Throughout history, fireplaces, chimneys, and hearths have all been closely associated with the holidays. It’s a place where family and friends gather to stay warm and where some of our holiday traditions began.
For example, by now you have hung your stockings by the chimney with care, but do you know why? There are two reasons, according to the Farmer’s Almanac:
- In the 16th Century, the children staying in Holland kept their clogs, filled with straw, by the hearth for the reindeer. At the same time, they placed a treat for ‘Sinterclass’ (Santa Claus) near the fireplace in the house. As a return gift, the Sinterclass used to leave some gifts for the children. With time, the clogs became stockings and Sinterclass became Santa Claus.
- There was family made up of a father and three daughters. The family had no money and the father was concerned about his daughters’ dowries. St. Nick heard of this family and knew the father would be too proud to accept money, so he decided to wait until dark and throw bags of coins down the chimney. As legend goes, these bags found their way into the three stockings hung by the fire. Soon the villagers came to know of St. Nicholas’ generosity and started hanging their stockings by the fireplace.
Test your knowledge of Christmas lore, and contact Henges Insulation & Fireplaces in Kansas City for all your home heating needs!
