Christmas Stockings A Traditon That Hangs On

Christmas Stockings have always been part of my Christmas memories. It's the element of surprise that we all grew up with and still keep alive. Christmas invites us to "Believe" without knowing for certain how much magic will take place.

A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or boot like shape bag that children hang prior to or on Christmas Eve so Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) can fill with small toys, candy fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers.

While there is no written records of the origin of the Christmas Stocking, there are popular legends that attempt to tell the history of this Christmas tradition. A tradition that began in a European country originally, children used one of their everyday socks, eventually, special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose.

This Christmas stocking custom is derived from the Germanic figure Odin  (the chief god in North Germanic tradition).  Children would place their boots, filled with carrots, straw, or sugar, near the chimney for Odin's flying horse, Sleipnir, to eat. 

Odin would reward children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir's food with gifts or candy. This practice, (according to Phyllis Siefker), survived in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands after the adoption of Christianity and became associated with St. Nicholas as a result of the process of Christianization.

Today the selection of stockings and the variety of colors, styles, and textures are endless and Christmas stockings are always a favorite craft item to make during the holiday season. What a great gift for a family, classroom craft activity and as gifts for special friends and family members.

Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that "Santa" will know which stocking belongs to which family member and please don't forget about your pets!

This is one important Christmas decoration that brings so much to our season. I don't know anyone who celebrates Christmas that would want to miss out on a stocking filled with goodies just for them.

Over the years I've made quite a few stockings and it's really easy to find great patterns for simple ones to customize the look you want. Many companies sell beautiful stockings online and purchasing is a search and click away.


Are you adding new Christmas stockings to your list this year for others or yoruself?


Do you have a favorite stocking that's been with you for a long time and you are not willing give up?




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