Apparently, the early Christian kings interpreted the story of the Magi and their gifts as meaning their subjects should give them gifts at Christmas, and demanded tributes and tithes. Later the story of King Wenceslaus gained popularity (probably promoted by the subjects), and the gift-giving process was reversed! In the 17th century it had become a season when gifts were mostly given to children, but by the 19th century bands of rowdy youths were a problem as they “wassailed” from house to house, demanding handouts from the gentry.
Things seem to have calmed down since then.
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