The Stockings

When I was little Mum made us stockings, using the one Elizabeth made for Dad as a pattern, and repairing his well-worn one while she was at it. These were of red and white felt, with glitter, and were magical to hang out at Christmas. As time passes, so does felt, and we also began to have trouble finding things that were the right shape to fit in a stocking. So one year Mum bought some Christmas fabric, sewed it into drawstring bags that were easy to get your hand into when searching for lollies, and sewed what was left of the now-worn stockings to those. Here they are hung up on the fireplace, which provides both space heating and hot water in winter. We wouldn't dream of using it at this time of year though.

The tree is a homegrown pine from a group planted just down below the house, some for nuts, some for their potential Christmas tree value. It is hung with a minimum of decoration, as whatever we put on it tends to come off pretty quick. Especially the candy canes, courtesy of Grandma Swain (Elizabeth).

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