Coming from a very traditional German back-ground, Christmas Eve was always the night that Saint Nicholas came. Consequently, December 24th is the night that we open our gifts. However, Christmas day is when we open stockings, and that tradition has continued through the generations.

Our stockings are filled with the requisite nuts and oranges, but it is anyone's guess as to what else may be lurking in the stocking. Wanting to be creative as well as frugal, there are simple ways to make stocking stuffing fun and inexpensive for everyone.

•  Go to the dollar store. Kids crafts, small balls, stickers, coloring books, tools, gloves, kitchen supplies and nail polish. You name it, you'll find it.

•  Everyone needs batteries. But together baggies of AA, and AAA; the most commonly used batteries.

•  Get packages of teas and cocoa, and tie them together for a nice variety pack that can be used on a "cold winter's night".

•  Go to your local thrift store and rummage around.

•  Write some of your favorite recipes on recipe cards and tie them together with a mini Wisk or wooden spoon.

•  Pick up various cards (birthday, anniversary, sorry-you-are-sick, etc) at a dollar or discount store. Someone will love having these "all occasion" cards ready-to-go when needed. If you are feeling extra generous, put a stamp on each envelope!

•  Do you have extra "free samples" you got in the mail or hotel bottles of shampoo, mouth-wash, or lotion you've collected but not used? Everyone loves these for their own travel. Stuff those in the stockings.

•  Warm, fuzzy socks. Who wants to wear shoes if they don't have to? My grandsons always get a pair!

•  Write a poem or special thought for each person receiving a stocking.

•  Make up IOU cards that can be redeemed by the recipient. Some examples may be: Free foot rub; Coloring day with grandma; One dozen of your favorite cookies; Red Box movie night; Trip to the library; Sleep over with grandma and grandpa; etc.

Have fun! Be creative! And don't forget to laugh.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanakah!

For Everyone

Socks, Underwear, Etc.: OK, not the most exciting stocking stuffer. But almost everyone needs these - and you can score great drugstore or dollar store deals if you watch the sales.