Stocking & Gifts Garden Banner - 65cm

Why not encourage Santa to stop by with this outdoor banner featuring a cheery Christmas stocking filled with presents? Christmas decorations come in all shapes and sizes and this one is sure to catch his attention! The tradition of giving presents at Christmas is sometimes said to stretch back to ancient pagan celebrations marking the shortest day in the northern hemisphere, and the return of the sun, as days would then begin to lengthen again. Once the tradition of the Three Wise Men, and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, became a formal part of Christian teaching, it helped the emerging faith blend with existing pagan traditions. The old midwinter festival gradually took on Christian overtones until today the tradition of giving gifts in Christian countries celebrates the arrival of the Son, rather than the return of the sun. Early gifts are often said to have focused on small treats, such as homemade food, special sweets and such luxuries as oranges, spices and nuts. These are things we may take for granted today, but which, to our forebears, were rare and precious treats to be savoured. Christmas decorations were also simple and natural, and typically featured greenery cut from the forest and a special Yule log to burn in the hearth over the festival period. Whatever your scheme for this festive season, complete your outdoor Christmas decorations with this fun garden banner. It comes complete with pick to plant it firmly into the ground. The banner itself features a red "Merry Christmas" stocking, decorated with green holly, with parcels emerging from the top. The banner is 37cm x 48cm with a 1 metre pick.