Today I learned the sweetest little Christmas tradition — and it all starts with something as simple as an orange.
Growing up, I always found an orange tucked in the toe of my stocking on Christmas morning. I never questioned it… it was just one of those “grandma things.” But today I finally discovered the heartwarming meaning behind it.
During the Great Depression, oranges were a luxury — rare, beautiful, and expensive in winter. Getting one for Christmas meant someone went out of their way to give you something special. It was a small treasure wrapped in love.
Long before that, early Christians used oranges to symbolize gold, connecting the fruit to generosity and the spirit of giving, much like the legend of St. Nicholas.
So an orange wasn’t just a treat…
It was a message.
A message that said:
“You are loved. You are thought of. You matter to me.”
Today I learned that this simple little tradition carries generations of meaning — sacrifice, generosity, sweetness, and love woven into a single bright fruit.
And now, that little orange in the bottom of the stocking feels more magical than ever.
