Christmas Stockings

Christmas stockings were not an annual Christmas tradition in my family when I was growing up. I can remember a few red netting type store bought stockings filled with a coloring booklet and candies.

When my husband and I had kids, we decided to make it an annual tradition to hang stockings over the fireplace.

Types of Stockings

There are many styles of stockings to choose from. Some families make their own stocking using felt, some are knitted, some create Christmas stockings with elaborate cross-stitch designs on them. Some store bought stockings can be pretty elaborate in design and price.

We've used many types over the years and finally settled on a plain red type as they never go out of style. They are easy to replace if someone forgets to leave the stocking here. If a new member joins the family, a Christmas stocking can easily be bought for them that matches what the others' have.

No Fireplace, No Problem

During our first year of marriage, we lived in an apartment that didn't have a fireplace to hang stockings on. So I made one.
I took an old twin sized white bed sheet and drew a fireplace complete with a mantle and roaring fire on it. I colored it in with crayons and then set the colors into the fabric using an iron set on low. The stockings were pinned to the mantle that was drawn using safety pins. The sheet was then hung on a wall near the dining room table. It wasn't fancy, we couldn't put heavy gift items into the stockings, but it did the job.

A fake fireplace can also be made using large cardboard boxes. It would be a great project to keep the kids busy during their Christmas break from school.

You can also hang stocking from stairway railings, book cases, shelving units or on the Christmas tree.

Stocking Stuffers

Traditional stocking stuffers are fruits, candies and coins. Fruits can be rather heavy to place into stockings and candy may not be something you want kids to eat first thing Christmas morning! Kids craft kits and activities to fill your Christmas stockings.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for All Ages.

Ice scrapers	Chapstick	Gloves
Lottery Tickets	Knit Caps	Scarves
Make Up	Fingernail Clippers	Coloring Books
Puzzles	Gift Cards	Keychains
Jewelry	Hair Accessories	Bath Lotions
Kitchen Utensils	Wallets	Back Scratchers
Bubbles	Crayons	Deck Of Cards