Christmas stockings are one of the most charming and enduring traditions of the holiday season. Hung with care in anticipation of small surprises, they symbolize the generosity, magic, and warmth that define Christmas. While today’s stockings are often filled with candy, toys, and trinkets, the history of this beloved custom tells a much deeper story. Its origins are steeped in folklore, religious practices, and cultural evolution, making it a tradition rich with meaning and adaptability. The story of Christmas stockings is closely tied to the legend of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his acts of charity and kindness. Among the many stories of his generosity, one tale has become central to the stocking tradition. It tells of a poor widower with three daughters who could not afford dowries for marriage. St. Nicholas, moved by their plight, secretly dropped gold coins down the family’s chimney one night. The coins landed in stockings that the daughters had hung by the
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