Anyone who remotely knows me OR has kept an eye on my website since the start knows I LOVE Christmas! The magic of the chill in the air, finding the perfect gift for those I love, the whimsy decore, and the beauty of the season, embracing our fellow man, it all stirs happiness in me, no matter how insane and expensive this time of year gets.

I have a ton of precious memories from this holiday thanks to my family and friends. One that is dear to me and that my mom started (we still do) are stocking stuffers. I recall the traditions start well. When I was seven, we were in the middle of moving houses. I was worried Santa wouldn’t find us. So, I got giant paper bags you get at stores and colored them with designs of Power Rangers (the popular show that my three-year-old bro-bro and I were only starting to like…LOL! Yeah, right!) I taped them on the glass cabinet my mom I, first grade me thinking I did an excellent job. We woke up Christmas morning and our bags with thumb rings were gone. I was upset until I found a letter on a large box that said Santa sent our gifts to grandmas house and that he loved us.

Then, hanging on my mom’s cabinet, were two large red fuzzy stocks with a hidden front, deep pocket, a little bear stitched into them (mine is a panda; Miles has a light brown grizzly bear). The top is soft and white as snow, everything lush and full of magic. And the stocking was OVERFLOWING! We even got Power Ranger VHS tapes in there! It is a perfect way we always start our Christmases with small, thoughtful gifts, the warmth and excitement for the season radiating.

I continue this with Derrick and his family too, and of course, my momma, my lovely role model for holiday cheer.

I wanted to share this tradition, a peek of my life, and joyous times with you. ^_^ Below are the normal things I get from my mom, Derrick, or his family.

No matter how you celebrate its month, I wish you lots of love, joy, and safety to you and your loved ones. You are all treasures.

Top 12 Stocking Stuffer Christmas Gifts:

Annual new ornament
Snacks: slim Jims, chips, sweets
Flavored Chapsticks
CD
Keychain
Jewelry (usually necklace)
Batteries
Pokémon cards
Small gift cards
Small Ortirental goodie
Useful small gadget (flashlight, life, phone, car, hankie)
Money

Miles and I with our stockings we have had since I was seven, him three. Mom got Derrick the penguin one (he LOVES penguins) over ten years ago. This photo was taken in 2019! They still look pretty good, eh? 😉