Themed Stockings Add Festive Flair To Holiday Tradition (NAPSA)—Tradition holds that, long ago on a very cold evening, Saint Nicholas threw three pouches of gold coins down the chimney of a home where three poor sisters lived. According to the legend, the pouches landed inside three stockings left on the fireplace to dry. Ever since then, children have been hanging stock- ings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that they may have the samefortune. While today’s holiday stockings rarely contain gold coins, a new tradition has emerged to create themed stockings for loved ones of all ages. If you plan to play Santa and stuff a stocking this year, here are some themesto consider: Everyday Essentials with a Seasonal Twist. There’s nothing wrong with filling the stocking with practical stuff, but make it more fun by choosing items with some holiday flair. For example, add a snowman—or nutcrackershaped Crest SpinBrush electric toothbrush along with a pair of wild red or green socks. Then, instead of candy, fill the toe with winter essentials like vitamin C drops and lip balm. Celebrating the Inner Peter Pan. For the child at heart who refuses to grow up, stuff the stock- ing with gifts that celebrate youth at any age, such as bouncy Super Balls, bubbles, a 64-pack of crayons, a coloring book and modeling clay. And it never hurts to toss in a classic comic book. Bookworm Bonanza. The holidays are a great time to curl up by the fire and catch up on your reading. Pack a stocking ie ie hes } a all with the paperback releases of the year’s best-selling novels, then add some munchies and—depend- ing on the age—a pair of reading glasses. For a personal touch, cre- ate some handmade bookmarks. Preparing to Go Homefor the Holidays. If friends or loved ones will be traveling during the holidays, give them anearly gift by presenting them with a travelthemed stocking. Include travel versions of classic games, a book of Sudoku puzzles and a holiday CD that can be added to their MP3 player. If they are traveling by plane, add a few small toys that can be shared with any fussy child who may be assigned to a seat near them. So as you don your Santa’s hat and start planning stockings for your loved ones, remember that creativity can be as valuable as gold coins when making a memorable holiday stocking.
