Once again Palmer Coking Coal Co. is teaming with Vine Maple Place to provide “lumps of coal” to Christmas shoppers looking for a funny gift or gag. The goal is to raise funds for Vine Maple Place, a local non-profit organization providing housing for single mothers.
In traditional English folklore, a lump of coal was left in the stockings hung over the fireplace of those who had been naughty the previous year. In Italy, children would be visited by an elderly woman named La Befana (derived from ‘epiphany’) who flew on her cleaning broom leaving treats for good children, but lumps of coal for the wicked. More modern stories have developed including a Christmas book by Lemony Snicket where a lump of coal goes searching for a miracle and finds artistic wonder in a Korean restaurant. The lump of coal has also entered video games such as World of Warcraft where it acts as a non-combat pet. A Christmas song, by Jimmy Kimmel and the rock group Killers, “Joel, the Lump of Coal” has also entered the holiday lexicon.
If someone on your Christmas list has been naughty and deserves a lump of coal in their stocking this year, please stop by Palmer Coking Coal located at 31407 Highway 169 in Black Diamond and pick up a free gift-wrapped piece of coal. Then make a donation to Vine Maple Place, a charity organization which helps change lives. For directions call 425-432-4700 or visit: www.palmercc.com
