Deck the Halls: Christmas Stocking Stuffers & Gift-Giving Traditions


Christmas is celebrated all around the world in different ways. But one tradition that is cherished across the globe is the beloved Christmas stocking. Many of us adopt traditions without knowing where they started, we know we do sometimes! But we also love uncovering the stories behind what makes each special tradition so unique. So today, let’s uncover the history of stockings and discover how they’re used in family holiday traditions across the globe, shall we?


The History of Christmas Stockings

Like most historic traditions, there are a few theories about the roots of where the Christmas stocking originated, but there’s one that sticks out as the most well-known—the legend of St. Nicholas. 

Back in 800 A.D. St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, heard of a poor man whose wife had died, leaving him as a sole provider who did not make enough to give a dowry for his daughters to marry well. Hearing of his struggle, Saint Nicholas wanted to help and tossed gold down the chimney. The gold landed in socks left by the fire to dry, and the family’s woes were solved! This later transpired to people leaving toys and oranges, to signify the gifts in this beloved legend. We know it’s been a part of American tradition for years, due to the mention of stockings in the ever-popular poem, The Night Before Christmas, originally written in the 1800s.

Today, it’s up to each family to create their own traditions surrounding this lovely story of giving. Which Christmas stocking story do you share with your little ones during the holiday season? Depending on where in the world you live, your traditions and the stories behind them may look different!


Where Stockings Are Hung by the Chimney with Care

These are just a few of the countries across the world where stockings are a part of holiday tradition. And each place uses them in celebration differently which is so special!

United States
Many families who celebrate Christmas will set their stockings out to be displayed all season long as festive décor.  Then, on Christmas Eve, Santa fills it up with goodies while the reindeer wait outside!

Germany
Stockings are opened on December 6th in Germany, which is Saint Nicholas Day. It’s actually a holiday that’s celebrated even if you aren’t Christian in European countries. They leave their stockings out on the mantle the eve before the holiday and Saint Nicholas (not Santa Claus) will fill them up with things like fruit and chocolate coins.

United Kingdom
Similar to the United States, the United Kingdom will hang their stockings from a railing or on a mantle. Their traditions celebrate Father Christmas dropping coins from the top of the chimney to fill each stocking!

China
While many don’t celebrate Christmas in China, those who do hang stockings made of muslin. They’re filled by a jolly old man named Dun Che Lao Ren, which is translated to Christmas Old Man. 
So, what are you going to fill your loved one’s stockings with this year? We have a few ideas…


Stocking Stuffers for Everyone in Your Family

Stocking stuffers change throughout the years. While everyone loves sweets to nibble on, kiddos love toys and trinkets, while adults may prefer a meaningful token or functional item. The good news is, at Simply Inspired, we have stocking stuffers for all ages and personalities! 


Stocking Stuffers for the Little Loves…

The sweetest addition to your baby’s first Christmas stocking! These handcrafted balls are made in Germany using wood that is sourced from sustainable forestry practices. Plus, all stains are non-toxic to ensure your child’s safety!

Festive friends make the holiday even more special! This limited-edition holiday doll is made in small quantities with eco-friendly organic Egyptian cotton in a Certified Fair Trade facility. Perfect for snuggling and making memories.

This is for those big kids who are ready for their first real purse! Stick this in their stocking with a little bracelet or trinket for an extra special gift they’ll love and feel empowered by.

Stocking Stuffers for the Adults…

Cozy socks to keep warm during the winter months are a quintessential stocking stuffer. And these ultra-soft pairs are made with cruelty-free alpaca wool that’s hypoallergenic and all-natural! They also come in a variety of colors.
These festive balms including Mint Julep, Tupelo Honey, and Earl Grey are crafted with the highest-quality ingredients. Plus, they’re paraben-free, phthalate-free, and not tested on animals!

We could all use a little more peace on Earth these days. This handmade giving ornament will spread love, joy, and a portion of each sale is donated to global peace initiatives. 

Stocking Stuffers for Everyone…

These tasty treats from Savannah Bee Company are a tasty stocking stuffer every age will love. Adults will be struck with nostalgia, while little ones will make new Christmas morning memories.

These little guys will make handwashing more fun for the little ones, while adults will love the high-quality ingredients that make their hands soft and supple. These sculpted soaps are each enriched with products like shea butter, cocoa butter, essential oils, and honey.

The gift of good fortune is in style for anyone! These easy-to-carry change purses are adorned with cute Japanese fortune cats, giving the gift of fortune and happiness according to their symbolism. Perfect for big kids with an allowance, or someone who tends to lose their change in their purse!


Simply Inspired’s Meaningful Stocking Stuffers Will Bring Joy to Your Holiday Celebrations

We could keep this list going for a while, but we’ll let you browse the collection for yourself. Our carefully curated Stocking Stuffers Collection is filled with purposeful gifts that will spark joy and meaning for all! Stocking stuffers to us are an opportunity to show those you love that you’re thinking of them, and see them for who they are, with a gift that shows you care and know what is important to them. 

So browse and shop today for those who have stockings hanging on your mantles, as stock is limited and time for shipping will run out before we can say, “Happy Holidays!”

November 24, 2021 — Darlene Hancox
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