“Gifts were not traditionally part of the Hanuka celebration. The custom of giving gifts began in Europe and the U.S., and only to stop Jewish children from whining that their friends all got presents from Santa Claus.”
I think that is how it got out of control.
But small gifts/gelt have always been part of the deal.
Now, I’m off to eat too much.
Great thread! 10-Q.
I suspect it's prosperity that drove Christmas -- and consequently Chanukah -- out of control. Read Lousia May Alcott and other books of that era; little homemade gifts were the thing (e.g., handmade pen-wipers -- really!), with maybe an orange and some candy from the parents.