How did hanging Christmas stocking’s by the fireplace all start? Well, it all begins with Saint Nikolaus, also known as Nikolaus Von Myra and Nikolaus of Bari. Born March 15, 270 and died December 6, 343. St. Nikolaus had a reputation of secret gift giving, putting coins in shoes of the poor who left them out for him. He eventually became the model for Santa Claus.

As legend has it, a recently widowed man and the father of three girls was poverty-stricken and was worried that their impoverished status would make it impossible for the girls to marry.

St. Nikolaus was wandering through the town where the man lived and heard the villagers discussing that family’s situation. St. Nikolaus wanted to help but knew the man would refuse any kind of charity directly. Instead, one night, St. Nikolaus slid down the chimney of the family’s house and filled the girl’s…