Legend of the Christmas Stocking

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Some say the Dutch introduced the tradition to America.  In 16th century Holland, children would leave their clogs by the hearth filled with hay for the reindeer and would leave a treat nearby for Sinterklaas.  In return, Sinterklaas would leave the children treats in their clogs.  Later the clogs became stockings, and the Saint became known to all in English as Santa Claus.

The earliest known reference to the Christmas stocking in America appears in Clement Moore Clarke's infamous Christmas tale, Twas the Night Before Christmas.  The Christmas stocking is mentioned twice.  Once at the beginning: “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” and, again, near the end: “He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings”.

Other early references to Christmas Stockings were seen in the work of famous illustrator Thomas Nast.  Christmas 1863 depicts the holiday celebrations of the time in three large panels.  The one entitled “Morning” shows children opening presents and retrieving stockings hung by the fireplace.

Later, in 1869, Nast collaborated with writer George Webster in his book Santa Claus and His Works.  Stockings were mentioned—“Then will fill up the stockings with candy and toys”--as a way Santa delivered presents to good children.

Children all over the world continue the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings.  In some countries children have similar customs.  In France, children place their shoes by the fireplace for Le Pere Noel, a tradition dating back to when children wore wooden peasant shoes.

In Hungary, children shine their shoes before putting them near the door or a windowsill.  Muslin stockings are hung in China to be filled with gifts from Dun Che Lao Ren.  In Canada, Santa Claus actually welcomes the first shipment of Japenese oranges, a traditional stocking stuffer.  And, in Puerto Rico children put greens and flowers in small boxes and place them under their beds for the camels of the Three Kings.