The Stockings Were Hung

George & I didn't grow up with many holiday traditions so it's been fun to try new things and create our own as the years go by.  Now with the addition of Milan we think it's even more important to create traditions that will define our family and last for years to come.  For example, her Memory Christmas Stocking that we hope will create a sentimental collage of all of her favorite childhood memories & interests.  Like a charm bracelet, each year we'll add one special item, ornament or keepsake to the stocking that best represents her love & passions for the year.  

This year (our first year) it's Elmo.  Milan just turned one and adores Elmo!  I found this small finger puppet online which fit the bill.  I used a safety pin to attach it to the stocking so that mementos could be easily moved and rearrange to accommodate brownie badges, sea shells and anything else she deems worthy as the years go by. 


The memory stocking idea dawned on me last year as I was shopping for just the right Christmas stocking for Milan.   I just couldn't find the right one, they were all too theme-y, trendy or ordinary.  After all a "Baby's First Christmas" stocking is only relevant that first year, and who knows if she'll be into Frosty or Rudolph when she's 5.  I wanted something special that would last,  and saw this as an opportunity to create something truly unique.  


Only time will tell if this new tradition will stick, but for now we'll have fun telling the story of her childhood through a Christmas stocking!

CC