My object is a stocking others may know as a Christmas sock or gift sack. It is a large oversized sock that many people hang over their fireplace or wall during Christmas. Many stockings are unique and are customized ranging from different textures colors sizes, and many include your name on it to differentiate from each other. Often they are made from fabrics like cotton or wool or maybe even knitted. Stockings are used to be filled with small gifts or candy like candy canes, chocolates, fuzzy socks or mini toys to open on Christmas Day along with your presents. I’ve always known about stockings. Every Christmas since I was born I have had the same one with an angel and my name on it. It has a shimmery gold fabric that wraps around the top that sparkles like stars in the night. Everyone in my family has a stocking that is different and unique. The stocking can be similar to ofrendas (day of the dead), dreidels (Hanukkah), Fanoos (Ramadan) and so many other important objects in other cultures or religious holidays that have a deep purpose for individuals. What I think people should understand about stockings is that they are not just about getting presents, but to remember the symbolism and magic of Christmas and spending it with family. The stocking can teach young children who believe in Santa Claus to be good all year or they will receive coals in their stocking if they have been bad. My family’s story can be similar to other families across the world because we all share that holiday magic feeling when we hang them up and open them on Christmas morning!

– Audrey parker

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more