We’ve all heard it before- if you don’t straighten up all you’re getting for Christmas is coal! Some of us have even been known to have said this a time or two. But why does Santa leave the naughty kids coal?
One theory is that coal was left for the children of poor families because their families were bad. It was believed by many that the poor were made poor as a punishment for their previously bad actions. Santa would leave coal for these children to burn under their beds to keep warm during the long winter nights. With this story the coal is less of a punishment and more of a gift.
Another theory is that when Santa came down the chimney to give presents for the children in the home he would arrive and then realize there was a child living there that had misbehaved. Not knowing what to give this unruly child Santa would grab the first thing he could find- coal from the fireplace.
Some believe that the tradition of leaving coal for naughty kids shares an origin story with the tradition of stockings. When St. Nicholas left dowry money for the loving father that did not have any money for his daughter the news of his charity spread quickly. Other families started leaving stockings out for St. Nicholas to leave money in. When St. Nicholas arrived in the home of an undeserving child, or adult, he would leave only coal.
on these decorations as he traveled from house to house. As time progressed many families switched from edible decorations to decorations made of paper and glass. Without snacks to keep Santa energized he would become very tired so families started leaving him cookies made just for him.
Yuletide hunt. Children would leave snacks out to attract Sleipnir, hoping that they would stop by their house. Many Dutch families continued the tradition. This may also be the origin of spreading ‘Reindeer Dust’ in your front yard to attract Santa’s reindeer.
The History Museum of Western Virginia 