Poems about Christmas written by many famous and unknown poets all around the world promote and reveal the true spirit of this Christmas festivity. Many of the Christmas poems have been even modified into Christmas carols with the addition of music to them.

For children, Christmas is a magical time when dreams and wishes come true. Children have for centuries hung their stockings by the fire with care hoping that St. Nick would soon be there to stuff each stocking with sweet surprises. With restless anticipation, children hang their Christmas stockings over the fireplace in hopes that they will be filled with treasures by Christmas morning. Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that Santa will know which stocking belongs to which family member.

A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that children hang on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins, or other small gifts when he arrives. The spirit of Santa Claus remains in our hearts and the childlike wonder is renewed every Christmas. What childhood memory is more cherished than on Christmas morning when the first order of business was to check the Christmas stockings for goodies from Santa!

Other Places to display stockings are:

By tradition, the stocking is hung on the fireplace mantel, but, since many contemporary homes do not have fireplaces, stockings may be hung in almost any location.

1. Stockings tied to the back of dining room chairs create inviting, unique "place cards" that guests are sure to cherish.

2. Stockings along stair rails, headboards and footboards of beds, door knobs, and even on Christmas trees!

Stockings are ranging from classic to modern, whimsical to elegant; quality stockings make gifts that are appreciated by people of all ages. The stockings can be stuffed from the top of the cuff to the toe which measures approximately 20 inches. The width of the stocking measures approximately 7 ½ inches.

Christmas stockings are supposed to have the gifts given by Santa Claus. The other gifts are wrapped in present papers and placed near the Christmas tree. It is believed that a child who misbehaves during the year will not get a gift in their Christmas stocking. In many traditions the Christmas stocking is to be stuffed by a gift that will stimulate the five sensory organs.

The gift given by Santa Claus would be something to eat, a thing that makes a sound and gives a pleasant view to the eyes or gift which has a lovely fragrance.