Christmas stocking

noun

1. a stocking or stocking-shaped bag traditionally hung on a mantelpiece or Christmas tree by children on Christmas Eve to hold small gifts that Santa Claus is credited with bringing.

Christmas stocking

noun

1. a stocking hung up by children on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill with presents

Word History and Origins

Origin of Christmas stocking¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Miss Grant reached for it as a child might grab at his Christmas stocking.

From Project Gutenberg

In her arms Gyp carried some of the contents of her own Christmas stocking.

From Project Gutenberg

There wasn't a moment to be lost, she told him excitedly, like a child waiting to open her Christmas stocking.

From Project Gutenberg