THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING: A CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL

It definitely is the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas decorations here and there, everything looking demure and cutesy, and then, you spot that one sock.

First question that comes is why there is a sock there in the first place.

Well, here's why...

That sock is called a Christmas Sock. It is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on Christmas Eve, otherwise called St. Nicholas day. The origin of the Christmas stocking is said to have originated during the lifetime of Saint Nicholas.

While there are no written records of the origin of the Christmas stocking, there are several variations of stories that attempt to tell the origin.

The most popular of them says that Saint Nicholas of Myra (which is believed to be modern-day Turkey), was a rich man who lived during the 4th century and was known for his charity. He took interest in a particular villager and his three daughters, because the man could not afford dowries for his eldest daughter, and for that, wanted to sell all three of them into prostitution. 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. Through that, the man was able to afford gifts for his oldest daughter. This is how the legend of Santa and the Christmas stocking was born!

Nicholas continued acts of charity throughout his life and attempted to stay out of the spotlight while doing so. Eventually, he became a Saint for his selfless acts. Hence, the reason for the phrase 'Jolly Old Saint Nick'. It is not just a nickname or a Christmas carol, it is believed to be the true inspiration behind Santa Claus.

There you have it. The most acceptable story of how the Christmas Stocking and Santa clause came to be.

Writing this, was a lot of fun for me, particularly because I had a very Christmassy playlist. To enjoy the read, I'd advise you play "Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You"

On this note, I’m wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance!