People puzzled by why oranges are left in Christmas stockings have had their question answered by a TikTok user and food fans.
According to Claire Dinhut, also known as Condiment Claire, there are two believed reasons for this citrus tradition; one rooted deeply in old-world yuletide lore associated with Saint Nicholas, and another more contemporary theory.
Although a less common occurrence today compared to long ago, the inclusion of an orange in the festive stocking remains a cherished ritual for numerous Christmas celebrants. Claire illuminated the possible explanations: “Have you ever wondered why we put oranges in stockings? So there are actually two theories.
First up, St Nicholas. Legend has it that St Nicholas found out about this poor guy who had three daughters. Now this poor guy couldn’t pay for his three daughters’ dowry so he was like ‘what am I gonna do?’.”
“So one night St Nick dropped gold in their chimney into their three stockings. So nowadays instead of putting gold in stockings, because, that would be great but a little nuts, people put oranges instead.”
This gift-giving practice is said to be symbolic of the golden token gifted by St Nicholas to a destitute father’s daughters.
A modern tale of why oranges end up in Christmas stockings suggests it’s a nod to times of hardship. Sharing their take in a TikTok post’s comments, one user offered a poignant insight: “I heard it was because kids in the war had to save a lot of rations for oranges as they were a foreign fruit so it was a rare present.”
Claire acknowledged this perspective as “theory two,” while others weighed in with less historical justifications for orange-filled socks. An aesthetically minded user commented: “We put oranges in our stockings every year. It’s to fill out the toe of the sock so it doesn’t look so wonky.”
Meanwhile, a Reddit discussion on stocking stuffers revealed personal variations on the tradition. A commenter reminisced, “We got chocolate oranges instead of oranges themselves. Mom’s family always did actual oranges, she moved here as a child from Galway.”
Another shared, “My parents did this when I was growing up and I’m sure it was because theirs did too. Pretty funny getting a bunch of video games and stuff and then – boom- an orange.”
In reflection of changing times, a third posted: “A long time ago this was an American thing too. But because we can get oranges anytime now, it’s not a special gift for Christmas anymore. But I can see how someone would carry on the tradition.”
