How WIll Santa Fill Your Christmas Stocking?

"'Twas the night 

before 

Christmas, when all 

through the house

Not a creature 

was stirring, not 

even a mouse. The 

stockings were hung

by the chimney with 

care in hopes that 

St. Nicholas soon 

would be there."









Once you hear anyone reciting words from that famous 19th century poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," you know the holidays are well on their way! We dust off the holiday decorations, deck the halls, bake the cookies, sing some carols, wrap the gifts and hang the stockings. One of my daughters thinks emptying out the stocking on Christmas morning is the best part.  In fact, for her, it beats out any big box under the tree.  Ah, the little things in life.  So glad she appreciates them.

What's Your Stocking Theme?

A little bit of this and a little bit of that is always fun to fill a Christmas stocking, but consider another idea. Try creating a stocking theme for your fillers this year that may point that special someone in the healthier lifestyle direction.  Start with some of these ideas that even an elf from Santa's workshop would be happy to create:


For the teenager that spends her allowance at Target down the cosmetics aisle . . . turn her to the light!  Give her a stocking full of chemical-free beauty aides like paraben-free lotions, lip balms, shampoo and other cosmetics. Brands to consider are Burt Bees and Juice Beauty - two I use a lot.  Check out their websites here and here.  Another great source for ideas is this detailed cosmetic database to refer to when purchasing safer cosmetics. You could also introduce her to 5-free nail polish  - free from the toxic chemicals most of them include. And, if there is room, a few new make-up brushes would be nice as well.


For the wannabe exercise fanatic . . . roll up a fitness magazine, a jump rope, yoga blocks, running socks, great quality golf or tennis balls, new workout shirt - you get the idea. - whatever form of exercise they like or want to like.  An introductory session with a trainer or lesson in the sport they love or want to learn would work well, too.


For one going off to college or already there. . . tuck in a lottery ticket to pay for it, mini-sewing kit, flashlight and small hammer, stamps, quarters for laundry and some dye-free detergent. A great item to add is a water bottle with flavor infusion. Introduce him or her to some healthy snacks like gogi berries, various nuts and seeds, a jar of raw honey to use as a sweetener, green tea, etc.

For the child that loves family activities . . . pop in some tickets to an outdoor skating rink, roller rink, sledding course or other favorite outdoor sporting place.  Top it off with a new pair of mittens or stocking hat to enjoy at the rink. Provide enough tickets for the entire family and let him or her plan the date and time that everyone can make it.


For the one who always has a nose in a cookbook . . . let him or her play with some new spices like in this highly-rated Etsy shop kit or make up your own like I did here.  Add a nifty julienne peeler like this one to make those salads extra pretty.  Tuck in on a card, a code for an E-book you have purchased from one of the many talented food bloggers out there creating healthy cooking E-books.












For the one who is always putting the kettle on . . .  fill the stocking with three or so new teas mixes for him or her to try. Top it off with a stainless steel tea infuser like this one and a new mug.


For the stressed out student, work-a-holic or multi-tasker . . . place in the stocking a relaxing CD or playlist you create and then load on their iPod, a mini-session with a masseuse, or book on meditation or inspiring stories.


And if you listen closely on that magical Eve, you just may hear some noise on the roof. . .

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Note: I have received no payment for linking to any products in this post. 

tea kettle: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27089900@N00/2834643153/">Vélocia</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
ice skates: photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariacasa/6623520893/">mariacasa</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a>