To be a bit sad I’ve never received a Christmas stocking?

[Jumpeduppantry]

I know, very much a minor thing in the grand scheme and all that. But I grew up in a very isolated family (no grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins) and parents with very firm ideas about the importance of not spoiling children.
We were never told about Santa (as in, being given to believe in it), never had Christmas stockings, very limited presents that were never wrapped (wasteful), not allowed a selection box (too indulgent) or annuals (considered unsuitable).
We did get presents, but always limited and very sensible. I appreciate that plenty of kids receive worse but it always seemed a bit miserable especially when I got older and realised what friends experience was like. Looking back now it just feels such a shame and sad that this was a choice, not anything about affordability.
I have tried to do things very differently with my kids, not OTT but making Christmas fun and sparkly (and Santa came to our house when the kids were little). I still do stockings for them even now they’re adults (which I think they like).
It just struck me as a little sad that I’ve never had a stocking for me.
I need to get a grip, obviously!

Gosh, I felt a bit teary reading your post. You have every right to feel sad about the lack of magic in your own childhood Christmases. What joyless occasions they sound. Like you, I still do stockings for my adult children. It makes me happy. I think you should treat yourself to an advent calendar from your favourite shop/product whether it is nice chocolates, cosmetics, candles or tea. Really enjoy the ceremony of opening it every day and give yourself a bit of your own magic.

Me too!! I love doing stockings, it really would be a pleasure

My stocking had small gifts from under the tree from relatives in, like socks from an Auntie mixed with some from Father Christmas. I was happy enough, but it was a slightly strange mix. I don't think my parents had all that much money for bits and pieces gifts. My main present under the tree was from FC though.

Nowadays I love doing the stocking for my dd, we do just say anything we buy for her, main or stocking, is from FC. Could you do a little treat one dor yourself? If you buy and wrap now and you're anything like me you'll forget and surprise yourself by then anyway!

This is a brilliant way to introduce your DC to what Christmas is really about, bring them in on the secret snd let them discover the joy of giving. Enjoy xx

OP, have a good cry in the bath and then have a cup of tea or something stronger. Sometimes you just need to process unprocessed emotions that have been creeping up on you unexpectedly. It's natural to be sad that your parents, who were responsible for making your childhood wonderful, didn't put the effort in.

Then tell your kids that what you'd really like for Christmas would be a stocking jointly from them.

Be the parent you needed for yourself. Why don’t you buy yourself a stocking, or exchange them with a partner if you have one?

Stockings were a huge part of my childhood and I’ve no qualms about telling my DH to do me a stocking! No plastic tat, it’s chocolate, bubble bath, make up, a paper back book, sprays I like, etc… but he does make the effort (I do have to remind him though 🤣).

I also make my own stocking one year 🤣🤣🤣 I made it in April so I had completely forgotten what was in it come December. I was single and living alone in London. BEST STOCKING EVER!!

@namechange3651 aww thanks for the really kind offer. Unfortunately I cannot access any DMs even on the website. It’s lovely of you to offer (the knitting sounds great) but honestly, I couldn’t accept. x

I always forget what i buy too!!

Can you and a friend exchange stockings?

You are worthy of being treated and you don’t have to get over it.

I don’t give a shit if your husband wouldn’t be keen on doing you a stocking. Insist on it. Explain to him how it’s important to you, however daft he might think it is.

And you might want to consider how the feeling of not being worth/deeserving being treated is being continued by his behaviour.