Counting Down the Days...Picture #8.

"The stockings were hung..."

Hello. Problem here. As of two years ago, we have had no fireplace in which to hang our pretty little stockings. To years ago, I found one of those cute little metal pieces, in which you hang your stockings from. However, last year I couldn't find all the pieces. The stockings ended up hanging on my french doors leading into the living room. Which is were they are now, unless of course one of my creative friends has a suggestion that they would like to pass my way...

Hmmm... anyone?

I guess you have guessed by now what picture #8 of my Christmas countdown might be...

STOCKINGS!!!

You can't decorate for Christmas without hanging the stockings. They are a big part of the holiday gift giving.

The stockings that my hubby and I have are fifteen years old. I remember buying them at Target our second year of "wedded bliss." I think the first Christmas we just had the red felt ones. Nothing wrong with that, in fact my mom still uses that kind, each one with our name written on it. However, as a young newlywed, I wanted something different, something very pretty.

Well you have to remember that in the early '90's the country look was "HUGE." I loved the country farmhouse decor. When I picked out my pretty little stockings, well they were patchwork, burgundy and green. Although I have kind of outgrown the old country style, I still love my stockings. I had written our names on the back with fabric paint and then put the date. Every year, I still paint the date on. I was once told that it was silly, that I would know how old they were by the first date written and that I didn't have to put the year on every year. But, there is something sentimental to me about doing it this way. When I write the numbers out, it is like I am saying a "thank you" for another Christmas shared together. I imagine one day having the whole back of the stocking filled with numbers representing all the different years we have not only shared, but "survived" together.

My kids have cute stockings too. Kayla has a snowman on hers, while Jordan has a reindeer. Again, every year I write the date on the back... (sorry, not my best photography, but I'm running late tonight.)

Happy December 8Th!

As you hang your stocking this year, remember to say a special "thanks" for another year spent with those you love.

As for your comments? I would love to know your family tradition with your stockings. Also if you have a suggestion on where I should hang mine this year, I would love to hear it!