The History of Christmas Stockings

Overview

Not only do different versions of the Christmas stocking's history exist, but at least some of the "history" we have is steeped in myth and legend. Two primary Christmas stocking "histories," however, seem dominant.

Background

Originally, Christians observed Christmas on Jan. 6, not Dec. 25. Later, the Church moved Christmas to Dec. 25, the earlier date becoming popularly known as "Old Christmas." Some Christians resisted, continuing Christmas observance on Jan. 6. The Catholic Church established Dec. 25 as the official date for celebrating Christmas probably in about the fourth century A.D,, and also established Jan. 6 as the Feast of Epiphany. Epiphany, which celebrates the newborn Jesus being visited by the Magi (Three Wise Men), thereby revealing the holy birth to gentiles as well as Jews. Previously, the Church had observed both these feasts on Jan. 6. While some theories say Dec. 25 was established as a way to supplant pagan feasts celebrated on or near that day, there are also Judaic and Christian reasons that probably led to the selection of this date. For example, the early Church observed March 25 as the date of Mary's conception of Jesus, which, with a standard nine-month gestation, would lead to a Dec. 25 birth naturally. It is, however, true that the pagans celebrated the "Birth of the Invincible Sun," alternately called "The Feast of the Unconquered Sun," in late December, and that a desire to supplant that pagan holiday likely factored into the establishment of the new Christmas date. While the reason is now lost to most, some cultures today still observe certain Christmas customs on "Old Christmas": Jan. 6. Particularly, some cultures do so with Christmas stockings, hanging them on the evening of Jan. 5 In modern Christianity, with the exception of some Orthodox adherents who even now observe Christmas on Jan. 6, Christmas is looked upon as a 12-day festival beginning on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and concluding on the Feast of Epiphany on Jan. 6.

Dutch Tradition

According to the Dutch tradition, children left out nourishment for both "Sinterclass" (Santa Claus) and his steeds. In those days, Sinterclass' animals were sometimes regarded as donkeys and sometimes as reindeer. Originally, children left the animals straw in their wooden shoes (clogs), but eventually left straw in stockings. They left these treats by or on the fireplace hearth. After Sinterclass and his animals consumed the edibles, Sinterclass filled the shoes or stockings with gifts. While the Dutch version is most clearly reported, other cultures have similar Christmas stocking origin stories.

The Most Common Stocking Story

By far, the most commonly reported Christmas stocking history involves a nobleman and his family. Reportedly, a nobleman who was a contemporary of the original St. Nicholas (upon whom Santa Claus is reputed to be based) suffered the death of his deeply beloved wife. This left the nobleman both in despair and alone raising three daughters. Either by the time of the wife's demise, or soon thereafter, the nobleman became penniless. In those days, a dowry was requisite for a woman to marry. Kindly St. Nicholas in some unknown manner heard of their plight and on Christmas Eve, discreetly scouted the home unnoticed. Presumably, in preparation for the Christmas celebration, the daughters, having laundered their wardrobe, had hung their stockings to dry beside the hearth. In a fit of inspiration, St. Nicholas, by way of the chimney, deposited a bag of gold coins into each girl's stocking. This provided the needed dowries, enabling the sisters to marry.

American Tradition

American Christmas stocking customs have European origins. During the 19th century, however, we find an influx of modern American influences on Christmas stocking tradition. The two primary influences on the continued popularity of the Christmas stocking in 19th century America were illustrator Thomas Nast, who established the modern iconography of Santa Claus, and author Clement Moore, who wrote the Christmas story "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," more commonly called "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Miscellaneous Points

Some 19th century American writings suggest that the popularity of Christmas stockings faded somewhat when Christmas trees first came into popular use, but enjoyed a resurgence about the time of Nast and Moore. And, while most cultures that observe Christmas observe some Christmas stocking tradition, the gift bringer is not always Santa Claus. In some cultures, it is LeBefana, a good witch, or else the Magi. Often, those cultures in which the Magi are regarded as the gift-bringers will also practice the Christmas stocking tradition on the eve of Epiphany, as that commemorates their bringing gifts to the baby Jesus.