How to Stuff a Great Christmas stocking Articles | Christmas

By: Xmas Data

Everyone loves finding a Christmas stocking which is filled with a number of wonderful things on an exciting Christmas morning.

The tradition of the hanging an empty sock on the mantel on Christmas Eve, was started in Germany centuries ago. The origin of the Christmas stocking is believed to have been started by a wealthy businessman by the name of St. Nicholas, he was said to have thrown three bags of gold down the chimney of a broke and desperate nobleman, and the nobleman had no dowry with which to allow his three young daughters to wed. The money fell in the stockings of each girl and this gave them the money that they needed to wed their beloveds. Ever since this period, people have used this story as an inspiration to surprise people that they love with tiny gifts which are tucked into socks on a Christmas morning.

One of many different practices in Europe is for people to reserve the stocking for five gifts which tend to stimulate the five senses. Some examples include:

Something sweet to eat, like fruit or candy.

A toy or other item that makes a noise (this can even include nuts to crack).

An item that is visually pleasing in any way like jewelry, cuff-links or a coloring book.

Something that has tactile appeal such as modeling clay, or a soft toy.

Any item with a distinctive scent such as bubble-bath, cologne, perfume, etc.

In certain cultures, the Christmas stocking will only contain the gifts that family members will get. This is usually reserved for the children of a house although many American households have adapted the art of stuffing stockings as a way for the whole family and even the pets to join in the fun of Christmas. Originally Christmas stockings were regular socks which were hung out on the mantel to dry. Currently you have a variety of styles as well as fabrics. Homemade stockings tend to be the most popular and the name of each individual family member will usually be embroidered across the top as well. This is usually made of any type of colored material which the users prefer. The most popular style however is a fuzzy red stocking that has a white and fluffy trim.

Want to stuff the perfect stocking this year? Here are a few simple tips:

You should think of the recipients’ hobbies. Smaller hobby items are always rather popular. Someone who is a quilter may enjoy items like sewing needles, decorative thimbles or fat quarters. People who fish may like new lures or specialty bait items; children will always enjoy items like small toys, candy as well as card games.

You should also think in small terms. Stockings are smaller than people tend to think. While most people may be able to fill socks with one or two large items, people will prefer to pull out a number of different small things on a Christmas morning.

You should add something which is unique and special to each person for example your mother may love a certain type of perfume or your father may prefer a certain unique cigar. You should include a special item that they ordinarily wouldn’t expect in their stocking that year.