The History of Christmas Stockings. The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular.
The History of Christmas Stockings
Just when the excitement of opening presents abates after the last of the packages under the Christmas tree has been torn open, children and adults alike may discover that there are more treats to be had nestled inside of stockings hung on the mantle.
The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular.
The History of Christmas Stockings. The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Click To TweetSt. Nicholas Day
Rather than hanging stockings on Christmas, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, and this is when stockings are proudly left out for treats. The small, inexpensive trinkets are later unwrapped and enjoyed on Christmas Day.
Dutch heritage
One tradition says that, in 16th century Holland, children kept their clogs filled with straw in front of the hearth for Santa’s reindeer to find. They also left treats for Santa Claus. In return, Santa would leave gifts in the clogs. Over time, stockings were swapped out for clogs.
Merchant’s family story
A popular tale tells the story of a merchant, his wife and three daughters. After the wife falls ill and dies, the man becomes devastated and squanders all of his wealth on frivolous things to mask his sadness. When it comes time for the daughters to marry, the man does not have money for a dowry. St. Nicholas hears of the plight and knows the man would be too proud to accept charity. Therefore, St. Nicholas anonymously tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The man’s daughters had done the laundry prior and left their stockings hanging by the fireplace to dry. The gold landed in the stockings, thus starting the Christmas stocking tradition.
Italian good witch
One stocking story does not attribute the tradition to Santa, but to a kind-hearted Italian witch named “La Befana.” La Befana arrives on a broomstick the night of January 5 and fills the stockings of good children with sweet treats and toys. Bad children are awarded lumps of coal. La Befana is also credited with being the old woman who the wise men ask for directions to Christ’s manger in the Christ child’s story. After turning down an offer to accompany them, La Befana later carried gifts in search of Christ. (Of course, we know that La Befana is not true!)
Christmas stockings have become part of holiday traditions, and this beloved tradition has its own unique history.
Here is an added bonus … The Children’s Society produced the largest Christmas stocking made in December 2007, and measured 32.56 meters (106 feet and 10 inches) in height and 14.97 feet (49 feet 1 inch) in width, and contained 1000 presents.
Article compliments of Metro. GG179344 First published December 11, 2017. Last updated or republished December 16, 2021.
Subscribe To Courageous Christian Father!
Don’t miss any blog posts! Subscribe today! You can subscribe via WordPress or by entering your email! Thank you!
Follow Courageous Christian Father on WordPress.comDon’t forget to also share blog posts you love on your favorite social media too! Thank you! Sharing is caring!
Follow Steve Sews on Social Media
Below are some examples of blog entries from all the blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff, and SteveZ DesignZ).
Recent Posts
- Mother Acronym Printable
Mother Acronym – This is my acronym poem for the word Mother. Wishing all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day! Includes a Free Printable Version! #Mother #MothersDay #Mother #MotherAcronym #MotherAcrostic - The Curious Case of the Key Fob and the Human Antenna
The Curious Case of the Key Fob and the Human Antenna — Have you ever found yourself in a vast parking lot, squinting at rows of cars, trying to locate your trusty steed among the sea of metal? You press the unlock button on your key fob, but alas, no familiar beep or flash of headlights. You’re too far away. But then, you remember a quirky trick – lifting the key fob to your neck, and suddenly, the car responds. It’s like magic, but it’s actually science. - Truth Traveler Newest Answers in Genesis Attraction coming to Pigeon Forge
Embark on a Journey Through Time with Truth Traveler — Coming soon to The Island at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an attraction that promises to take visitors on an unparalleled adventure through biblical history. “Truth Traveler,” developed by the creators of the renowned Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky, is set to be a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience that will transport guests back to the days of Noah and beyond. - Earth Day
Earth Day – day set aside to remind us to take care of the Earth and help provide protect for the environment. God gave us the Earth! We need to take care of it! Everyday! #EarthDay - In God We Trust – One Nation Under God – In God We Trust Day
In God We Trust Day a day based on that is imprinted on our currency here in the United States. Our Nation was founded under One Nation under God. Anymore it seems God has been removed from everything. We Christians are just taking it and not standing up for our beliefs and allowing this to happen all because today’s world believes in being politically correct (pc) they say. Did you know there is a In God We Trust Day as well? #InGodWeTrust
Thank You For Reading Courageous Christian Father!
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and like this blog post.
About the Author
