Once upon a time a nobleman had three daughters. His wife died and he lost all his money on useless inventions. With no alternatives, the nobleman and his daughters moved into a peasant’s cottage, where the girls had to sew, cook and clean.
When it was time for the daughters to marry, the nobleman became even more disheartened. With no money and no property the girls could not marry.
One night, after the girls had finished with the washing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. Saint Nicholas was well aware of the nobleman’s despair, so he stopped by and looked through the window. He realised that the family had gone to bed and also noticed the stockings hanging. That was when inspiration struck. He took three bags of gold from his pouch and put them into the stockings and a tradition was born.
Orphanides
Probably the most basic of the lot, Orphanides features this traditional Santa-red stocking with faux fur trim. It’s not big enough to fit a remote control car but fill it up with sweets and chocolates so everyone can enjoy! Of course, if you are thinking of children then I suppose this is the right size. For adults? A nice piece of jewellery will do fine or even a cool gadget.
Price: £1.20
Tsaousis
A variety of stockings but this one was quite eye-catching. The snowman has scarf, mittens and a ragged leather hat. In his hands he clutches a name plate, so Santa won’t have any confusion over whose is whose. Although it is quite long there is only space for small gifts. So, I reckon this one would be best as a decorative Christmas stocking.
Price: £10.50
Erm?s
Ermes has a fabulous range of Christmas stockings this year. You can find small ones, medium sized and large ones. But the patchwork Christmas stocking got my vote. Traditional colours of red and green, snowmen and Christmas trees; it’s all very seasonal and merry. Additional feature? This one’s actually quite large.
Price: £15
Jumbo
Jumbo know kids and they know that a teeny tiny Christmas stocking just will not do. As with Orphanides, they too have opted for a red with white faux fur trimming also adding a bit of glitter for style. Throw in as many toys as you wish; there’s two hanging loops on either side of the stocking to ensure it stays put. Mind you, with this price tag, you could probably grab a few more and fill them all up if you’re in an extra-festive mood.
Price: £2.99
Habitat
One for the fancy marble-stoned fireplaces with gold trimmings. Habitat is known for it’s excellent taste in furniture, accessories and now Christmas stockings. Or should I say, Christmas accessories in general. Anyway, the embroidered silky fabric is a far cry from the red and white type we have been bombarded with. Definitely, not one for the kids, the gold and black design also sports sequins for that extra oomph! It’s a classic.
Price: £8.90
Early Learning Centre
Turn Christmas stockings into an afternoon’s activity with this DIY kit. The packet includes a starter sewing kit with two felt stocking pieces, Christmas shapes and threads. In addition, there are pre-punched holes, which makes it a lot easier for the young ones, not to mention the fact that you can finally knuckle down to some serious Christmas preparations while they’re busy sewing. Add your own glitter and brooches for something a bit more fancy.
Price: £6.00
TERRANO
Jingle bells. And this Christmas stocking has them. The most elegant and Christmas-y of the lot, this stocking features the good old-fashioned warm, red texture and gold details but with a twist of modernism. Instead of the boot cut, this one has a heel cut resembling an elf’s shoe with a bell on the tip. With this price tag though, I would firmly advise you to keep away from children. Come to think of it, keep it away from the fireplace as well; this really, isn’t one to use but to be admired.
Price: £28
