In many countries it is traditional for children to hang up a stocking on Christmas Eve, or on 5th December, which is the eve of St Nicholas Day. The stocking is then filled with gifts for the children to find in the morning.

The story behind this custom is a legend of St Nicholas' own generous gift giving.

In those days it was normal for a dowry to be asked by the bridegroom and his family when a woman was married. Girls of poor families who had no dowry to offer were often sold into slavery.

St Nicholas is said to have known such a family and he visited them in secret, throwing a bag of gold coins in through a window, so their three poor daughters would be able to find husbands.

The money bag landed in a stocking hung up to dry beside the fire.

When I was a child, the gift at the toe of the stocking was always an orange or similar fruit, which is said to symbolise St Nicholas' golden gift.