The Christmas stocking is a wonderful tradition of the holidays. What would Christmas be like without that feeling on Christmas Eve when the children hang their stockings out for Santa Claus?

A Brief History of the Christmas Stocking

The Christmas stocking is a particularly enjoyable part of holiday celebrations and traditions. The practice of hanging up stockings is said to have originated with St. Nicholas. While trying to help a poor man who needed a dowry for his daughter, he tossed a bag of gold through the mans window. The bag landed in a young ladys stocking that was hung up to dry.

Others believe the practice of hanging Christmas stockings started in Holland. Children would leave their shoes outside to be filled with toys from Sinter Klaus. Over the years, the shoes (clogs) were replaced with stockings.

The beautifully crafted creations of today are a far cry from the socks of my own childhood - which are still used today by my children. Despite their misshapen, stretched and generally saddened condition, these stockings that they've had since childhood are brought out with glee each year by my children.

Why not create similar treasured gifts as presents for your friends and family this festive season?

Creating Heirloom Christmas Stockings

Handmade Christmas stockings are the stockings that are most cherished. There is nothing more wonderful than making or receiving a handmade Christmas stocking from a friend or relative. Handmade Christmas stockings can be knitted, cross-stitched, crocheted, embroidered, quilted or made from felt, silk, velvet, or other fabrics.

How to Make a Christmas Stocking

Craft stores and Internet sites sell Christmas stocking patterns or kits for you to use to make your own stockings.

Trace an existing Christmas stocking onto cardboard to use as a pattern. Add 1 all around for seams and 3 at the top to fold under. Felt is the most common material used because it does not ravel, so you dont need to hem it.

However, if you sew, you can use almost any material. You can pink the edges of felt for decoration or add colorful cuffs. A size 14 needle and 100% polyester thread works well. If you sew by hand, sew around at least twice for strength. Cut out two stockings using your pattern. Put the right sides together and sew around, except for the top. Trim the inside seams. Turn the stocking right-side-out. Turn the top 3 to the inside and sew in place. Add a loop for hanging. Decorate as you wish.

These personalized gifts will be treasured and carefully packed away after the Christmas season only to be brought out carefully each year.