One of the most special Christmas decorations we have is our stockings. I can have all the decorations placed about and if the stockings are not hung, then the decorating is not complete as far as everyone in my family is concerned. Jessica has told me over the years that her favorite part about Christmas is the stockings. I think because not only of the gifts that are stuffed inside, but because of the treasured keepsake these stockings are.
When my Mom was a little girl, Aunt Margie knitted a stocking for her and my uncle. I know that the first stockings were made for her own children, but with each niece or nephew that was born, a personalized stocking was made especially for them. Stockings were made for grandchildren and since Aunt Margie is now in her 80's, she is making them for great-grandchildren. When my parents got married, Aunt Margie made a stocking for my Dad. Then when my sister and I were born, two more stockings were hung at Christmas.
The story of the stockings certainly did end there. My husband received one after we were married and the gift that was given to each of my children when they were born was of course a stocking from Aunt Margie. When my sister Sarah and her husband come at Christmas, they will bring their stockings and they will be hung on the mantle along with our ours.
I've seen all the stockings in the stores and magazines that perhaps might be a little more of my style or might coordinate more with the colors I decorate with. However, our mantle wouldn't be the same if there was anything other than these handmade stockings that have been hung year after year. And I suppose somehow, Christmas just wouldn't be the same either.
P.S. I also need the Nester to come to my house and decorate my mantle too:)
How special. My grandmother made our stockings when we were born too. My mom still uses them.
ReplyDeleteWhat treasures those stockings are! I just love stories like that! I can't wait for Sarah's baby to get a stocking next year! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy first stocking still is hung at my mom's... it's a bit worn, but I just love it. It brings back such good memories. Santa always filled out stockings with an apple, bannana, an orange and some nuts. I remember the first year that didn't happen (I believe I was almost 30). I was soooo disappointed!
We have an amazing stocking story too, knitted with love for each of my kids when they were born. They are so HUGE we call them "socks!"
ReplyDeleteI love those stockings!They are adorable, don't ever get rid of them. My girls have stockings made by their aunt and like you there would probably be something more in style but as far as I am concerned these will never go out of style. I just need to get busy and make one for Dusty and I.
ReplyDeleteOk, I know this is strange, I don't have a blog but read several everyday, your being one of them. Does your aunt sell these stockings? I bought stockings for my daughters when they were born from someone who made some very similar to yours. When my youngest daughter got married almost two years ago, she wanted one for her husband, but we haven't seen anyone who does them. If your aunt would do some, please email me at vikmoo@aol.com and let me know. Obviously, I know I couldn't have it for this year, but would love to surprise them with one after the holidays. Thanks, Vicki
ReplyDeleteOkay, what! The Nester is going to your house? So jealous! Have a blast.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is SO sweet about the stockings. Now that we have added Seth to our family, I'm in a quandry about stockings... I wish we had a knitter/crocheter in our family.
And, I'm so excited. Sarah/Mike and I/Jim are going to get together for dinner after we both get back from OH in a couple weeks. Yea!
OK, I can't tell if you are serious or not about the Nester, but if you are, I am so excited for you!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your stockings. I agree, some things cannot be replaced with the latest, trendiest item. My stocking was knitted by my grandmother, and my only sadness is that she passed away before she could make one for my husband or my kids. And I can't knit. But yours are just precious!
Carrie
That is soooo wonderful about the stockings! I love it! My aunt made mine and my sister's stockings when we were born, and we always used those growing up. I have so many memories of those sweet stockings hanging there at Momma and Daddy's. Momma still hangs them up there even if we aren't able to be home at Christmas. Stockings (and anything else) with family history is always a hundred times better!
ReplyDeleteStockings are very special in our home as well. I made the ones hanging on our mantel.
ReplyDeleteHi Christy! I am sure it is my pregnant brain that can't read between the lines...of course I would love the Nester to come to my house to decorate, so I was hoping to live through you! And I like your mantle! But people say they like the weird space above my fireplace and I hate it because it seems too big and I don't know what to do with it. So I understand how you feel! :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie
What a lovely post! I can see why the stockings are the best part of Christmas in your home! The story behind them is lovely and so sweet.
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law is making stockings for my son and my daughter because I can't sew to save my life. She made me cry last year when she told me she was doing it because she knew if my Mom was alive she would have made them (and she would have because she made stockings for my brother and I when we were born!). So the stockings being made for my kiddos will for sure follow suite with yours and be the best decorations ever, made with lots of love for our kids!
Peace be with you hun~ Merry December, Les
I love the story on your stockings..how sweet!!! Have fun with your sister..it has been wonderful blogging with you and your sister!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with your family!
ReplyDelete-sandy toes
So sweet and I love your stockings. Will be fun to see a picture after you add them all for Christmas Eve. :) Merry Christmas! Y'all are too fun.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your stockings and your mantel looks perfect!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so special! I still have my stocking that my grandmother had knitted for me when I was a little girl.
ReplyDeleteBTW I LOVE your star!
What a sweet family tradition! It's easy to see why your family stockings are so treasured and such an important part of your home for Christmas! What a special gift.
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