Page 6 - North Haven Magazine Issue 31 Holiday 2023

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The Stockings Were Hung…
by Sally Brockett
Most of us are so familiar with this holiday phrase that we can complete it without further hints. We learned the story as young children and
we continue to share it with our children and grandchildren. Many of us also carry out this tradition of hanging the stockings by the chimney
with care each year as we prepare for the holiday season. But why are stockings hung? When did this tradition start?
by Clement Moore spread the legend far and
The Beginning wide, so this tradition became popular in
An old legend tells how Saint Nicholas gave many countries. There was a brief period in
three poor sisters some gold coins by drop- the mid-1800s when, according to the New
ping them down the chimney. One of the York Times, hanging stockings was almost
coins bounced into a pair of shoes on the completely replaced by decorated trees, but
hearth and another went into a pair of socks the tradition with stockings returned and
left hanging to dry by the fire. Of course, now both stockings and trees have a place
there are variations of this legend as it is told during the holiday season. Perhaps the chil-
and retold throughout countries and with the dren help to maintain both activities, as they
passage of time, but the basic theme remains. have a personal stake in it!
As a result of the legend, children in Scan- WhaT kinds of TreaTs and surprises
dinavia leave their shoes on their hearth are puT in sTockings?
hoping to find special treats in the morning. This depends on the families and it may be
Children in the UK and US hang their stock- Hanging Christmas stockings from rifles. Camp Lee, quite different in various countries. Parents
ings on a bedpost or near the fireplace for Virginia, 1941. smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/ tend to put in things that they found in their
the-legend-of-the-christmas-stocking-160854441
Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) to find. stockings as a child. Marriage brings the tra-
Where are sTockings hung? ditions of two families together, so the vari-
While stockings are typically hung by the ety of items tends to increase. It also depends
chimney (fireplace) from the mantle, families on the economy of the times. Sometimes the
find other places for their stockings, especial- treats may be candies, nuts, gum, popcorn
ly if they do not have a fireplace. Staircases balls and other sweet treats. A few coins may
display stockings quite nicely and some may be found in the toe of the stocking and tra-
be placed on windowsills, doorknobs or bed- ditionally, a large juicy orange may be there.
posts. People are determined to find a way to In some cases, children find little toys, games,
put out their stockings even in the most dif- activity and sticker books and maybe a piece
ficult situations. Soldiers have even found a of jewelry. Creative parents may include a
way when far from their homes by using their coupon book for activities their children en-
The Dutch used their wooden shoes. rifles as a stand to hold their stockings. joy. Usually, the treats are inexpensive while
Another common legend originates from the the more extraordinary gifts are beautifully
wrapped and placed under the tree.
Norse legend and the Norse god Odin and The ebb and flow of tradition: In 1823, the
his flying horse, Sleipnir. Children filled their publication of “The Night Before Christmas” naughTy or nice?
boots with carrots, straw and even sugar as
a treat for Sleipnir. Odin replaced these gifts Some parents use Christmas and the hang-
from the children with treats for them, such ing of stockings as an opportunity to teach
as candies. consequences of good and bad behavior. In
many cultures, including the U.S., children
This practice is also followed in other coun- are told that a lump of coal will be put in
tries. Dutch people still fill their shoes with their stocking because of poor behavior. This
hay or carrots as food for the horse. In Hun- reminder is often heard as the holiday season
gary, they practice the same tradition, except approaches and children are encouraged to
that they put their shoes beside the door or behave nicely so they will find treats in their
the windowsill. Stockings can be used as part of decorations. stockings.

6 North Haven Magazine - Holiday Issue 2023