Many people believe that the tradition of gift giving during Christmas and the holiday season stemmed from the story of the Three Wise Men giving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But there are actually several more historical traditions of giving coins and other gifts that led to the modern act of giving presents to loved ones.
The Christmas stocking originates with Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Greek Saint who enjoyed anonymously giving presents to those who were less fortunate. Saint Nick once threw bags of dowry money through windows and down chimneys to rescue the daughters of impoverished families from being sold into slavery. In some versions of the story, Saint Nick placed silver coins into the girls’ stockings as they hung to dry on the chimney ledge. Hanging stockings over the chimney became a trend, in the hopes that Saint Nicholas would spread his generosity to more homes and families.
Other stories tell of children leaving their shoes in front of the fireplace or on the windowsill overnight so that Saint Nicholas could come fill them with candies, fruits, and small gifts. In some versions of this tale, children left carrots or hay in their shoes for Saint Nick’s donkey to eat. He traveled with a donkey laden with gifts for children. Saint Nick would take the hay and carrots and replace the donkey’s goodies with gifts for the children. This translated to the modern tradition of leaving out cookies and milk for Santa.
Another Christmas tradition involving coins originated in Britain, where families would gather in the kitchen to make the Christmas pudding together. A silver sixpence was added into the pudding mix and everyone in the household took turns stirring. Whoever found the coin in their piece of pudding on Christmas day was slated to enjoy a year of good fortune and wealth.
Continue the long-standing tradition of giving silver coins to your loved ones! Enter our giveaway by telling us one thing you’re looking forward to this holiday season. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our December giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by December 21, 2017. One winner will be randomly selected on December 22, 2017 to receive a Sobek 2 oz Ultra High Relief Silver Round from our Egyptian Gods series, along with an Air-Tite plastic capsule to protect your round.
Happy holidays to you and your family!
Rico says
I can’t wait to see the look on my kids faces when they open there presents!! I’m glad to be blessed with my 4 great kids!
Janet Lumsden says
Celebrating Christmas with my husband of 58 years who almost died in September. What gift of life!
We are so blessed.
Alan says
Looking forward to travelling south to warmer climes in Florida, spending time with our daughter, son-in-law and three grand-kids. Family is an especially wonderful blessing! Love, peace and joy to all!
Zeek says
Our 6 children are all returning like an invasion. My wife has vomited Christmas decorations all over the house, and our home with be innocently vandalized by young grandchildren. But it’s family and we love both the holiday and Him whose celebration it is.
My wife and I have a 5 year plan to monthly buy silver and then at Christmas 2023 give each of our kids a silver stash. But along with the generic bullion some selected artistic ones. Thus far Anubis for the men.
Jerry grzan says
Celebrating Christmas with our kids and remembering what Christmas is all about.
Melvin Golden says
I love collecting old coins. I started when I was a little boy .I liked wheat pennies. so from the age of 7 till now which is 50 years I have been going through my change and picking out the wheat pennies. And any silver I come across. To me coins are like art. never get tired of looking for it. Thanks
Judith Barfield says
I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren. They will all be getting Provident presents from me. and hopefully, I will get a present from Provident.
William Jaskowiak says
show me the money
Steve Schumann says
I’ve always given my sons a American Silver Eagle every year in their stocking. Something they have been building up their stack with over the years from Dad, and a nice keepsake. Merry Christmas to all, and God bless.
Pat says
Happy Holidays to all
Will says
Silver and Gold
Vincent Ozaeta says
I’m looking forward to spending a day with my family, eating good food, enjoying each other’s company and being thankful for the little things.
Bob McCluskey says
This would be an awesome present.
Kevin says
I’m looking forward to a week off work spent with family and friends!
Erik Selinger says
Looking forward to some time off with family and friends.
Gibby5 says
I’m looking forward to having my entire family over to my home for Christmas dinner. It’ll be the first time in well over a decade we’ll all be together for Christmas!
Erik says
Spending Christmas with family and friends
Jay Cooper says
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, thank you provident metals for you service, it has been a pleasure doing business with you.
Tom OConnor says
I wish for peace on earth. That’s all I wish for.
Lauren m. Buckwalter says
May God bless us all, especially those who live without belief in their hearts. Some times it only takes one good deed to change a life forever!
Omar Garcia says
Merry Christmas
RIchard Summers says
I was pleased to announce to my family that these Holidays are based off some really morbid rituals stemmed from Babylon, so we will not be taking part in the societal celebrations. Instead we will sit down and plot out for next year; our very own Holiday Calendar that is based more on our true Creator and not on false idols! Getting back to our Hebrew roots!!! Thank you Provident for the real metal with real value!!!!
Rick Pearce says
Each year I give my brother’s a silver peace dollar 4 Christmas & tell them 2 carry it all year 4 good luck.This year my dad found out I was missing a 1927S Peace dollar from my collection & gave me that 1 for Christmas Sweet So it really is good luck 2 give out silver 4 Christmas presents.!!! Happy holidays
Lynne says
I’m looking forward to a holiday season filled with love, peace and joy for all.
Giri says
unwind and spend time with family and friends..
Porfirio Barrera says
Bringing in the New Year with the family, silver and Cryptocurrency.
Douglas Wright says
Thanking Provident for this opportunity. I wish to spend alot of time with my family. PROVIDENT ROCKS!!!
Michael Brooks says
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may the good Lord bless everyone. Especially our service men and women wherever they may be.
Andrew Hall says
I like spending time with my family .
Cary Carlson says
Spending time with the kids. Skiing! Traditional Christmas Eve Party with family and friends! Watching all the traditional holiday movies. Star Wars! And…who doesn’t love the excitement of Christmas morning!
My favorite time of year! Merry Christmas!