New year gifts: a sweet tradition

Today, not many people are familiar with the tradition of new year gifts and even fewer actually indulge in the practice. This tradition consists of giving the people around you — whether it’s friends and family, colleagues or clients — a little something just to say thank you for the past year and to wish them luck for the year ahead.

This tradition can be traced back to Ancient Rome

The world used for this tradition in Latin, “Strena”, refers to a goddess from Roman mythology. Legend has it that a woodland was dedicated to her, from which it became custom to cut off tree branches to offer to the king as a symbol of prosperity and to wish him successful harvests.

The tradition gradually extended to the rest of the Roman population and became incredibly popular. These new year gifts were given to people who had been of service, such as servants or friends and family, as a gesture of gratitude. These gifts typically took the form of symbolic gifts, such as fruit, nuts or coins and were generally given at the start of the year.

New year gifts in the modern day…

Older generations kept this tradition alive for a while, offering gifts to helpful people in their day-to-day lives, such as building concierges, clears or even nannies. Often, these gifts were given in the form of money slipped into the receiver’s pocket on New Year’s Day. Sometimes, small children were also given a little pocket money to buy themselves some sweets.

Whilst the tradition of gifting a small sum of money continues to be upheld in some families, today, it is often accompanied by the offering of little sweet treats or practical gifts, symbolising a positive outlook for the year ahead. This little gesture may come in various forms: cards, gift baskets, chocolates, personalised gifts… What counts is that it’s a gesture of generosity.

New year gifts in Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie style

The Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie has put its own, indulgent style on this tradition through a biscuit range that is perfect for gifting. Our gift selections have been designed especially for the new year, with assortments of Alsace specialities such as our famous bredele and gingerbreads which are guaranteed to delight anyone receiving them this January. These sweet little gestures not only celebrate the new year and the gifting tradition, but they also create an opportunity to celebrate quality time and indulgence.

Thanks to our exclusive, new year gifts are also a great chance to share: for every Intégral Gift Selection (900g) bought, you get a collector’s edition Intégral Gift Selection (900g) free! Our offer has been designed to get your year off to a delicious start after having spoiled your loved ones at Christmas. Plus, at the same time, you can treat someone who you’d like to give an extra “thank you” to. A hand-selected assortment of bredele to wish happiness and good luck for the year ahead!

Offering new year gifts with the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie is much more than just another gift-giving occasion: it’s an opportunity to bring back this wonderful condition with products made with love and expertise that are guaranteed to delight those around you.

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