There was once a rather creative, clever lady who made Christmas stockings. The stockings were felt applique completely embroidered, beaded, sequined. Each stocking was personalized in gold. They were absolutely beautiful. She made these incredible stockings for her family, for friends' children when they married and their children. Her closest friends and their children, grandchildren ALL had them. One day, her daughter (who had one of the original creations, of course) married. The lady made the most beautiful "Father Christmas" creation! Her new son-in-law and his family were extremely impressed to be sure! For six years, his stocking glowed as it hung next to her daughter's. With the addition of three stockings (children) the mantle in their home glistened with the twinkling of the sequins and beads on their stockings. After six years, the young parents divorced. Mom and the children took the family's Christmas stockings during the move.
Two years later, the "stocking lady's" daughter remarried. The gentleman was a rather affluent Doctor who had heard about the beautiful handiwork of the family's Christmas stockings. For his son, the lady made an adorable stocking. With a little action of a seam ripper, careful manipulation, extra gold thread, the original four letter name on the Father Christmas stocking became the latest spouse and step-dad's six letter totally different name. He was thrilled when he saw the stocking! He was so flattered that she made him his own, gorgeous piece of art! With pride, he bragged about the stocking to his family, patients and friends. He felt accepted, loved because of the time and thought that went into the creation! Unfortunate circumstances took the Doctor from the little family.
Two years later, the "stocking lady's" daughter remarried. The gentleman was the financial adviser to the doctor. On their first Christmas, he had mentioned that he had heard, but not seen, stories about the beautiful Christmas stockings that the family had. With a little action of a seam ripper, careful manipulation, extra gold thread, the second six letter name on the Father Christmas stocking became the latest spouse and step-dad's four letter totally different name. He was thrilled when he saw the stocking! He was so flattered that she made him his own, gorgeous piece of art! With pride, he bragged about the stocking to his clients, friends. He felt accepted, loved because of the time and thought that went into the creation! The lady's daughter and granddaughter winked and giggled.
Many families have treasured heirlooms, traditions that dance through the years, especially during the Christmas season! We have priceless trinkets, ornaments. We share precious memories, Stocking is worth a mention, a smile, a knowing nod and binds this family. Possibly the third marriage is the charm. However, the lady never leaves home without her seam ripper. The creativity and ability to manipulate with an unending supply of gold thread, can be manifested in any number of names, with any number of letters. The lady, the daughter, the grandchildren know and share the Secret of The Perpetual Christmas Stocking.
