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!
Spending time with family and pets, listening to Christmas carols, sharing smiles and simple but delicious meals and snacks. As the song goes, “There’s no place like Home for the Holidays…”
My father is dying of cancer, so this will be our last one together.
I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and getting my Christmas bonus so I can stock up on silver!!!!
I have the best times with friends and family during the Holidays.
This is going to be a special Christmas for our family, 12/11/2017 our daughter and son in law’s house was broken into my daughter had just left 5 minutes earlier but the shot their dog through the window and shot in the door my son in law grabbed the dog and made it out the back door while being shot at, police came just then, son in law ok dog had facial surgery and is amazingly well, then on our drive home me and my wife were rearended and both in and out of hospital. So enjoy your family tomorrow may never come. Merry Christmas and coin on.
Looking forward to family and friends…and to enjoy seeing my daughters Brielle first Xmas…..enjoy everyone..
I am looking forward to spending time with family enjoying some delicious food, and overall having a great time!
I very much look forward to spending Christmas Day by myself. Nothing but the traditional Christmas pizza and video games.
Celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Looking forward to spending time with all my shiny silver ladies. Lady Liberty, Miss. Maple, Beautiful Britannia, Senorita Libertad, and many others! Marry Christmas!
I look forward to the goodwill of others and the feeling of goodwill within myself! I enjoy the festive feeling and I enjoy seeing the beautiful decorations.
Merry Christmas everyone! Looking forward to time off from work to spend with family! Silver Bells!
Looking forward to a closer relationship with my new girlfriend. 🙂 Saturday is our second date! 🙂
My grandchild is 4 going on 5 in Jan.and is learning value of money ,fed reservers,and coinage.and this would be a great addition to her collection.
Im looking forward to seeing my children’s smiles as they’re opening presents. Makes spending all that money worth while!
Just looking forward to spending some time with Mom 🙂 Happy Holidays everyone!
Im looking forward to grandmas cooking. She makes the best sweet potato pie
Christmas is my favorite time of the year!! Work all year to make money to exchange for gifts for the family and friends and get a “Tie” for my troubles? Hahahahahah, I do truly love Xmas, the food, the lights, the giving, the getting, the food and of course family and friends. (oh and the booze, please god dont forget the booze) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
I want this Christmas to be a fun and happy time for my family. I look forward to seeing smiles, laughter and spending memorable moments with them.
I’m looking forward for all the great times and all the great food
Traditional Christmas Candy
My grandmother would have us (grandkids) help make candies and deserts. Then we gave them to anyone we came across. I miss her and this tradition.
I’m looking forward to this Christmas! Four long years since my true love passed! Didn’t feel much like celebrating the holidays but finally this year is going to be nice! Merry Christmas everyone!
I look forward to the holidays because it’s when our family can finally get together with all our children and grandchildren!! With everyone so far apart, it’s fantastic that everyone takes the time to spend the day together!!
Christmas Lights! The more I put up the more happier I am. The more I see my neighbors put up the happier I am. I want to read a book by the glow of lights at midnight from my front yard. Yes. Christmas lights make me happy!
I love you guys, glad I found your website! you are the only place I buy my silver. Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!!!!
Looking forward to being together with my family.
I’m looking forward to spending Christmas with my baby girl for her first Christmas, after our first three weeks apart from each other.
I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife, enjoying our second Christmas & New Year as empty nesters. :^)
Silver Rounds, Silver Rounds It’s Christmas time for my Kitty.
Looking forward to spend time with family and the FOOD! Lots and lots a FOOD!! Lol. Marry Christmas and happy Hanukkah everyone!!