Christmas Stocking-stuffers

When I was growing up, my family always opened gifts on Christmas Eve after a big Christmas Eve dinner and an hour or two of playing family games (I think this is a Minnesota thing, not totally sure).  Since our main event, so to speak, occurred on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning consisted mostly of stocking-stuffers and a big Christmas Day breakfast.

Believe it or not (most people think this is crazy), I never believed in Santa Clause (my parents never encouraged believing in a fictional obese white man for the sake of fun... can you believe their nerve?!).  And honestly, I just don't understand the Christmas jazz around Santa.  I will likely continue this non-belief with my someday children (I want them to celebrate the real reason for the season!). I know, I know, you probably think I am a grinch with no Christmas spirit, BUT this just isn't the case.  Trust me, I am a Christmas-freak... :)

Are there any other non-Santa believers out there?  We gotta stick together!  I would be interested to know how Santa Clause ties into other people's Christmas traditions. I just don't understand the whole Santa thing... why put any emphasis on anything but the birth of Jesus Christ? 

ANYWAY, since all of our gifts were opened on Christmas Eve, stockings were the highlight of Christmas morning... those were our "Santa" gifts. ;)  Even now, John and I continue our stocking-stuffer tradition.  Below you'll find some of our favorite gifts to receive as stocking-stuffers.

For her:

1. Nail polish
2. Earrings 
3. Perfume
4. Starbucks gift card
5. Scarves

 

For him:

1. Smartwool socks
2. Fly fishing flies
3. Cologne
4. Nalgene
5. Pocket knife

For the four-legged family members:

1. Stuffed duck
2. Himalayan dog chew
3. Bully stick (gross, but they love 'em)
4. Orvis Shotshell collar
5. Everlasting treat ball

      

For more favorite stocking-stuffers, check out the below link-up!!