My mother knew how to make Christmas truly magic. Even when we knew where the presents really came from, she still hid them and brought them down late Christmas Eve after we'd all gone to bed. In the morning, we came down to discover beautifully decorated packages, the tree lit and our stockings filled. When I was 10 my mother made stockings for all of us, each with parts she sewed on by hand. As new family members are added, she continues to craft the stockings. Mine is still hung, though I am now far past age 10, by the chimney with care every Christmas Eve.