Hanging up our stockings is still an annual tradition in our family, even for the adults.
What makes ours a little different is that we moved that tradition from Christmas Eve. to St. Nicholas Eve back in 1983.
As my oldest children grew older, they became part of creating the magic for the younger children.
Once all the children were adults, we kept the magic intact by drawing names. Everyone contributes to to the stockings for the grandchildren and the nieces and nephews who are still young.
We used to keep the stocking gifts to twenty dollars, then twenty-dollars and so forth. But with inflation, that is hard to do. So we just keep the cost reasonable.
Abd everyone receives gold foil chocolate coins and candy canes, for which we pray this St. Nicholas blessing prayer before we enjoy them.
This year, with this past week being so busy for everyone (extra work duties, finals for Timothy and Daniel, WriteOn Joliet anthology release party for us all), we moved the actual celebration to Sunday when everyone had a few hours to gather.
Jasmine drew my name. Here is what "St. Nicholas" brought me this year.
A cat-shaped tote bag.
Cat socks
Three at pawprint keepsakes for Midnight, Faith and Senna
And new incense in scents that smell amazing
Although it's wonderful to set asides days for gift giving and celebration, we can give to others with joy in our hearts any day of the week.
As we begin this new week, may we all look for those opportunities.
Happy Monday!
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