Christmas stockings are empty
socks or sock-shaped bags that kids in the United
States and other countries hang on Christmas Eve
so that Santa can fill it with small toys, chocolate
gifts, fruits, coins, or other small Christmas gifts
when he arrives.
These small gifts are often referred
to as stocking stuffers. Tradition
says that a child who behaves badly during the previous
year will find only a piece of coal in his Christmas
stocking..
Traditionaly, the stockings are hung on the fireplace,
but, since modern homes often do not have a fireplace,
they are hung in almost any location when no fireplace
is available, under the assumption that Santa Claus
will find them wherever they are.
Many people create their own Christmas stockings
with each family member's name applied to the stocking
so that Santa Claus is not
confused about which one belongs to whom!
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