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. Share on XSt. 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.
Check out Courageous Christian Father’s Wish list on Amazon where you can purchase and be sent directly to them!
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
- Who is Jonathan “JP” Pokluda
Jonathan “JP”Pokluda is a prominent figure in the Christian community, known for his dynamic leadership and impactful teachings. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Before this role, JP was the leader of The Porch, a young adult ministry in Dallas, Texas, which grew to become the largest weekly gathering of its kind in the country. - National Gummi Worm Day
National Gummi Worm Day. Yes there is a day for those yummy gummi treats the Gummi Worm! #GummiWorms #NationalGummiWormDay #GummiWormDay - Why do I do what I don’t want to do By Jonathan “JP” Pokluda
Why do I do what I don’t want to do By Jonathan “JP” Pokluda – Jonathan “JP” Pokluda’s book, “Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?”, offers a refreshing and transformative perspective. Published in March 2023, this book delves into the age-old struggle of understanding why we engage in behaviors that we know are harmful and how we can break free from these patterns. - The End of an Era: Redbox Shuts Down All Kiosks
The End of an Era: Redbox Shuts Down All Kiosks — In a move that marks the end of an era, Redbox, the iconic DVD rental service, is shutting down all of its kiosks. This decision comes as part of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation by its parent company, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment¹². For over two decades, Redbox has been a familiar sight at grocery stores, convenience stores, and Walmarts across the United States, offering a convenient way to rent movies and games. However, the rise of digital streaming services has significantly impacted the demand for physical media, leading to this unfortunate outcome. #Redbox - Extreme Heat Wave
An extreme, rare heat wave is underway with many places likely to see the hottest temperatures in the past 8 to 12 years. Heat index values will also rise into the 100s across many places as well.
Thank You For Reading Courageous Christian Father!
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and like this blog post.
About the Author
