If your December feels like a gift-giving sprint, Three Kings Day might be the breather your family needs. This January 6th tradition—when the Three Wise Men brought gifts to baby Jesus—is how millions of Latin American and Caribbean families have always done gift-giving.
And more families are discovering it works beautifully alongside (or instead of) the Christmas morning rush.
Key Takeaways
- Three Kings Day (January 6th) extends holiday magic 12 days past Christmas with less pressure
- The tradition is simple: kids leave shoes out with grass and water for the camels, and gifts appear by morning
- It’s a chance for calmer, more connected celebration focused on family moments rather than technology
What Makes It Different
Here’s the short version: kids leave their shoes out overnight with grass and water for the kings’ camels. By morning? Small gifts appear inside. No elaborate setup required.
As Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe explains about her immigrant family: “The Santa Claus was not as much of a big deal in their countries, but Three Kings were.”
University of Arizona’s Dr. Marta Civil grew up with this tradition in Barcelona, remembering “a big parade in town marking the arrival of the three Kings” and how January 6th was when children actually received their gifts. For many families, this is the main event.
How to Start Tonight
- Have your child choose shoes to place by their bedroom door or window
- Leave grass and water nearby for the camels (a cup and some lawn clippings work fine)
- Tuck a small wish list inside the shoes
- Add gifts overnight—popular choices include sports balls, art supplies, small toys, or candy
That’s it. Four simple steps and you’re done.
Commissioner Uribe captures why this resonates: “This is not a technology event. This is a simple event where we talk. Where we share.”
Why Families Love It
Three Kings Day extends holiday anticipation without December’s pressure. It teaches kids about international gift-giving traditions while creating a calmer, more connected celebration.
While everyone else is packing away decorations on December 26th, your family still has something magical to look forward to. That’s 12 extra days of anticipation without any of the December chaos.
For kids, this extended timeline makes the whole season feel more special—and for parents, it takes pressure off the Christmas morning scramble.
And for blended cultural families or anyone seeking more meaningful family gift traditions, it’s a simple place to start.
The shoes are out. The camels are coming. January 6th is waiting.
Over to You
Have you tried Three Kings Day? I’d love to hear whether it’s taken pressure off December—or added another thing to your holiday plate. Real family experiences help others decide whether to try it.
Your stories always make my day brighter.
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