What goes in a Christmas stocking?

An orange, then small things

By old tradition an orange goes in the toe, a custom usually traced to the legend of St. Nicholas dropping gold into stockings hung by the fire to dry. Above it, common choices are candy and chocolate coins, with socks or lip balm for grown-ups and small toys for children.

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Gifts and giving

How much should you tip at Christmas? What should I give my child's teacher for Christmas, and how much? How does Secret Santa work, and how far ahead should you draw names? What are the rules of a white elephant gift exchange? How do you kindly end a family gift exchange? What should you bring to Christmas dinner as a guest? How long do you have to return a Christmas gift?
Why an orange?
Nobody can say for sure. The favorite explanation is that it stands in for the St. Nicholas gold, and oranges were also a rare treat in hard years like the Depression.
What goes in a stocking for a grown-up?
Small useful things like good socks, hand lotion or playing cards, and a favorite candy.
What goes in a stocking for a child?
A yo-yo or bubbles, stickers or pencils, and chocolate coins on top.

Our merry beanie fits in a stocking

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Last checked Monday, November 9.

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