Stockings

Some historians claim this line from the story, "The Night Before Christmas", by Clement Clarke Moore, gave Americans inspiration to hang Christmas stockings from fireplace mantels and stair railings for Santa to fill with goodies.

An earlier Christmas stocking story involved a kindly noble man. After his wife died the nobleman spent all his money on foolish endeavors and trivial things. This left his three daughters without a dowry. Saint Nicolas heard of their plight and wanted to help. One night after the daughters laundered their clothing, they hung their stockings to dry and went to bed. Saint Nicolas disguised himself and rode by their home. He saw the stockings and put three pouches of gold in each, ensuring marriage and a good life for the daughters.

Today, Christmas stockings come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Gone are the days when a sock, or regular foot stocking held the holiday offerings. Personalized Christmas stockings alone make great gifts. New parents appreciate soft pink or blue stockings with their baby's name embroidered into the material. Handcrafted Victorian Christmas stockings of rich red velvet with golden stitching and lace add a touch of elegance to any setting.

People continue to hunt for the perfect heirloom Christmas stocking. Needlepoint Christmas stockings fall into this category with close knit and intricate details. Craft stores and online retailers sell a needlepoint Christmas stocking kit for do-it-yourselfers. These kits come with detailed instructions for beginners interested in learning how to make a needlepoint Christmas stocking.

Not everyone owns a fireplace mantel or stair railing. A simple hook with a screw mounted into the wall will work. Mount silver snowflake Christmas stocking hangers in the home. Attach these holders to the wall with screws, nails, or double sided mounting tape. Find a vast array of Christmas stocking holders to fit any style where stockings are sold.

Crafters from all over create and sell their own designs. Craft stores often sell felt Christmas stockings kits for children to personalize. A 3D snowman or reindeer make a cute Christmas stocking pattern. The stitching in handknit Christmas stockings produces loose weaves, but tighter and smaller sizes. Christmas stockings even incorporate licensed characters, like Sponge Bob Square Pants and Bratz. Search for "cross stitch Christmas stockings" on eBay to find an assortment handmade or machine-stitched kits with enough room to hold next years Christmas stocking stuffers.