women can only be given by a husband or father.
North and South America
Americans give each other anything as presents, most importantly – with the receipt and price tag. However overly practical it might sound, it is the norm in the United States to exchange or return a disliked gift.
In Mexico they like to give flowers, but not red ones. Men are also not recommended to be given shampoos. In Brazil, good gifts are wine or champagne. Flowers are usually delivered home as a token of gratitude, but in the house where there are children, it is indecent to come without gifts for kids. In general, because of the strong influence of North American culture in South American countries, there is a wider range of gift options.