Hang Your Stocking With Care

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again at Christmas-time"

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tis days before Christmas and all through my house, everything is in order in anticipation of the big man himself. My stocking is hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that he soon will be there....

The custom of hanging stockings by the chimney evolved from the Dutch tradition of leaving shoes by the fireplace for St. Nicholas to fill. Shoes changed to socks, and socks turned to stockings "hung with care" on the mantle...

As a little girl I loved the tradition of hanging my Christmas stocking on the mantel of our fireplace. It was a red and white knit stocking, but what made it so dear to me was that it was made with tender care and attention by my beloved grandma. I cherished that stocking... and the sight of it hanging from our brick fireplace was pure magic to me. It meant the days to Christmas morning was counting down one by one...

Here are some inspirations to commemorate the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings on the mantel...


(Top Picture): A mix of white-on-white stockings adds a touch of elegance to the mantel from BHG



Lattice jeweled stockings hang from a festive cranberry, green and white mantel from PB



Colourful stockings decorate a white fireplace in a bright and festive room from BHG




Elegant white stockings in an elegant white room from PB



Pink patterned socks in a pretty pink and white room from BHG



Simple long socks drape off a mantel by Country Living

Bright stockings complement a colourful, homey space from BHG


Traditional red and white patterned socks and a charming room by BHG

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Lots of PB velvet stockings all lined in a row... in hopes St Nick will soon have his big sack in tow...


A mix of red and white stockings dangle beautifully off a fireplace from BHG



This brightly decorated mantel lends a tropical feel to the room with Hawaiian-print cotton fabric stockings by Sunset




PB stockings hang from peace sign hooks on the mantel. P.S. - Be sure to put the fire out before Santa comes down the ole chimney..



White socks and ivory candles in a classic space by BHG

A stone hearth and lace edged stockings make this setting warm and inviting from BHG

Cityline mantel all decked out in greenery and baubles ... but wait, where are the socks? Don't forget to put them out....


Or, no socks to hang... will mittens do??


Oh, and remember to put out a snack for Santa (customary cookies and milk) and carrots for his hard-working reindeer... and hope fervently for him to replace our offering with gifts of goodness! Makes up for all that naughtiness.... teehee

~