Lambert: Consider healthier holiday fare for stockings this year

Holiday traditions create lasting memories, but have you ever wondered how these traditions got their start?

Whoever thought to hang hosiery on the fireplace and stuff it with goodies? While we can't say for sure how it began, the legend has it that St. Nicholas heard a man talking about not having enough money to get his three daughters married, so he secretly slid down the man's chimney and placed gold coins in the girls recently laundered stockings, which were conveniently drying by the fire.

Now what about those oranges so often found in the bottom of the stocking? This age-old tradition has many interpretations, but most often symbolizes St. Nicholas's gold coins and his giving attitude.

Today, the orange is typically the only healthy thing found in the stocking. Stores are loaded with high-calorie stocking stuffers, including chocolate bars and candy stuffed into plastic candy canes.

This year, consider a healthier stocking. Try little boxes of raisins, single-serving nut tins, which can be refilled repeatedly, or fun-flavored, sugar-free gum. For the coffee lover, look for canned, cold-brew coffee with 50 calories or less.

Stocking stuffers also can be made in the kitchen, such as homemade granola, hot cocoa mix, trail mix, no-salt seasonings or the popcorn recipe below.

Of course, stockings don't have to be filled with food. Low-cost, healthy ideas include a new toothbrush, water bottle, kitchen gadget, lip balm with sun protection or hand sanitizer. If you're the one stuffing the stockings this year, give your family the gift of health.

Pair these items with movie tickets, a new book or cozy socks, and it's a stocking everyone will want!

Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

10 cups popped popcorn

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 teaspoon red sprinkles

1 teaspoon green sprinkles

Line two large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Spread popped popcorn evenly among pans. Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring in between until chocolate stirs smooth. Stir in extract. Using a spoon, drizzle chocolate over popcorn, using a fast back-and-forth motion. Sprinkle the colored sprinkles on top. Allow chocolate to completely harden before placing individual servings in a tin or bag. Yield: 10 servings.

Nutrition facts per serving: 150 calories, 8 grams fat, 10 milligrams sodium, 21 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 3 grams protein.

Extension office closed

University of Illinois Extension office in Harrisburg will be closed from Monday, Dec. 25, through Monday, Jan. 1. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2.

U of I Extension and Saline County 4-H staff members would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and peaceful and happy New Year!