Kathy Ranta, Coon Rapids: My mom sewed my Christmas stocking. It is the only one I have ever had. I am 54 years old and the stocking has traveled with me to all the places I’ve lived — even North Pole, Alaska! Santa has always found me and filled my stocking with presents and treats. None of my other Christmas decorations have more meaning to me than my homemade red flannel stocking.

Published December 19, 2006