In Britain, there are two occasions each year when people usually receive pr

M: In Britain, there are two occasions each year when people usually receive presents: on Christmas Day and on their birthdays. In the past, the 21st birthday was the most important because it symbolized becoming an adult. People traditionally received a silver key on that day to symbolize opening the door to the adult world. Today, people in Britain legally become adults at the age of eighteen so they often have the biggest celebration on that birthday.
    The custom of giving gifts on 25 December only dates back to Victorian times. Before that it was more common for people in Britain to exchange presents on New Year’s Eve or Twelfth Night. These days, on Christmas Eve parents put presents for young children in ’ stockings’ and hang them on the end of their beds when they are asleep. Children believe that Santa Claus came during the night and brought them their presents. Gifts for older children and grown ups are put around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Then, on Christmas morning, everyone sits around the tree and opens their presents.
    Easter and Mother’s Day are also important days. Young children usually receive chocolate eggs at Easter, and most people often give presents to their mothers on Mother’s Day. People also receive gifts on important occasions in their lives. For example, all the guests at a wedding usually bring a gift for the bride and groom. And these days, students sometimes get presents from their parents if they do well in their exams!