Are Chanukah gifts an imitation of Christian practice?

Question:

My wife thinks that giving gifts during Hanukkah is just an imitation of Christmas conventions. Should our family stop giving gifts on Hanukkah?

Answer:

The original custom of giving gifts is actually that of giving "Chanukah gelt" or Chanukah money. (There is no specific custom in terms of giving every day, some give every night some give on the fourth and/or fifth night—it is really up to each individual.)

There are a few reasons for this custom: The Code of Jewish Law, explains that the menorah's candles may only be viewed to recall the miracle and not for any other purpose. The Code's author, Rabbi Yosef Caro, includes counting money as an example of what the menorah lights cannot be used for. Giving out Chanukah money was a way to remember this rule.

The Talmud refers to money on Chanukah when it cautions us to light at the very least one candle, per household, per night on Chanukah—even if we must go door to door for candle funds. The widespread custom of giving Chanukah gelt enabled the poor to get the candle money they needed without feeling great embarrassment.

For more reasons for the custom to give Chanukah gelt, see Why the Gelt?

Indeed, the custom of giving gifts has been adopted by some families because of Chanukah's proximity to the Christian holiday season, and as such, to maintain Jewish tradition, many Jewish families make a point of not giving actual presents but rather give Chanukah gelt. So your wife is not so off-mark...

Best wishes,

Chani Benjaminson,
Chabad.org