Page 7 - North Haven Magazine Issue 31 Holiday 2023

Children hang stockings in the 1950s.
smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-legend-of-the-christmas-stocking-160854441
When are sTockings opened?
Again, this depends on what works best for each family. In many
cases, the stockings may be opened first. This may be a way to
keep the young children busy for a brief time while parents get
a cup of coffee to help them wake up! Other families may allow
the children to open stockings on Christmas Eve because the
children are so eager and excited before bed. Of course, this rou-
tine would not correspond to the stockings being filled by Santa
Claus, but maybe it helps satisfy the children and get them to
bed.

Some are beautifully stitched. Some stockings were knitted with love.
WhaT Types of sTockings are used?
Years ago, the stockings were taken from the supply in the draw-
er and hung, but personalized and creative stockings became
popular to coordinate with home decorations. Stockings might
be cut from felt and decorated with beads, glitter and fancy
stitching or they might be knit or crocheted. They were often
personalized with the individual’s name and even the pets were
given a stocking for pet treats! When children are old enough,
they may enjoy making their own stocking or creating a stocking
for a person in need.

Hanging stockings for Christmas is a long-time tradition that
helps maintain special memories. Do you have a special tradi-
tion in your family with Christmas stockings? It is never too late
to start one or to create a new one that will be enjoyed in the
coming years.

NorthHavenMag.com 7