It is a mistake to think that gifts are not an integral concept on Chanuka.

The concept of חנוכת המזבח "Chanukas hamizbeach" - dedicating (or re-dedicating) the alter is done by giving gifts. Just as the nesi'im, the princes of the tribes gave gifts and sacrifices when dedicating the Mizbeach of the Mishkan. 

What is the purpose of gifts when dedicating the mizbeach? It is compared to the חינוך or initiation of a child when they begin Torah study and start going to the beis hasefer. The child is given many gifts at the start and the father brings him there himself (like by gbe upshern), or similarly a father giving a bride over to a groom (and the wedding gifts, as is known that the dedication of the mishkan is compared in Zohar hakadosh to כלת משה - the "bride" of Moshe). Afterwards the child is able to go on his own and study without this external support or gift giving.

This is a meaning of the verse חנוך לנער על פי דרכו גם כי יזקין לא יסוד ממנה - "initiate the child to study in a way he can relate to so that, as he grows he will not stray from it."

Spirituality, as well, it means that on Chanuka, there is a very high revelation from above to jumpstart our service to Hashem and strengthen ourselves going forward.

Mittler Rebbe,  Sefer Sharei Orah perek 39

Whether or not one interprets this to mean only Chanuka gelt or other forms of gift, the point is that, not only is the gift a concept on Chanuka, it is an integral one an connected to the very meaning of the holiday. Certainly this idea predates the gift giving of any non-Jewish holiday and one can be מלמד זכות - give Jews the benefit of the doubt, that they are giving gifts in the spirit of the holiday itself, in a long unbroken chain of Jewish tradition, and not in response non-Jewish custom.

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