What is the orgin of the Christmas stocking?
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. 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. The tradition began in Germany. Originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. Today, stores carry a tremendous variety of s
Many people believe that St. Nicholas’ tale of the poor nobleman served as the origin of the stocking. According to legend, a nobleman squandered all of his wealth and property after his wife died. So poor was he that he had to move to a peasant’s cottage and live a miserable existence. At that time, in order for a daughter to be married the parents had to provide a dowry to her future husband. This nobleman didn’t even have enough money left for his daughters to marry. St. Nicholas decided to help these people out, but anonymously. Perhaps he did not want the publicity, or maybe he did not want the man to feel obliged to him. After riding to the peasant home, he quickly dropped three pouches of gold coins down the chimney and they landed on the stockings that the girls had hung up to dry by the fireplace. The next morning, the girls were overjoyed with their find. It was more than enough money for them to get married and live happily ever after. Another stocking legend has it that in
