Every year we decorate our homes for Christmas. We light and decorate the tree and put Holiday Christmas Stockings on the mantle. Christmas Stockings have become a special tradition in many homes. Whether you use 21 inch Burgundy Soft Plush Fireplace Stockings or a 60 Inch Giant Christmas Stocking, having a Christmas Stocking to fill is an important part of the holiday season. Many people use Christmas stockings but are unaware of the origins of their use.
The Dutch and Stockings.
One origin is that Christmas stockings come from the Dutch. Dutch children used to fill their clogs with straw for the reindeer, and in turn Sinterclass (Santa Claus) would leave a small gift behind for them. Sinterclass soon became Santa Claus and stockings replaced the clogs. It is said that children who have been bad throughout the year will receive a lump of coal in their stocking.
The Christian Nobleman.
There is also another version of how the Christmas stocking came to be. In the town of Myra, there was a widowed father with three daughters. His wealth had been spent on his dying wife and he was left with nothing when she passed away. This man worried he would never be able to marry his three daughters off without a dowry for them. A Christian man named Saint Nickolas came through this village and heard the villagers talking about this poor mans problem. Knowing he would not accept any money outright, he threw three bags of gold into each of the girls stockings that were drying by the fireplace. In the morning the gold was found and the girls were soon all married off. This is how the tradition of Santa Claus coming down the chimney came to be and also why sacks of chocolate gold coins are put into stockings.
Germans and Christmas Stockings.
One other possible start of the Christmas stocking tradition is from Germany. Children would place their socks near the fireplace after washing them to let them dry. Saint Nicholas would come in on Christmas Eve and leave five presents for the children. Each of the five presents would be something to stimulate each of the five senses.
Styles of Stockings.
Now a days, there are many styles of Christmas stockings to choose from. There are 45 inch Extra Large Christmas Stocking and 12 inch red plush Christmas stockings. For the animal lovers out there you can buy puppy dog stockings or a kitty queen photo frame stocking. If you like a western theme, there is the cowboy boot stocking or a western Christmas Stocking. Many people like to buy their newborn babies stockings like the fleece baby stockings. Or for those children who like to act up, the I can explain stocking or I’ll be good stocking. With so many different stockings out there, I am sure there will be one to suit your personality or style. So go out and buy some new stockings and fill them with wonderful stocking stuffers. And don’t forget your Christmas stocking holders.
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