Mom’s Flat Christmas Stocking

The other day I saw an entire online community discussion about the “empty stocking club” and women were all chiming in about how their stockings were empty, and how sad they were because neither their kids nor their partner had filled them.

My holiday tip today is: if you don’t want an empty stocking, fill the dang thing. I start early in the holiday season and buy myself little things - so far a pair of earrings and a few cute charms to add to a necklace. I put them in the stocking as soon as they arrive (online shopping for the win) and by the time we open stockings on Christmas day, it’s usually a genuine surprise because I’ve sort of forgotten what I bought myself in the first place. I always love the contents and get exactly what I want!

“But I want my husband and kids to notice that I want a stocking, and get me stuff and fill it up!”

Why? If what you want to feel is seen and loved and cared for, give that to yourself. OR ask your husband/partner or kids for what you want. I’m a single mom and if I really wanted my kids to fill my stocking, I’d take them to the store and give them some money and let them go for it.

If you don’t celebrate Christmas or don’t have stockings, there is still a lesson here. Waiting for someone to notice and do what you want them to do without telling them is just setting yourself up for failure. Ask for what you want, or get yourself what you want.

PS  For more on how to change the people in your life, check out Episode 16 of my podcast! If you're ready to really let go of trying (and failing) to control the things you can't control anyway, coaching can help. Set up a free discovery session with me here.