A
Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on
Christmas Eve so that
Santa Claus (or
Father Christmas) can fill it with small
toys,
candy,
fruit,
coins or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as
stocking stuffers or
stocking fillers. In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from
Santa Claus; in other stories (and in tradition), some presents are also wrapped up in
wrapping paper and placed under the
Christmas tree.
Tradition in
Western culture threatens that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece or pile of
coal. However, coal is rarely if ever left in a stocking, as it is considered cruel. Some people even put their Christmas stocking by their bedposts so Santa Claus can fill it by the bed while they sleep.