Ever wonder why the stocking is a classic symbol of Christmas? There are many theories but no concrete answers. Some people subscribe to the poor nobleman legend. After the death of the nobleman’s wife he and his daughter sick with despair fall on hard times and are forced to move from their manor house to a peasant cottage. During the Christmas season the poor family is doing the laundry and the girls hang their stockings on the mantel to dry. St. Nicholas moved by their despair, puts three bags of gold into the stockings, to be used as dowries for the daughters.

Another tale dates back to the Dutch. Where the children would leave their clogs by the fire and “Sinderclass” or Santa Claus would leave them candies and treats.

American illustrator Thomas Nast and writer George Webster are often credited with the first mention of stockings being hung on the mantel.

Regardless of the tradition or historical references, stockings are a very important part of Christmas. Children of all ages take special care to hang their stockings. In houses with no fireplace, the stockings are often hung on staircases, railings or other prominent places around the house.

Stockings can range from home made  - felt, fabric, yarn or even paper to high style and glittering satins and velvets. Some have jingle belles or other accents.

Traditionally stockings were loaded down with candies, fruits and nuts. In modern times they might be filled with candy, small toys, money, lip-gloss, other small toiletries and even a DVD or CD. Some stockings come pre-filled with yummy treats and others are empty and up to Santa to load up with holiday cheer.

Nothing says the holidays like eggnog. Most Americans are familiar with the nonalcoholic varieties found in the local supermarket. A rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar and cinnamon and nutmeg. Silky smooth and decadent.

In the recent years soy and rice beverages have unveiled eggnog flavors for the holiday seasons. Being egg free and dairy free they are a great chance for those with certain sensitivities to still enjoy a flavor that is so much a part of the holidays.

Ice cream makers have even joined the flavor parade and made ice creams with this holiday flavor combination. Smooth and creamy just like the liquid version.

Egg Nog is enjoyed through out the Americas and in Europe. Traditionally a beverage of the elite, it is now a common beverage sold in just about every store during November and December.

The alcoholic version contains beaten eggs, cream, milk, sugar and spices with the addition of rum, brandy, sherry or whiskey.

The exact origins of the beverage point to England during the Middle Ages. It appeared in the Americas in the 1700s.

Some theories behind the name have to do with the name for the mug used to serve it in or the colonial name for rum – grog. Egg nog then, when made with rum was called Egg-n –grog or Egg Nog! Rum was the American liquor of choice since it was less heavily taxed.

Whether store bought or homemade, eggnog is meant to be sipped by the fire with friends; its richness a testament to the happy celebrations of the season.

A waning tradition, but in times gone past the Twelfth night was a chance to continue the holidays for just a bit longer.

In England, from pagan times through the Tudor period, it was the last festival in the long season of winter festivals. It all began with All Hallows Eve and then ended on the Twelfth night. Pagan tradition included the figure – the Lord of Misrule. Adding a pea or bean to the cake chose the lord and whoever found the pea would run the celebration and feast.

In the Christian Tradition the Twelfth night is the night before Epnany, the feast that celebrates the adoration of the Magi – or the Three Kings.  Following the pagan custom, particularly in France, the twelve-cake, is baked with a bean and a pea in it, or coins or figures, and the people who find the tokens, are designinated the Queen and King for the evening.  In the catholic traditional and in many countries Ephainy and the Twelfth Night mark the beginning of Carnival, which will last until Mardi Gras and the beginning of Lent.

Certain lore dictated that all the Christmas decoration must be down by the Twelfth night, lest the house be struck with bad luck. In ancient times and until very recently fresh fruits and nuts would be used to decorate the houses for the holidays and would be gathered and eaten on the Twelfth night along with other treats.

The Twelfth night is a way to extend the holidays just a bit longer and a reminder that celebrating with friends and family need not occur exclusively on December 25. There is plenty of time to really relax and enjoy the joy of the season.