We had knee socks for stockings til I was about 5. My older sister would wake us up about 5:30 but we weren't allowed downstairs til 6 so we'd lay on our stomachs and peer down the stairs at the clock in the living room. The stockings contained a very precious orange or tangerine, maybe LifeSavers, hair clips, mini deck of cards (Old Maid, Go Fish), and socks. We'd start pestering Mom and Dad to get up about 7 am. With 6 children they didn't get much sleep. and poor Santa often worked late into the night putting together some things for my brother. I still have the granny square stocking my Mom made for my 1st married Christmas. I'm not in the mood for Christmas decorating this year, but thanks to this thread I think I'll bring out the stocking and a lighted ceramic tree my sister made me.