Other versions of the story say that Saint Nicholas threw the three bags of gold directly into the stockings which were hung by the fireplace to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.

Legend has it that one night Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the man's chimney knowing that he would never accept the gift willingly. The gold slipped into a stocking that was hanging to dry over the fireplace.

Struggling to make ends meet, the father was unable to buy presents for his three daughters. One Christmas, Santa Claus heard of the family's troubles and saw that the girls had hung their stockings to dry. So he threw coins down the chimney to fill them. Such a lovely story!

Fill the leg of the stocking with taller items for the best fit. While most other items will fit in the leg of the stocking, put the longest items in first so that they don't stick out too far. Taller items might include things like long candy canes, rolled up magazines, or a watercolor set.

Ancient Egyptians wore early forms of stockings, with archaeologists even discovering a pair of stockings in an Egyptian tomb. Centuries later, stockings and hosiery were originally worn by men riding horseback due to their flexibility and ability to preserve heat, which made them far more comfortable.

Nicholas of Myra is the patron hallow of children, sailors, those undergoing financial problems, and victims of fire. In the 11th century, Christian nuns in Belgium and France initiated the practice of giving the poor gifts in the name of Saint Nicholas.

Stockings assume a metaphorical weight as the symbol of betrayal and sexual infidelity. New stockings are important for both Willy's pride in being financially successful and thus able to provide for his family and for Willy's ability to ease his guilt about, and suppress the memory of, his betrayal of Linda and Biff.

The stockings recall the fullness of our lives and the importance of grounding down into our feet. They help us stand strong on the earth, warming the foundations of life as we draw strength from our roots.

The history of Christmas stockings dates all the way back to the beginnings of the holiday when legend has it that St. Nicholas threw gold into stockings hung above the fireplace to dry. The trend today is to give numerous, small gifts.

My best stocking stuffer ideas

• Play silks. Glow sticks.
• Nail polish or a manicure set. Nail stickers.
• Coffee or tea.
• An adorable mini jigsaw puzzle.
• Cheerful (or funny, or luxe) underwear.
• Mini flashlight or headlamp, these can usually be found at the front of Home Depot or Lowes.
• Reusable hand warmers.
• Altoids.

As stated in a previous post, “Kids' Christmas wishes: What they want…and what they'll actually get,” parents spend about $200 on each child for Christmas gifts. But how much exactly do they spend on that one stocking? The majority (51%) spends between $10-25, while 24% spend between $26-50.

Stockings assume a metaphorical weight as the symbol of betrayal and sexual infidelity. New stockings are important for both Willy's pride in being financially successful and thus able to provide for his family and for Willy's ability to ease his guilt about, and suppress the memory of, his betrayal of Linda and Biff.

Before the 1920s, stockings, if worn, were worn for warmth. In the 1920s, as hemlines of dresses rose and central heating was not widespread, women began to wear flesh-colored stockings to cover their exposed legs.

It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.

He helped families most in need and became the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas may not have had a toy workshop run by elves or a reindeer with a particularly shiny nose, but he was just as beloved as Santa and just as generous too!

What are the themes of A Pair of Silk Stockings? The short story uses the theme of consumerism shown in Mrs. Sommers feeling the need to spend the money. It also explores family and self-sacrifice.