From hanging stockings to caroling, these 10 holiday traditions have surprisingly bizarre origins

Sophia MitrokostasDec 4, 2020, 21:52 IST

Not all Christmas traditions were always filled with love and cheer.nantonov/ iStock

Some popular holiday traditions have dark origins, or once looked much different than they are now.
In the 1700s, carolers would sometimes break down doors and demand food and drink from residents.
And although "The Nutcracker" is a beautiful ballet, it's actually based on a pretty creepy story.

Christmas is often a time for following beloved traditions - but some of the most famous annual activities have pretty unexpected or dark roots.

Read on for a few holiday customs that have surprising origins and explanations.

Good King Wenceslas was a real person who was stabbed and dismembered.

An illustration of the fictional King Wenceslas. Public Domain

Caroling used to be much more aggressive. fernandogarciaesteban/ iStock

The original story involves violence and a doll kingdom. Daniel Goodman / Business Insider

Christmas parties have pagan ties. NBC

They were said to ward against evil. Shutterstock

Santa isn't the only person/thing that has come down the chimney in urban legends. KimRuoff/ iStock

It was seen as a sign of friendship. Shutterstock

The Coca-Cola ads were edited out. ABC

It's still practiced today. Shutterstock

The original stocking story has to do with a man needing to pay a dowry. Shutterstock