In the past Saint Lucia, Saint Nicholas, the Baby Jesus, or the Befana (the Old Woman bringing gifts to children on Epiphany), usually provided children with presents; the saints where different according to the various regions.
Nowadays Xmas is the Day of the gifts, both for grown-up and young people; the only difference is that some people receive gifts on 24th December night others on 25th December morning.

- Do grown-ups receive gifts as well?

Of course; it is very important to buy the right present for the husband or the wife, for relatives, friends, children, friends’ children, for the door keeper, for the postman, for regular customers…

- But people spend a lot of money, that way!

Xmas is the following: spending on presents, spending on decorations, spending on Xmas dinner and lunch.