Sock Weather in Northern Michigan
“Socks are like friends; they are always there for you.” -Unknown
Ok, I have a confession to make. I am addicted. . . to socks. Yes, socks. I own quite a few pairs, and by quite a few, I mean well over a hundred. I have thick socks, thin socks, white socks, colorful socks, short socks, long socks, socks with funny or poignant quotes on them, socks with people’s faces on them, and socks that represent all of my favorite sports teams and activities.
Although I have preferences for certain brands and materials, if I see a pair of fun or unique socks that feel like they would be comfortable, chances are I am going to purchase them. In my mind, socks are one of those gifts that you can give yourself without feeling guilty for having spent too much money.
The history of socks is actually quite fascinating. Although we do not know the exact origin of socks, the first ones that were discovered date back to around 1,500 years ago. During a 19th century archeological dig along the Nile River in Egypt, a pair of socks woven from red wool with split toes was discovered. It is thought that this particular pair dated back somewhere between the 3rd and 5th centuries A.D. Experts also hypothesize that prior to this, cavemen would have fashioned sock-like coverings out of the hides of animals.
Socks today are typically constructed from cotton, polyester, wool or even bamboo and can be purchased individually or in packs of two or more. Some socks are more durable than others; some are made strictly to look good. Why all the talk of socks? I can freely admit that not everyone is as obsessed with them as much as I am, but we all wear them, especially living in northern Michigan. The real reason for this blog entry is that December 4th is national sock day. According to nationaldaycalendar.com, national sock day “recognizes the rarest of all lasting unities, the marriage of matched socks. When they find each other, wash after wash, dry after dry, it’s time to celebrate!” So, why not celebrate socks? They are something we all need, and even though we may not give much thought to them, they are something that we all appreciate- especially during the cold winter months.
Here are a couple of interesting facts about our trusted, furry foot warmers:
- Many experts including numerous doctors believe that if you sleep in a pair of warm, fluffy socks, it will promote better circulation in your body and thus you will achieve a better and more restful night’s sleep.
- In 2019, the brand Rock ‘Em Socks created a pair of socks out of 24 karat gold. This pair retailed for $5,000 and is the most expensive pair of socks ever made. These socks even gained entry into the Guiness Book of World Records.
What better way to celebrate national sock day 2023 than to go to Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts or J.W. Shorter & Son Mercantile and purchase one or several pairs of new socks for yourself or to give to your family, friends, or loved ones this holiday season.
Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts is full of warm, practical socks that will keep your feet snug and protected this winter. They also have plenty of fun, quirky socks that will make any recipient smile; they even compression socks. J.W. Shorter & Son Mercantile is your go-to store for the sassy, hilarious, and sometimes slightly twisted socks that have been dubbed “the original greatest gift in the universe.” It is safe to say that combined, their collection of socks will, well, knock your socks off.
