Why We Hang Stockings on Christmas | Smartest Year Ever (Dec 24, 2025)

Why do we hang Christmas stockings by the fireplace, of all things? In this episode, Gordy digs into the surprisingly deep origins of one of the strangest holiday traditions — a tradition that blends medieval folklore, St. Nicholas legends, Dutch holiday customs, Victorian Christmas culture, and the long cultural shadow of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.

This episode explores how European winter traditions, gift-giving rituals, and the evolution of American Christmas imagery converged into the stocking we know today. From fireplace folklore to holiday symbolism, this is one of those stories where a tiny detail in an old legend ends up shaping an entire modern tradition.

It’s a perfect deep dive for anyone who loves Christmas history, holiday mythology, or the strange ways cultural traditions evolve and spread.

No spoilers — the surprising part that locked this tradition into American culture happens in the episode.

If you enjoy learning about the hidden origins of everyday rituals, this one’s a must-watch.

Music thanks to Zapsplat.

Sources:

de Voragine, J. (1993). The Golden Legend. Princeton University Press. (Original work published 13th century)


Nissenbaum, S. (1996). The Battle for Christmas. Knopf/Vintage.


Forbes, B. D. (2007). Christmas: A Candid History. University of California Press.


Restad, P. (1995). Christmas in America: A History. Oxford University Press.


Smithsonian Magazine. (2012). The Legend of the Christmas Stocking.


Margry, P. J. (Ed.). (2000). The Saint Nicholas Book. Meertens Institute.


Anonymous. (1823). A Visit from St. Nicholas.

#ChristmasHistory #HolidayTraditions #funfacts #DailyFacts #HistoryFacts #ChristmasEve #christmasfacts #learnonyoutube #stnicholas #sinterklass #stockings

Music thanks to Zapsplat.