Final answer:
Children in cultures that celebrate the Three Wise Men tradition write letters asking for gifts and place them in their shoes on the evening of January 5th. The Three Wise Men are believed to collect the letters during the night and leave gifts in exchange. This custom is celebrated on the Feast of Epiphany, which occurs on January 6th.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tradition of sending a letter to the Three Wise Men is a part of Christmas celebrations in some cultures, particularly in Spain and Latin American countries. This tradition is rooted in the Biblical story of the Magi, or Three Kings, who are said to have visited the baby Jesus after his birth, bringing him gifts. In this tradition, children write letters to the Three Wise Men, asking for gifts, much as children in other parts of the world might write to Santa Claus. These letters are traditionally placed in their shoes, left out on the evening of January 5th. The shoes are arranged by the children before they go to sleep, often along with some straw or hay for the camels that the Magi are believed to ride, as a sign of hospitality.
The following morning, on the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th), children wake to find that the Three Wise Men have visited, taking the letters and leaving gifts in return. This custom maintains the magic of the holiday season and the spirit of giving, much like the ancient postal systems that ensured messages and gifts were delivered despite obstacles, as referenced in the popularly known motto for the U.S. Postal Service: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds".