It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Christmas is almost upon us! As we count down to 25th December, it’s time to start thinking of what to get for our loved ones. In this post, we will look into the history of the stocking filler!
Are you someone who goes all-out on big treats or do you pop some special gifts in a stocking? Research in 2016 showed that the small stocking fillers of the past have become a lot more technologically advanced. Even pricier to boot!
With even more tech to choose from, stockings are likely to be filled with even more gadgets and devices for children.
But where did the Christmas stocking come from and how have stocking filler gifts evolved over the decades?
The History of the Stocking Filler
A Hand from Saint Nicholas
There are various legends about where the Christmas stocking first originated, however one of the main tales involves Saint Nicholas helping a poor man and his three daughters. The man was too poor to pay for his daughters’ weddings and too proud to accept any donations of cash.
Saint Nick threw bags filled with gold through a window. The gold landed in some stockings and when the family awoke, they were happy to find that their fortunes had changed.
Stories such as these are thought to be the beginnings of children hanging stockings in the hope that Saint Nicholas will put some gifts in there for them at Christmastime.
The Gifts We Give
The gold coins of the Saint Nicholas tale soon became three gold balls. This is how oranges or tangerines came to be placed in stockings. Over time, these gifts and the stockings themselves have changed dramatically.
Simple socks were exchanged for custom-made Christmas stockings and were soon filled with a combination of practical and thoughtful treats.
During the Victorian era, when the Christmas we know today first came into being, stockings were the main present. Generally filled with fruit, nuts and sweets. Pennies would also be included and a lump of coal for luck. Richer families would also add an extra toy, such as a doll, to the stocking.
How To Fill Christmas Stockings
By the Second World War, rationing and the lack of supplies meant Christmas was a very sparse time. With stockings filled with rationed food and homemade gifts. In the years that followed, we became more indulgent. Stockings went from being filled with fruits and sweets to being stuffed with computer games and talking dolls.
Nowadays, the stocking is an additional treat filled with stocking fillers. However, while we’re adding increasingly expensive gifts to the giant sock, we’re also including little tokens of our affection, too. While the larger gifts have the wow factor, the more wallet-friendly ones can often be the most magical.
Final Thoughts On The History Of The Stocking Filler
The stocking filler is a unique and important part of Christmas tradition. It is a time-honored way to show loved ones how much you care, and to make the holiday season more special.
With so many different types of stocking fillers available, there is sure to be something for everyone. So get out there and start filling those stockings!
