Christmas Stockings
A favorite holiday tradition
There is simply nothing better than the beautiful smell of the fireplace, giving off the most comfortable warmth imaginable, as the flames dance and crackle to the accompaniment of softly playing Christmas carols. This is the Christmas atmosphere, and it is capped off by attractive Christmas stockings hanging over the fireplace. Like the Christmas wreath or Christmas tree, Christmas stockings have been in the tradition of Christmas for centuries, and are sure to continue for years to come. Within each colorful Christmas stocking are tucked little treats that are some of the most treasured gifts of the holiday season, as some of the biggest things come in the smallest packages.
Decorative Christmas Stockings
Coming in many festive colors and styles, Christmas stockings are a natural choice to complement any holiday decor. For a designer Christmas look, you can choose stockings to follow a decorating theme, like snowmen, or color scheme, like burgundy and gold. For a more family-focused home, let each family member select a stocking that represents him or her, or buy a set of personalized Christmas stockings embroidered with your loved ones’ names.
Homemade Christmas stockings are particularly special, as they embody all the warm emotions of the season. Hand-knit, quilted or needlepoint Christmas stockings are treasured gifts that become beloved traditions. Christmas stockings can stand the test of time, giving something to pass down to your loved ones. The stockings you choose now are assured to continue to spread the gift of Christmas cheer for years to come.
Christmas Stocking Holders
Christmas stockings traditionally hang from the mantel, if you have one. You may not wish to mar your mantel with nails or hooks, however, and if your mantel is stone you have an even bigger problem. The answer is to hang each stocking from an attractive Christmas stocking holder. These holders make hanging stockings so much easier, and do away with the old hammer and nails technique, eliminating the annoying holes above your fireplace. They are weighted to balance themselves on the mantel, even when supporting a full load of stocking stuffers. From lighted folk-art snowmen to simple silver doves, stocking holders come in a wide array of styles and designs, making them Christmas ornaments in their own right. Buy them as a set, or mix and match to form your own collection.
If you don’t have a fireplace mantel, most stocking holders will work equally well on window ledges or entertainment stands. Just don’t try to use them in a high-traffic area like the end of a counter or a bookshelf, as they will be easily knocked off.
However and wherever you hang your Christmas stockings, just be sure you get them up before Christmas Eve, and leave out a plate of milk and cookies for Santa when he comes to fill them!
