The unsung hero of Christmas celebrations, diving into a packed stocking is often the part of Christmas we enjoy the most, and not just because some families choose to open their stockings ever so slightly early on Christmas Eve.
Filled to the brim with delightful trinkets, sweet treats and miniatures, stockings dangle from our mantlepieces during the entire festive period – teasing us with the prospect of untold delights all December long.
Likewise, those who indulge in the tradition of Santa sacks will have pillowcases placed precariously under the Christmas tree which slowly become larger and more animated throughout the month, until they are bulging with unique and oftentimes silly gifts.
For those who celebrate, it can be hard to imagine a Christmas without the presence of stockings – even if only for decoration. The tradition became popular in the 19th century, as the fable that Saint Nicholas would leave gold coins in socks and stockings on the mantle found its way across the Atlantic.
The story originates from a tale about a widowed nobleman who had been left penniless as a single parent to three daughters. With no hopes of marrying them off due to being unable to afford a dowry, the ailing family found themselves in a dire situation.
One evening, when the girls had left their stockings to dry overnight, Saint Nicholas visited their home and left enough money for each daughter’s dowry. A rather antiquated story of generosity, but one that nevertheless appealed greatly to Victorian sensibilities.
In some countries, the tradition has been slightly altered. Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium tend to adhere to the story that Sinterklaas will leave goodies in shoes and boots which have been left by the door. To ensure that this good fortune occurs, children will leave carrots for Santa’s reindeer.
Though children of ‘ole would have likely used their own stockings, socks and boots to entice Saint Nick into filling them with presents, eventually extra-large and purpose-made stockings were created to accommodate the tradition.
When we shop for Christmas decorations today, we’re met with an array of stockings in various shapes, sizes and delightfully festive designs. Spoilt for choice, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’re here to help streamline your Christmas shopping experience with a round-up of the best Christmas stockings and Santa sacks to buy now.
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Pearl Lowe Handmade Stockings
Wonderfully feminine and crafted from vintage fabrics, these handmade stockings from Pearl Lowe feature a pointed toe and petite heel. One of the most unique stocking designs we’ve ever come across, we adore the idea of hanging these alongside other festive vintage treasures for a veritable English cottage-inspired Christmas – even if you don’t happen to live in the countryside.
Buy now £75.00, Pearl Lowe
Aspinal of London Luxury Personalised Christmas Stocking
A luxurious, heritage option from Aspinal of London – this stocking may be pricey, but it’s certainly one that will last for generations of family celebrations. Available in three intricately embroidered designs, you can also opt for personalised embroidery. Our favourite element of this extravagant stocking is the extra-large tassel.
Buy now £250.00, Aspinal of London
Raspberry Blossom Checkered Stocking
Dopamine dressers and colour-lovers rejoice, for Raspberry Blossom has created the perfect technicolour Christmas stocking. We can’t help but be reminded of Elmer the Patchwork Element, and we make this comparison with the highest of praise.
Buy now £40.00, Selfridges
Anthropologie Noelle Stocking
We wish that this wonderfully cosy-looking stocking from Anthropologie came with a matching festive blanket for some extra Christmas Eve warmth. Crafted from hand-quilted polyester shearling with a cotton lining, this 58cm option will look a treat in any festive household.
Buy now £36.00, Anthropologie
Dunelm Cable Knitted Stocking, Cream
You simply can’t go wrong with a traditional cable knit stocking. This tasselled option featuring gorgeous pom poms is available in cream, red and forest green to suit your personal Christmas colourscape.
Buy now £10.00, Dunelm
Personalised Chunky Knit Striped Christmas Stocking
Go big or go home with this hand-crafted chunky knit Christmas stocking in red and white candy stripes. Available in two wonderfully large sizes – 70cm and 95cm – this seller also offers initial personalisation in a variety of colours. Each stocking is made from warming and super soft unspun merino wool.
Buy now £85.00, Etsy
Nkuku Karru Velvet Christmas Sack, Charcoal
If your family abides by the Santa sack tradition but is looking to upgrade from old pillowcases – look no further than this glorious cotton velvet Christmas sack from Nkuku. Available in charcoal, forest green and silvery grey, there’s a colourway for everyone.
Buy now £50.00, John Lewis
Kavu Canvas Stocking, Light Brown, One Size
One for the lover of trail mix, craft coffee and the great outdoors, this light brown canvas stocking from Kavu is a brilliant option for those who just might find themselves at a beautiful campsite on Christmas day.
Buy now £25.00, Kavu
Candy Stripe Stocking
We truly wish that Cox & Cox made bed socks in the same design as this candy stripe stocking, as the shearling cuff just looks so incredibly cosy.
Buy now £35.00, Cox & Cox
Ikea Vinterfint Christmas stocking, black
Delightfully Scandinavian, this festive stocking from Ikea is a brilliant value-for-money option that will nevertheless last for years to come.
Buy now £9.00, Ikea
Selfridges alphabet medium wool Christmas stocking 48cm
A classic initial-adorned Christmas stocking is a brilliant addition to any festive mantlepiece, and we love the simple red and white, pom-pom adorned design of this woollen option from Selfridges.
Buy now £36.00, Selfridges
Bird & Flower Tapestry Christmas Stocking
This beautiful tapestry Christmas stocking looks as though it belongs in the Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts. Guaranteed to bring a magical feel to your festive decking without dramatically revealing your love for all things Harry Potter, we simply adore the warming, golden and red colour palette.
Buy now £18.00, Etsy
