History of Christmas Stockings |

The History of Christmas Stockings begins with the true story of Santa Claus and Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. Nicholas’ wealthy parents died in an epidemic while he was a young boy. Obeying the words of Jesus, “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.

He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Many stories and legends have been handed down through the years about Saint Nicholas’ life and deeds. They help us to gain a better understanding of his extraordinary life and why he is so beloved and revered throughout the world.

One story, in particular, recounts the history of Christmas stockings – a poor man with three daughters had no dowry to offer to prospective husbands. Without a dowry the man’s daughters were destined to remain unmarried.

One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the father’s plight, stopped his house while everyone was sleeping. He peeked in the window and saw the daughters’ stockings hanging by the fire.

Saint Nicholas took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them carefully, one by one, into the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke, they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married.

Thus the history of Christmas stockings begins as children hung out their everyday socks awaiting gifts from Santa Claus.

A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that children hang on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins, or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers. In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from Santa Claus. Other presents are wrapped up in wrapping paper and placed under the Christmas tree. Tradition in Western culture dictates that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece of coal.

Eventually, special Christmas stockings were created. Stores today carry a variety of stockings and it’s also become a favorite homemade craft creation. By tradition, the stocking is hung on the fireplace mantel, but, since many contemporary homes do not have fireplaces, stockings may be hung in almost any location.