Christmas Stockings
Christmas Stockings will top every child's Christmas wish list. What also is true is that stocking is the Christmas gift parents have the most fun putting together. For younger children, there is nothing like waking up to a laden Christmas stocking because they do believe that Santa Claus has delivered the gift in person.
The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to A.D. 270, when St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra (modern Turkey) made secret donations to the poor by sneaking into their houses at night and leaving coins in their shoes and socks. He was sanctified for his generosity, and over the centuries, he also became known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, which is why we continue leaving stockings out on Christmas Eve. As the tradition of hanging out old socks remains popular, supermarkets are filled with extravagantly decorated versions. It is not very difficult though to make your own decorative stockings, particularly if you are handy with a needle and thread. All that you need to do is draw a template on card stock or newspaper, and use it to cut out shapes from pieces of fabric.
Remember to stitch two pieces together with right sides in, and then turn the stockings inside out. sock template You can then applique, embroider or glue additional decorations. To ensure that your kids don't fight over who gets what on Christmas, personalize the stockings with names and initials. Creating a patchwork stocking is a bit more difficult, but the end result is totally worth it as it will definitely become a family treasure that would be passed down through generations.
Some families prefer to use pillowcases or small sacks for Christmas gifts. Sacks are very easy to make. Just buy plain burlap, which should be available in all department stores, or use an old sheet, which will do as well. You can then line it up with pretty fabric or sew a ribbon border to the top for a decorative effect.
