It's funny to think about how some family holiday traditions got started and
then seem to perpetuate themselves endlessly. In 1983, I bought new Christmas
stockings for my boys (then the oldest aged 2 and the youngest aged 2 months).
These were not just any old holiday stockings, these were special. The biggest
I could find. In a world that just doesn't seem to notice the little things or
kindnesses anymore, going all out at Christmastime, celebrating in a big way, was
my attempt (and still is to a smaller degree) to break all the rules, and honor
the greatest gift, by giving big to my kids. I should say that my kids grew up
without a father, and as a single mom, finances did not always warrant a big
Christmas celebration, but I somehow managed to pull it off year after year. This
was the one time of the year that my kids did not have to do without. I sacrificed
many things in other areas of my life during the year, just to ensure that the
kids would have a magical and wonderous Christmastime.

Well, back to these gigantic stockings.... still here some 24 years later, and
when it comes to filling these monstrosities, I have to scratch my head and
wonder what in the world was I thinking? My stocking stuffing technique is pretty
much the same as it always was... not because I didn't try to change things up.
One year, after the boys had reached adulthood, I neglected to purchase the traditional
M n M filled candy cane. I did not think I would hear the end of it. I never realized
the ritualistic importance of the holiday traditions that we developed as a family.

So, as I wrap up the traditional MnM candy canes.... ready with 5 grocery bags full of stocking
stuffers (for 5 monster stockings).... I remember the times when I had to sacrifice
to bring gifts to my loved ones. Today, there is not much sacrifice, well maybe just
postpone buying that new lens for a bit, but I am warmed by the memories, and in my
own way, the Christmas giving is really all about honoring that greatest gift and
sacrifice made so very long ago.