In Aunt Tilley's house, Kyla and E.B. investigate random objects in the file drawers they inherited from Great Aunt Hermione that show how history connects to who we are and how we live now. A chest labelled "Past and Presents" contains a piñata stick, a Christmas ornament, and an origami box. Gift giving in December started in ancient Rome, and it became a winter tradition in many other cultures. Japanese traditionally fold origami boxes or origata wrappings for their gifts. Pinatas, filled with candy and trinkets, are popular at Mexican birthday parties, but they began in China. Indigenous people in northwestern North America also traditionally hosted gift-giving potlaches. Gift-wrapping paper, balloons, loot bags and noise makers also have a long history. Our birthday gift-giving customs resemble ancient traditions from around the world.