“…The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…”
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Perhaps the most popular Christmas Eve tradition is the hanging of stockings. Growing up, my family didn’t have a fireplace so ours were usually placed along the open railing of our stairway. Some years, they were arranged under the tree or around the breakfast table when we woke up.
After returning from the Christmas Eve service at church, we were allowed to open one present, a new set of pajamas from our grandparents. Anna, from The Imagination Tree, took this to another level with a Christmas Eve Surprise Box. Check out her blog to see all the fun items she included in a package for her daughters to open on the morning of the 24th. I love how the pieces allow their family to celebrate all day long.
Photo from The Imagination Tree Blog
Now that I have my own family, we’ve tried to create a few new traditions. One that has worked well with our boys is a sledding expedition at a nearby park. Wouldn’t it be fun to return home to a special cup of Christmas cocoa like this one?
Photo from Betty Crocker
Last year a group of neighbors came around singing Christmas carols. While I was delighted with the old-fashioned fun of it, my son just stared in amazement. I guess no one has ever come to our door and burst into song!
What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? And who else had/has a home without a fireplace mantel? What is your favorite place to hang stockings?
