Holidays

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THE INCREDIBLE CHRISTMAS STOCKING
By Stevie A. McHugh

The first time I got a Christmas stocking was such an incredible experience; it changed my life forever.

The oversized hand-knit stocking was made just for me. It was white, frilly, and trimmed on the top with tiny silver bells and a big red bow.

My mouth hung open in awe between gasps of delight at the sight of the gift-filled Christmas stocking. It was bulging in every direction, with presents spilling over the top. It was like being presented with a treasure chest.

I took my time opening the lovingly wrapped surprises. There was an awesome pad of personalized stationery. It seemed that every item had been selected especially for me: a packet of chubby highlighters, a mini-Bible key chain, lime green slipper socks, an antique-looking Timex watch, my favorite candies, and a beautiful oriental fan were just a few of the many treasures hidden within.

A small journal was also inside. The first chance I got, I curled up in a chair and tried to capture the moment on paper:
“Christmas Day, 1979. Here I am, 21 years old, and I feel that I’ve only just experienced Christmas the way it’s meant to be -- Christmas tree, family, stocking, and all.”

Twenty-five years later to the day, my grown daughters and I sat around the Christmas tree amidst the presents and torn wrapping paper. The three of them said there is one thing about me that they all agree on. “No one does Christmas as good as you do, Mom.”

It doesn’t seem fitting for me to take credit for that high compliment, though. All I’ve done is try to recreate the occasion when I got that first incredible Christmas stocking from my mother and father-in-law.

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