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The Christmas lore that bad children will get a lump of coal in their stocking instead of presents actually has several possible origins. The difference between each origin story is cultural, varying between countries. Like most cultural rivalries, the answer to "who did it first" is buried in generations of storytelling, but it's fun to consider all of the possibilities behind the legend.
To look at the history of coal in the stocking, we must first visit the stocking legend itself. Stockings have been hung on the fireplace mantle for generations. The legend and reason goes far back in history and some of the facts are now shrouded in mystery. Why do we stick with this tradition and why is coal put in the stocking? Was it a present or a prank? Detailed research will show us a story or two.
The singing of Christmas carols, songs with lyrics or themes that concentrate on the winter season or Christmas, occurs in many throughout the world. Many carols sung in the United States originated in England and were brought to America by British emigrants.
Christmas carols are sung by church congregations and at individual celebrations to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many Christmas carols are also played by orchestras and music groups every year.
