The holiday season is filled with cherished traditions that warm our hearts and homes, but have you ever wondered how these customs might have originated? Are they from long ago, or are they modern traditions?

Let’s peek into the backstory of some well-known holiday customs to see what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s quirky trivia you can share with friends at the next gathering.

Legend has it that the tradition of hanging stockings comes from the story of St. Nicholas. As the tale goes, a kind but poor man had three daughters who couldn’t marry because they lacked dowries. St. Nicholas, known for his generosity, secretly tossed gold coins down their chimney, which conveniently landed in stockings drying by the fire.

That’s how the tradition of putting gifts in stockings began, and yet, in some parts of Europe, children put their shoes outside instead. In the Netherlands, children fill their clogs with hay and carrots for St. Nicholas’s horse, hoping for small gifts in return.

Eggnog, a creamy spiced drink that’s popular during the holiday season, had its beginnings during medieval times. It evolved from a British drink called posset, a warm ale or wine mixture with milk and spices, served as a remedy for illness or a toast to good health.

When it made its way across the Atlantic, as is typical with recipes, American colonists substituted rum for ale (cheaper and more readily available), and the drink developed its festive reputation.

Alright, how about mistletoe, and what are its roots? Actually, mistletoe is a parasite, living off the trees it attaches to. This holiday symbol of a “love connection” dates back to Norse mythology when the plant was sacred to Frigg, the goddess of love.

After her son Baldur was nearly killed with a mistletoe arrow, she declared it a symbol of peace and love, and vowed to kiss anyone who passed beneath it. I had no idea about this one.

The candy cane was invented in the 17th century to keep children quiet during church services. Its shape made it easier to hang on trees, and the red stripes were added later for visual appeal.

Curious about what the Guinness World Record is for the longest candy cane made? According to Chicagoist.com, a pastry chef in Geneva, Illinois, made a 51-foot-long candy cane in 2012 for Geneva’s Christmas Walk and House Tour.

Whether you’re sipping eggnog, hanging a stocking or smooching under mistletoe, you’re keeping past customs alive. Traditions may evolve, but the joy they bring will be lasting memories. Happy holidays everyone!

Writer, speaker and editor Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at [email protected].