Day 18 – The History of Christmas Stockings
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…”
Luke 6:38
In many countries, Christmas presents might be found in a Christmas stocking, hanging up by a fireplace or at the end of a child’s bed.
The custom of hanging stockings comes from the story of St. Nicholas dropping money into a stocking drying by the fireplace or window to help out a poor family.
St. Nicholas putting the bags of gold into a stocking is also where the custom of having a tangerine or small oranges and often some nuts at the bottom of Christmas stocking. If people couldn’t afford gold coins, some golden fruit was a good replacement!
Until the last 60 years fruits like tangerines or satsumas were quite unusual and special, especially in Europe.
St Nicholas is also the patron saint of pawnbrokers and their sign of three gold balls comes from the story of St Nicholas giving three bags of gold.
It is now more common to find chocolate coins at the bottom of a Christmas stocking, rather than real coins or even a tangerine. You might also now find a candy cane sticking out the top of the stocking. If you need more ideas you could add non-monetary gifts like coupons to be reimbursed for free hugs, chores around the house or time spent reading together. You can add notes and let them know how grateful you are for them.
I do not put much in their stockings and because I hand crocheted their stockings years ago, I don’t want them stretched out. So I came up with the idea of making them each a new pillowcase. I would find a fabric that was customed to the child. Then, Christmas morning (we open gifts Christmas Eve), they had to guess who’s pillowcase was who’s. They have loved this tradition and having a new pillowcase is always enjoyable!
Whether your stockings are homemade or store bought, each one represents someone you love.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:17