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Title image: This scene from a Victorian storybook
features three children, dressed in white pajamas,
gathered around a fireplace to hang up their long
black Christmas stockings on the edge of the mantle.
A fire is flickering away in the fireplace and the
room looks warms and cozy.

When the Dutch came to America and
settled in New York they brought their
traditions with them. After a while,
Sinterklaas became known as Santa Claus and
their clogs were replaced with stockings.
Sinterklaas became known during the
Middle Ages and wore a red robe, bishop’s
hat and golden staff. He had his helper Sorte
Piet by his side, and together they handed
out gifts to children on the night of Saint
Nicholas Day, December 6. Zwarte Piet is a
pre-Christian figure, and an example of how
Christian and pre-Christian characters merge
into the figure we later come to know as
Santa Claus.

From the Norwegians

here is a tale that speaks to the heart of the winter holidays. Typically, this is a time
when giving gifts to charity overcomes the disagreements and human entanglements
Tthat can sometimes keep people apart by bringing them together to support those in Sleipnir is so fast that when it runs it looks like it is
need. Such is the story—or stories—of the Christmas Stocking. sliding through the air.
In a more fantastical version driven by
From the Christians Norse mythology comes the story of the
Perhaps one of the best-known renditions of the story is the one surrounding Saint Nicholas. chief god Odin and his flying horse Sleipnir.
Nicholas of Bari was born a nobleman in 280 A.D. in the city of Patara, Lycia – what is now known Here, the tale notes that the children would
as Demre, Turkey. Nicholas lost his parents at an early age, and it is reported that he used his leave out boots filled with hay and treats for
inheritance to help the poor and sick. As a young man, he became the Bishop of Myra and was Sleipnir to enjoy during the pagan Yule
immensely popular for his kind, generous heart. Living a life of celibacy, Nicholas never married or celebration (generally around December 21).
had children and was named “the gift-giver of Myra” for his generosity to them. Odin would reward the children with
As the story goes, a poor widower living in the 4th century A.D. had three unwed daughters thoughtful gifts and candy. There is one
and was on the brink of destitution when his story was connection between the flying horse and the
shared with St. Nicholas. Knowing the man would not flying reindeer of Santa Claus – Sleipnir had
take charity, Nicholas snuck into the house using the eight legs, and Santa had eight reindeer.
chimney and filled the girls’ stockings drying by the fire Coincidence?
with gold coins (or later referred to as “gold globes”).
The father now had dowries so his girls could marry well
and he would not be alone and poor in his old age.
Nicholas always gave his presents late at night in order
to protect his identity. This folk tale has slight changes
here and there depending upon who tells it, but the
message is clear: be kind to those less fortunate.

From the Dutch
For the Dutch, the tale of “Sinterklaas” alongside his
assistant Blac Pete (“Zwarte Piet”) brought out the
suggestion of stockings holding gifts. Each year the two
would dock in the harbor of a different city and travel
the city riding a white steed and a mule. Children,
hearing of their arrival, would place treats for the
animals such as hay and carrots in their wooden clogs
and leave them out in hopes that Sinterklaas and Zwarte
Piet would ride past their house.
After enjoying the treats left for them Sinterklaas
would reward the children for their thoughtfulness with
small presents and treats they brought with them from Greetings from St. Nicholaas (aka La Bafana is also called the “Italian Christmas
foreign lands. They were simple gifts that included candies, Sinterklaas) on this beautiful postcard with Witch.” Today, some children get a little toy and the
ornaments, nuts in shells, small toys, and other trinkets. Zwarte Piet by his side. chance to take a photo with Befana herself. You
might spot her in the piazza.
22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles