I always tried to take some days off work towards the end of the year (am having a break now!), which is a combination of clearing my leave (which might be forfeited at the end of the year) and getting some well deserved rest after a long and hard year at work. I think the year end is also an opportune moment for us to show appreciation to people around us, and it's common for people to express their gratitude through small gifts (and somehow it coincides with the Christmas season, which is the season of giving as well, lol).