Back to Main Page History Of Christmas Christmas Characters
Germany is credited with starting the tradition of Christmas Trees.
The history of hanging stockings over the fireplace comes from a story about St. Nicholas. When in town, St. Nicholas passed a poor man. Later that night, he sneaked into his home and put bags of gold in his daughter's stocking.
Gingerbread began in Germany in the 16th century. The gingerbread houses became a Christmas tradition and rose in popularity because of the story "Hansel and Gretel" when they found a house made of treats.
