There are many Christmas traditions that people celebrate. Roasting chestnuts is one of them, eh? But what about the whole idea of getting an orange in your holiday stocking? Did you grow up with that one?
Have you ever thought about where the idea came from? Well, don't worry, I'm going to tell you, and it's quite a nice story.
This was something I discovered when I came to North America. And I never put too much thought into it until now.
And it goes something like that. Apparently, before St. Nicholas, or Santa as we affectionately know him, was a Saint, he was a bishop.
Unfortunately, the man was poor and couldn't afford a dowry for any of them. That meant none of his daughters would be able to marry.
He tossed three sacks of gold through the window or chimney, and one of them landed in a stocking that was hanging. In the morning, the gold turned into a ball.
The oranges people started giving out were actually a gesture of good fortune, similar to the gold St. Nicholas donated. Oh wow! I had no idea about that. Isn't that such a cool story or what?
It's also an important reminder to care for those in need. Hmm, I really like the idea of that. In Polish culture, we also have a Christmas tradition similar to that.
I bet you're wondering why? Well, it's to welcome any unwanted guest that might arrive. It symbolizes that there is always food to share with anybody who might need it.
I think it's such a sweet tradition, and it always makes me feel great when we do that at home. After all, Christmas is that time of the year that we should open our hearts to other people, no?
Do you like to uphold them or not? Are there any special ones in your household you look forward to every year?
I'd love to hear about it, so share it with all of us below. I bet there are some amazing ones people follow all over the world.
