You don't eat the candy out of the stockings though. You pretty much dump out your stocking check the gifts and food you get in it and then eat the candy [usually] vvhenever you vvant. VVhen my mom vvas still alive vve'd usually get fruit, candy canes and chocolate in ours. except i vvas allergic to chocolate so i'd usually get cookies.
The tradition started as a way for families were not as fortunate to still be able to give their children something special and not have them feel left out about getting gifts. After that it became a tradition to have them along with the Christmas tree and presents each year. At least that is what my memory is telling me from an old tale I learned in school. *nods head*
So one of our clients gave us this big box of cheesecake sampler's this morning when we got done... I don't like cheesecake, but since it was a gift, I am determined to force myself to munch on this cheesecake.
Myst it might seems cheesy to you but I'm sure there are traditions in Sweden that we Americans might not understand or think is a little cheesy as well. It just means that our countries have different ways to celebrate the holidays.