Another pause, there, eyebrows raised. He couldn't help looking at least a bit amused, but he keeps his smile polite and just a bit formal.

"..ah.. I-.. no, I assure you, it is quite real. ...in fact, nearly every part of the world has some tradition of gift-giving, either on certain days, or to celebrate personal anniversaries, or to show appreciation or offer hospitality. I confess, I'd thought it would be rather hard to avoid, particularly given the American obsession with excuses for buying things."