The tradition of hanging stockings from the fireplace originated from several different European countries; here is one of the most well known tales.

The story comes from the 1800's, when the father of three young maidens could not afford a dowry for his daughters. From his castle, St. Nicholas heard of the misfortune of the maidens, and secretly threw three bags of gold coins down their chimney. It is said that the gold coins landed in the girls' stockings, which were hanging in the fireplace to dry.

It soon became legend and children all over Europe began hanging their stockings on Christmas Eve. In Holland however, children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace in hopes that Saint Nicholas would fill them with goodies.