how did stockings became a christmas tradition

Stockings have been a Christmas tradition for centuries, dating back to the days of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. According to legend, Saint Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his generosity and kindness to children. One day, he heard of a poor family with three daughters who could not afford to get married. Saint Nicholas decided to secretly visit the family and left three gold coins in their stockings, which were hung by the fire to dry. This act of kindness became a tradition and stockings were hung by the fire to receive gifts from Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas on Christmas Eve.