Stockings can be the best present.

I did not know about stockings. The stockings found hanging on the mantle Christmas morning. I was introduced to them when I shared my first Christmas with my husband's family. Yesterday, as we started our Christmas shopping, I realized I enjoy looking for the special, little surprises that will slip easily into each one's stocking, as much as the single desired gift. Now, I know Christmas is more than the presents. More than the materialistic view the world can give. However, there is something so precious and exciting to me to get up Christmas morning, grab my stocking from the mantle, and watch everyone else dump theirs into the floor. Yesterday, I found a small trinket box that holds mints in your purse. It has blue gemstones on top and I just know our daughter will love finding that in her stocking Christmas morning. Our son loves chocolate and sour things and I always try to find a cool yo-yo that lights up. Last year, my daughter insisted on filling my stocking so it would be a surprise. She and her daddy went shopping and she carefully selected little items that she knew I would enjoy. I truly enjoy the spirit of Christmas. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the lights, the tree, the music and the smells. I get even more excited than ever. I enjoy the wrapping of presents and the curling of the ribbons. I love the warmth and the joy of family and friends. I love the Christmas morning breakfast and coffee from my mother's Christmas dishes. I love waking up at 3am to stuff our stockings and hang them on the mantle, filling them until the small treasures pop out the top. I love the spirit of Christmas, knowing the greatest gift is love, that began with the birth of a child. So.....if your family hasn't experienced the delight of a Christmas stocking, start the tradition now. It will bless your heart and your Christmas morning will be STUFFED with love found in small, unexpected places, like the manger in a cold, barn stall.