The Fascinating History of Stockings and Seven Great Children’s Books to Put in Them!
It’s officially that time of year, the radio stations are playing Christmas Songs, people are decorating their houses, shops are full to the brim with Christmas goodies and the stockings are being hung on the fireplace.
Hanging stocking up the night before Christmas is a tradition which has been practised for centuries. Hung out for Father Christmas to fill when he visits on that one special night. Watching the magic unfold whilst the children open their stocking to see what special treats Father Christmas has brought for them each year is what Christmas is all about.
But why do we hang Christmas Stockings each year? The legend goes that there were three young girls whose father did not have a lot of money, Saint Nicholas, a wealthy man, wanted to help them, but their father would not accept any help from the Saint. So, one night, Saint Nicholas secretly decided to help by throwing bags of gold down their chimney, one of which landed into a stocking that was hung by the fireplace to dry! When the three girls woke up and found this, they were overjoyed. The kindness of Saint Nicholas has continued ever since.
If you know someone who has been extra good this year and deserves a few extra gifts this Christmas, the Austin Macauley Elves have created a list of seven amazing stocking fillers to put a smile on their face this festive season.
A Gift Guide for Christmas Stockings!
BOOKS
Small enough to stuff into a stocking and filled with adventures and information! Below we have given a list of stocking fillers for children. Check out some of our amazing books at the end.
TOYS
Toys are the most entertaining things in a kid’s life. Just as books open the door to adventure, toys also open children’s imaginations whether it's action figures, dolls, or teddies, what child would be disappointed with a brand new toy in their Christmas Stocking?
Trucks/Miniature Cars
Tiny cars can either be remotely controlled or not, take your pick! The point is that they’re tiny and quite inexpensive, especially during the festive period so keep your eye out for fantastic deals. You can construct a racetrack with your kids as a fun activity and race the cars, a great way to keep them entertained whilst you cook the all-important Christmas Dinner!
Lego Sets
Lego Sets are innumerable in shape, colours and types! They’re also great for the mind, teaching pattern identification, patience and problem-solving. All great reasons as to why these should be included in this years stocking. And let's face it, you can never be too old to play with Lego.
Board Games
Aah, good old board games! Who hasn’t played monopoly and snakes and ladders? Don’t let your kids miss out on all the fun!
Sports
In this age of technological advancement, you rarely find kids outside playing in the sun. Buying them sports gear for their favourite sport might just do the trick though! This can also give you an excuse to take them to the park to practice those keppieuppies!
Stationery Sets
Get your child some stationery. We’re talking notebooks, pens, markers, binders or even a diary. This will help make writing more fun which is great for their critical thinking. So basically, it’s a win-win. They may even be more likely to do their homework with their new favorite pens.
Subscription Boxes
The gift that just keeps giving. There is a multitude of different subscription boxes available on the market, books, magazines, make-up and so much more.
Art Supplies
For all the artsy kids out there. This Christmas buy them art supplies. Perhaps purchase something they have been encouraging using in their art classes at schools, such as watercolours, oil paints, sketchbooks, pencils or even charcoal tips, then there are pastels and so much more!
SWEETS
Abundantly available in the market, Christmas themed sweets are just regular sweets in festive clothing!
Chocolates
Chocolates are special treats, especially for children. Make their day brighter by getting them their favourite chocolate (or yours)!
Marshmallows
Hot cocoa with marshmallows embodies the spirit of Christmas in the cold winter night in front of a warm fire. Tiny, do-it-yourself kits or even cartoon-shaped marshmallows can get the little ones excited and in the mood for a cosy storytelling session!
Toffees
Sticky toffees to munch on till the Christmas dinner? Why yes please! Toffees speak for themselves and every kid deserves to have them. Just make sure you don’t give them too much. Don’t want the Christmas sweets to ruin your festive lunch.
Lollipops
Elaborate Christmas lollipops can be found in any corner shop these days. If you have left your Christmas Stocking shopping to the last minute and don’t know what to get, a lolly is your safest bet!
Book: Christmas Kitten
Author: Paul F Cookson
A tiny white kitten with no name, tries to find its family. With each chapter bringing Christmas closer, the kitten desperately searches for its family. This book has all the makings of a Christmas favourite! Join the tiny white kitten as it learns its name and finds its family!
Book: Windy B – The Christmas Lights
Author: John Barnett and Alice Jamieson
Fred Roll, Windy B's favourite baker, chances upon an invitation to take part in the annual Christmas lights competition. With Fred unable to resist such an opportunity like his father before him, this Christmas becomes one that everyone in Bumble Bay will always remember!
Book: A Christmas Tail
Author: Tornadia Storm
Scat, Chips, Tiger and Alleyoops experience their first Christmas in this tale of wonder and excitement of what it feels like to experience one's first Christmas! Join them and relive the experience of the childlike enchantment of your own first Christmas.
Book: Wonka's Christmas Story
Author: Madeleine Ann Masterson
Wonka the cat, excited about Christmas next morning, lay curled up watching TV when suddenly someone started scratching at the back door! Whoever could that be? Accompany Wonka on a fun and adventurous tale that celebrates the magic of Christmas!
Book: George
Author: William P. Thomson
George, believing himself to be Saint George, also known as, The Patron Saint of England, Slayer of Dragons and Rescuer of Damsels in Distress, goes on an adventure. Except, George is a dog! Join George as he figures out who he really is, all the while being a courageous, adventurous and all-round good egg!.
Book: A Christmas Tree Called Russell
Author: Paul Burgess
A small Christmas tree called Russell is alone and bullied by the taller trees in the forest until the tall trees around him are cut down. That’s when Russell discovers another little tree called Fern and they hit it off! However, their friendship was not meant to last as they are both dug up and sent to different gardens! However, Russell has other plans as he escapes one night making his way back to Fern with plenty of adventures in between!
Book: The Einstein Code
Author: J.D. Welch
His mother has gone missing but no one believes that she has been kidnapped, it's up to Ben to rescue his mum! Aided by his clever cousins, Jess and Freddie, and a message left to Ben by his mother, he investigates her kidnapping, determined to bring her back safe. Join Ben on a perilous journey as he evades capture by the kidnapers and sidesteps the obstacle that is his uncle, to find his mother before anything bad happens to her!
These are just some of the books we have selected for you. Visit our site to find more books for children and adults, whether you like Adventure, Fantasy, Autobiographies or Romance novels. They’re all the perfect size for Christmas stockings! Subscribe to our readers’ newsletter to keep updated about the book deals and offers.
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