A Christmas stocking is a big, colorful sock. People hang them up during the winter holiday.
Many people put them near a fireplace. Some people hang them on a staircase instead.
Stockings come in many colors and sizes. Most of them are red and white.
Some have soft white fur at the top. They often have a name written on them.
On Christmas Eve, the stockings are empty. Children go to sleep and dream of toys.
In the morning, the stockings are full of treats. These small gifts are called stocking stuffers.
You might find a sweet candy cane inside. You might find a small toy car or a doll.
Long ago, people put oranges in stockings. An orange was a very special treat back then.
Some people still put an orange in the toe today. It makes the stocking look round and full.
Long ago, there were no fancy stockings. People used their real socks to hold gifts.
They would wash their socks and hang them to dry. Then they would hope for a little surprise inside.
Today, stockings are made just for the holiday. Some are made of felt or warm wool.
They can have glitter, bells, or even reindeer on them. Every stocking is unique and special.
Santa Claus is said to fill the stockings at night. He slides down the chimney to find them.
He fills them up from the toe to the top. He leaves the big presents under the tree.
Small books and stickers are great for stockings. Some children get fun socks or hair clips too.
It is exciting to reach inside and feel around. You never know what you might find!
People all over the world love this tradition. In some places, children leave out shoes instead of socks.
No matter how you do it, it is about being kind. Sharing treats makes the holidays feel warm.
When Christmas is over, the stockings are put away. They stay in a box until the next year.
It is fun to see them again when winter comes back. The red and white colors remind us of happy times.
