Legend holds that during the third century, a Greek bishop named St. Nicholas helped three poor daughters with their dowries by tossing bags filled with gold coins through a window into their home. As luck would have it, the bags landed in stockings the girls had hung by the chimney to dry.
And thus began the tradition of the Christmas stocking.
Inflation has most likely killed all hope of Santa stuffing those stockings with bags of gold this year; however, Winchester shops and restaurants have lots of ideas that will make you look every bit as swish as Santa.
All I want for Christmas. The No. 1 stocking stuffer at Mason on Main are his fun socks ($9) in a huge selection of vibrant colors and patterns and quirky motifs.
Season’s greetings. Say it with socks is the message Winchester Tourism is sharing, too. Find comfy pairs of socks ($10) featuring Winchester’s own Ale-8-One, the only soft drink invented in Kentucky still in existence and sure to put wearers to mind of that crisp gingery, citrusy flavor.
Comfort and joy. Bring both with Dirty South Pottery’s Bit of Bluegrass Gift Set ($22), which includes a seasonal candle, coffee and Kentucky-themed ornament. This stocking stuffer also features another Winchester business: Creative Coffees Roastery.
Most wonderful time of the year. Especially if you have some Amish-made jelly ($5.75) or other condiments to liven up a holiday meal. Check out the selection at the Ole Red Barn Mall.
Deck the halls. Find gorgeous, fragrant, handmade wreaths made by Mary Yoder (prices vary) at Beech Springs Farm Market.
A merry little Christmas. For the kiddos, tuck a copy of The Civil War Fort at Boonesborough: A Child’s View ($4.95) into the stocking. This student-produced and illustrated informational activity book was created in partnership with the Bluegrass Heritage Museum and local schools and can be found in the museum’s gift shop.
Tis the season to be jolly. Harkness Edwards Vineyards has just the thing to help achieve a state of jolly with its Mini Bottle of Big Red Wine ($8.99). At 350ml or 12.7 ounces, it’s sized just right to slip into a stocking.
Angels we have heard on high. The Craft Nook has a huge variety of Hallmark Keepsake ornaments – featuring The Wizard of Oz, Elmo and the Christmas Angel – and lots of Christmas ornaments that can be personalized (prices vary).Now give us some figgy pudding. Suet, or raw beef or mutton fat, is in figgy pudding. A more palatable option would be a gift certificate for an evening out at one of Winchester’s two dozen local dining spots.