During this time of the year, oranges are everywhere! You may have seen orange pomanders in bowls or homes decorated with garlands of dried orange slices. You'll often see them added to stockings or shoes on St. Nicholas Day. Oranges during this time of year aren’t just decorative; they carry a beautiful reminder of generosity, hope, and the light of Christ.
The Story Behind Oranges in Advent
Legend has it that there was a poor man who had three daughters. The man had no money to get his daughters married, and he was worried about what would happen to them after his death. Saint Nicholas was passing through town when he heard the villagers talking about the girls and he wanted to help. He knew that the old man would never accept charity so he decided to help in secret. He waited until it was night and crept into the house with a bag of gold coins for each girl. As he was looking for a place to put three bags, he noticed stockings hung over the mantelpiece for drying. He put one bag in each stocking and left. When the girls and their father woke up the next morning, they found the bags of gold coins and the girls were able to get married.
This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas on his feast day, December 6. Oranges became a part of the day, representing the gold coins that St. Nicholas gave. An orange was placed in each stocking on St. Nicholas' Eve, and dried orange slices decorated the house. The oranges represent the bag of gold coins with their golden color.
Ways to Celebrate with Oranges in Advent
Oranges can take on several roles in your Advent traditions, whether as part of your decorations, gifts, or a family activity:
Stocking or Shoe Tradition:
On the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5), place an orange in your children’s stockings or shoes. Pair it with chocolate coins, small toys, or a prayer card about St. Nicholas.
Orange Pomanders:
Make an orange pomander (an orange studded with cloves and other spices). Decorate your home with it or give it as a gift.
Garlands and Wreaths:
Decorate your home with garlands or wreaths made of dried orange slices. Their vibrant color and fragrant scent fill the space with warmth and anticipation.
Family Baking:
Incorporate oranges into your holiday baking by making spiced orange muffins, orange zest cookies, or mulled cider with orange slices.
Acts of Generosity:
Let the story of St. Nicholas inspire acts of giving. Share oranges with neighbors, donate to food banks, or gift fruit baskets to those in need as a reminder of Christ’s love and provision.
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are a simple, natural, and beautiful way to decorate for Advent. They’re versatile and can be used in garlands, wreaths, gift tags, or even as ornaments for your Christmas tree.
3–4 fresh oranges
Sharp knife or mandoline
Paper towels
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Slice oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly.
Place the slices between paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap.
Bake the slices for 2–3 hours, flipping them halfway through. Check regularly toward the end to prevent burning.
Once the slices are dried and slightly translucent, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Creative Uses for Dried Orange Slices
Garlands: String slices together with twine, alternating with wooden beads, cinnamon sticks, or greenery for a festive garland.
Wreaths: Attach dried slices to an evergreen wreath using floral wire or hot glue.
Gift Tags: Tie a slice to gift packages for a fragrant and beautiful accent.
Ornaments: Hang them individually on your Christmas tree with ribbon or hooks.
A Sweet and Simple Tradition
Whether you’re using oranges to fill stockings, decorate your home, or inspire acts of generosity, these traditions add depth and meaning to the season of Advent. They remind us of the selfless love of St. Nicholas and the ultimate gift of Jesus, the light of the world.
How will you celebrate with oranges this Advent? I’d love to hear your ideas and traditions in the comments below!
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