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.

The onset of the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic caused a dark cloud to settle over the world’s Yuletide celebrations in 2020. I was struck by the incongruity of the images I had taken at our home that December. The words of “The Night Before Christmas” took on a new meaning for me.

A Christmas tradition from the Middle Ages to Dec 25th 2019

Sombre masks adorn the Fireplace Christmas 2020

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care, Instead could be seen, several masks hanging there.

The children were nestled, all snug in their bed, Hoping a vaccine might lessen their dread. Mama in her ‘kerchief, the cat on my lap, We just couldn’t sleep, merely dots on a map.

When out past the lawn, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter. Outside, though ‘twas dark, I could make out the scene, An old man had fallen, not far from the Green.

Paramedics were there, though one shook his head, I knew right away, the poor man was dead. His Christmas cut short, as hundreds will be, Only time will tell if next month it’s me!

(Adapted from the original poem “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore 1823)