Christmas Tradition: Stockings From Mom

Growing up we never had much money, but we always had a nice Christmas thanks to Mom. There were 4 of us kids and we got at least a few presents each, but it was very important to Mom that we had our stockings also. There was never anything big in the stockings; candy, little puzzles, gum, things she could get at the dollar store mostly. But we loved it, it was one of the best parts of Christmas.

Well, most of us are grown up now (3 of 4 of us) but Mom still insists on giving us stockings. And by now 3 of 4 of us also have significant others...and you guessed it, they get a stocking too! So Mom is up to 7 stockings to do every year. Unfortunately, Mom had some major financial set-backs in 2006 and as it got closer to Christmas, she had to tearfully explain how she couldn't even afford the dollar store stockings. We all told her that it was totally OK, but I don't think it did much to ease her mind. We all know that she still was very bothered by that fact. Soooo.....

Us 4 kids (well 7 if you include the signif others) got together and decided since stockings are so important to Mom, we would take care of them that year (last Christmas 2006.) We exchanged names (Mom didn't know about any of this) and we did stockings for each other. We also got Mom the biggest stocking we could find (my 2 year old niece could have fit into it..lol) and we each got a few things for Mom. Now she has a stocking too. Needless to say, Mom was very emotional when she discovered what we had done. I still get emotional myself thinking about it.

So it's a new year, and we all decided we like this new tradition much more. Of course, the name exchange is supposed to be a secret, but that doesn't work out so well......oh well, it can't be perfect. ; )

Happy Holidays to everyone and please remember receiving a physical "gift" to open isn't nearly as rewarding as giving a meaningful gift to someone you love.

By Mindy from Reading, PA