Christmas stockings are often, these days, used as part of the Christmas decorations. Let's face it, there are some lovely Christmas stockings available, so it is little wonder that we incorporate them into our Christmas frills. However, especially if your Christmas stockings are going to be functional and gather the treats that Santa leaves you, ideally they need to be hung somewhere appropriate.

Traditionally Christmas stockings were hung at the fireplace, for ease of access by Father Christmas, or Santa as you may call him. This was perfect when Santa used to be able to get down your chimney. In recent times though fireplaces have tended to die out, and many newly built homes never have one in the first place. This may not only cause Santa access problems but may leave you in a bit of a quandary as to where to hang those festive stockings.

The bottom of your bed.

Obviously with the changing times Santa's magic has had to adapt and so he is fully able to enter your home, in order to leave your presents, whether you have a fireplace and chimney, or not. His magical means of entry ensures that he does not have to waste time finding you and your Christmas stocking. Fair enough, if you have no stocking, or are receiving large gifts, he will probably have to leave these under your Christmas tree. However, a Christmas stocking is perfect for those smaller gifts.

As children we never left our Christmas stockings on the fireplace, as we always had a real fire burning in the grate, during those winter long months. Our Christmas stockings were all hung at the bottom of our beds. This was lovely and began a household tradition. Before we crept downstairs on Christmas morning we would investigate what had been left by Santa, in our Christmas stockings.

If you have a suitable headboard or bedstead you may be able to hang your stocking at the bed's head. This gives you the best chance of catching Santa as he goes about his business. After all he is rather hard to pin down and is notoriously elusive.

As a design feature.

If you have decorative Christmas stockings there are quite a few places where you can display them. Consider:

-Along the side of the staircase.

-Perhaps on the balustrade.

-The dining table may be perfect.

-Large pieces of furniture such as Welsh dressers may also fit the bill.

-Any sort of shelves.

-A coat rack or row of hooks may display Christmas stockings well.

Have a really good look around your home. If you have a Dado Rail, or the like, your Christmas Stocking may look good adorning this. If the stockings are not too heavy you may be able to hang them from your Christmas tree. This depend on the size of your tree and what will be going in your Christmas stocking.

Nowhere really is out of bounds for a Christmas stocking. As always the choice is yours. However remember to consider any health and safety issues, especially fire, before you finally place them in your home. Check just what material your Christmas stocking is made from. Make sure that all Christmas stockings are well away from any heat source and those beautiful, twinkling Christmas lights, which could alos be a fire hazard.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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