Wondering why people hang stockings on Christmas? Here's the answer

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New Delhi: Christmas is one of the most-awaited festivals each year. Celebrated on December 25, the day marks the birth of Lord Jesus. 

Children all around the globe wait for gifts from their dear 'Santa Claus', a Mythical character who loves kids! 

According to popular legend, Santa Claus arrives at the night of Christmas Eve or in the early morning hours on Christmas day, when the world is still asleep. He quietly leaves gifts for the children near the decorated Christmas tree or in the Christmas stockings which are usually hung near the tree.

So how did this tradition of hanging Christmas stockings originate? Well, legend has a very popular story which describes why children hang stockings on Christmas Day and expect Santa to fill them.

According to belief, very long ago there was a poor man who had three beautiful daughters. The man had no money to be able to afford his daughters' marriage and he worried what would happen to them after his death. Saint Nicolas (the Saint upon whom the Santa Claus mythical character is based) heard the villagers talking about the girls of the poor man. He wanted to help but knew that the old man would not accept charity. Hence, he decided to help in secret. 

Once it was dark, St Nicolas threw three bags of gold in the old man's house through a window. One of the bags landed in a stocking. 

The old man and his daughters woke up the next morning and were overjoyed to find the bags of gold. The girls were able to get married by the gold and lived a happy life. There are other versions of the story that says that Saint Nicolas threw the three bags of gold directly in the stockings. The stockings were hung near the fireplace to dry. 

Popular belief is that after this incident, children started hanging stockings and expected gifts from Saint Nicholas.