The history behind Christmas stockings & ideas for filling them

Christmas stockings are a cherished tradition. They're hung on fireplace mantles, stair banisters or the foot of the bed.

Some are handmade, store-bought or treasured heirlooms.

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Regardless of where you hang your stockings or what they look like, they're an integral part of Christmas for many families.

What you may not know is how the tradition started and where it came from.

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Keep reading to learn the history of this family tradition and find suggestions for filling your stockings to the tippy-top for both kids and kids at heart.

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What is the origin story of the Christmas stocking?

Legend has it that a 4th-century nobleman was a widower with three daughters and could not afford their dowries. Hearing of this father's dilemma, Saint Nicholas secretly tossed three gold spheres down the man's chimney because he knew the man would not accept any charity. The gold spheres ended up in the daughters' stockings, which were hanging above the fireplace to dry.

With the gold, the daughters were now eligible to marry and the father was so overjoyed, he eventually found out who had left the gold and told everyone about Nicholas.

While this far-fetched tale is difficult to believe, the myth is widely accepted as the origin story for the humble Christmas stocking.

When did we begin hanging up stockings?

In 1809, the "Knickerbocker History of New York" was written by Washington Irving. He detailed the custom of hanging up stockings "in the chimney on St. Nicholas Eve," along with finding them in the morning having been "miraculously filled."

In 1823, Clement Clark Moore wrote the poem, "The Night Before Christmas," in which the famous line, "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care" is written.

An 1883 article in the New York Times detailed issues with Christmas stockings of the time and how they were almost done away with completely in favor of the German Christmas trees, which allowed families to put as many or as few presents as they could afford underneath.

"The New England stocking, though admirably adapted for holding presents like paper cutters or knitting needles did not have sufficient room for the ordinary Christmas presents of even an economical home," it reads. "On the other hand, the tonnage of the Western stocking -- especially that of the Chicago type, was so great that it could not be filled except at a cost which few fathers of families could afford."

They also took issue with the limp, unattractive appearance of the long, woolen stockings.

It wasn't until the introduction of decorated stockings with designs and colors that made them a thing of beauty, that people were happy to display them in their homes.

The "Smith Christmas Stocking" was then invented to address all these issues. Unlike the New England stocking and the Chicago stocking, this elastic stocking was specially designed to fit Christmas gifts of all budgets.

The inventor also fashioned it with a "water-tight metallic compartment" in the toe of the boot for things like molasses candy and other perishables.

By the end of the 19th century, bright red felt stockings as we know them now began to be hung by the fire.

Why do some people put oranges in their stockings?

There are a few reasons for the tradition of an orange in one's Christmas stocking.

To honor the legend of St. Nicholas placing gold spheres in the maiden's stockings, people began to gift oranges instead of gold.

Another reason is that the tradition of the Christmas stocking may have started during the Great Depression. Families couldn't afford to buy presents and a fresh, sweet orange was a fruit that was hard to come by but an attainable luxury.

A third theory is that oranges represent the spirit of the season. Orange segments can be easily shared with others, thus embodying the spirit of giving.

Where can I find good stocking stuffers?

To save on the cost of shipping, be more environmentally conscious and to support businesses in your community, it may be best to shop locally for your stocking stuffers. You can find items at your local Dollar Tree, Target, Walmart, CVS, other pharmacies, party supply stores or anywhere that sells small goods and trinkets.

Here's a list of ideas:

Sunglasses by Youzey $35 - Who doesn't love a fun new pair of sunglasses? From a purple, glittery pair reminiscent of The Eras Tour to a more demure tortoise-shell frame, there's something to match everyone's style.
Salty Butterscotch Pretzels by OMG! Pretzels $8.99 - These uniquely seasoned sourdough pretzel nuggets are the perfect bite-sized snack to add to their stocking.
Cool Fantasy ArtBars by M. Cacao Chocolates $22 - This chocolate bar is not just any chocolate bar. This artisanal, luxury bar was inspired by the colors of the Northern Lights with raspberries and cool mint, "boldly set against a smooth backdrop of dark chocolate sky." It's truly a work of art.
PartyLite GloLite Iced Jar Candle $20 - Your recipient will enjoy smelling seasonal scents like iced snowberries, while you'll feel good gifting this non-toxic and cruelty-free candle known as "the World's Brightest Candle."
Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount $13.97 - For your friend or loved one that's always traveling, get them this pocket-sized phone mount to enjoy during their next flight.
Harry Potter soap collection by Dr. Squatch $32 - If you've got a bunch of Potterheads in your family, get this four-pack of soaps with the Houses of Hogwarts and split them up into four stockings.
Flight of Five Lip Crayons by Vermouth $31.50 (sale price) - Gift one lip crayon to five beauty lovers in your life or gift the whole set to one lucky lady. The BFF collection contains five lipsticks in a variety of tones for the ultimate "capsule lipstick wardrobe."
Phat Fudge $23.99 - For the person who's in their health and fitness era but still has a sweet tooth, this tasty snack is perfect for staying fueled on the go.
Megaphone Voice Changer $14.99 - This nifty little toy has 10 different voice-changing effects like hi/lo pitch, robotic and amplified for hours of fun.
Laugh Track Taco Socks - $9.99 - For the person who includes "loves tacos" in their Tinder profile or Instagram bio, get them these taco and avocado socks. Two pairs are included in the small canister.
cosRx All About Snail Kit $18.74 - Skincare doesn't have to be expensive. This four-step kit is great for repairing, soothing, and moisturizing dehydrated, acne-prone skin, as well as targeting dark spots.
Eldie Immune Support Gummies by Carmel Berry $29.99 - Give your loved one the gift of health with these immunity support gummies containing elderberry & honey.
Felt Christmas Stockings - Pre-Filled by Untamed Post $90.00 - If you want a beautiful, festive stocking for your kids but don't have time to curate the perfect mix of items, get them this pre-filled stocking. You can input the child's age, tell the company a bit about your child's interests and the company will take care of the rest.