The origins of Christmas, children’s stockings and Saint Nicholas, date back to circa 300AD during the time of the Roman Empire. Nicholas of Bari as he was known, was a Christian Bishop living in Myra in Asia Minor – an area we know today as Turkey. He is said to have worked many miracles in and around Myra during his lifetime. Many years after his death (supposedly 343 AD) He was proclaimed a Patron Saint of many diverse groups, archers, children, sailors and prostitutes among them.

During the latter part of the Middle Ages (500 to 1600 AD) his name day was set as December 6th when children would be given gifts in his honor. During the “Reformation” period, that day was pushed forward in many countries, to December 25th. The custom of giving gifts to children has persisted ever since.

The history behind the Christmas stocking is more fanciful. One legend that is held dear in many countries is that during his lifetime, Saint Nicholas became aware of a family whose three girls were wayward and in need of both guidance and money. Knowing their father would not accept his help, he climbed through a window one night and tossed gold coins into stockings the girls had hung up near the fireplace to dry. Certainly in the Middle Ages and in many poorer homes today, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only gifts the child receives – and fully appreciates.