Stocking Stuffing Basics Articles | Christmas

By: Liam

I love finding a stuffed stocking filled with an assortment of small presents on Christmas morning, some useful, others for fun. It makes me feel the affection and best wishes of the givers. For those with children stockings that the kids can delve into first thing Christmas morning give Mom and Dad a bit more time to get up and organized before any major gifts get unwrapped.

 The tradition of hanging an empty sock on the mantel on Christmas Eve may have began in Holland centuries ago. During the 16th Century, children in Holland would leave a treat for Saint Nicholas and clogs filled with straw for his donkey by the hearth on Dec 6. Saint Nicholas would leave treats to good children in exchange.

 There is a conflicting legend that the origin of the Christmas stocking started after St. Nicholas threw three bags of gold down the chimney of a broke and desperate nobleman who had no dowry to allow his three young daughters to wed.  The money fell into the drying stockings of each girl, giving them the money needed to wed their beloveds.  Since then, people have developed a tradition of surprising those they love with small gifts tucked within socks on Christmas morning.

 One traditional practice in Europe, said to originate in Germany, is to reserve the stocking for five gifts that stimulate each of the five senses, such as:

•  Something sweet to eat, like fruit or candy.
• A toy or other item that makes a noise.
• 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 stuffed toy.
• Any item with a distinctive scent such as bubble-bath or perfume.

 In some cultures, the Christmas stocking contains the only gifts family members receive. I rather like this idea as it focuses on love and best wishes rather than the commercial advertising and pricy merchandise that accompany the season.

 Although originally reserved for the children of the house, many American households have adopted the practice of stuffing stockings as a way for the entire family – including pets -- to join in the festivities.  While Christmas stockings were originally just regular socks hung on the mantel to dry, today’s holiday version includes a variety of styles, sizes and fabrics. Larger stockings seem to be increasingly popular, ideally with individual family member’s names embroidered across the top.   Stockings are available in virtually any type of colored material the user may prefer, but the most popular style remains a fuzzy red stocking with white fluffy trim.

 Uncertain about Your Stuffing Selections?

 Consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests.  Small hobby items are always popular.  For instance a quilter may enjoy new sewing needles, or decorative thimbles; fishermen might enjoy some new lures or specialty bait items; while children always enjoy small toys, candy or card games.

 Think small.  Stockings are smaller than you might think.  While you may be able to fill it with one or two larger items, it’s a lot more fun to pull out and inspect a bunch of smaller things over fifteen or twenty minutes.

 Include something unusual or special only to the recipient.  Maybe your mom loves a certain type of perfume, or your Dad likes a gourmet BBQ grill seasoning. Local markets may have a variety of small surprises from artisans and local food crafters.  Include at least one extra special item that they wouldn’t expect in their stocking this year.

 Christmas stockings are about fun. While the contents can be as expensive as you like I recommend you don’t think too hard about the perfect stocking stuffer gifts. Instead use your knowledge of the recipient and your first impressions to find unusual, useful or quirky gifts they will enjoy. Have fun yourself scouring the shops for unusual items (don’t forget the local dollar store). Enjoy the season.