With only a few more shopping days before Christmas morning arrives, hopefully, you have taken care of all of the major items on your gift list and can now turn your attention to the last-minute items and the ever-popular “stocking stuffers.” I reflect back fondly, to the early days when the three stockings, hand-knit by my Aunt Tutty, were hung on the fireplace mantle, and as my sister, brother, and I went off to bed on Christmas Eve, each wondering what treasures we might find in them the next morning.

The contents of my Christmas stockings were always special. A box or two of Nibs licorice bits, a few Slim Jims, Mary Janes, and some candy canes. If I was lucky, there might be a box of .22 ammunition for target practice, some flies or lures for fishing, and perhaps a subscription to Field & Stream or Outdoor Life. It was always a treasure trove of goodies!

Today, the Christmas stocking is still the last place to concentrate some interesting things that will help make the spirit of giving even more fun. Being more aware of healthy eating habits, these days, it is more likely to find homemade fruit rollups, venison snack sticks, and an apple in one’s stocking. Since I have had the good fortune of traveling a good deal and have seen and used some great gadgets and gear, allow me to make a few suggestions for your Christmas stockings.

One of the greatest “gadgets” that I discovered a number of years ago and have been thrilled with its results is the ThermaCell insect-repellant device. It is extremely effective in repelling mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, and other buzzing and annoying flying insects. I have been on spring gobbler hunts, which I may well have abandoned had it not been for my ThermaCell unit to rid the area of these unwanted pests. Gift-wrap one of the units and place it under the Christmas tree with the other gifts, then place several small boxes of the butane containers and/or scent pad replacement containers in a stocking.

Case, a knife maker based here in our home state of Pennsylvania, makes a large variety of knives for sportsmen. They produce quality knives of all shapes and sizes, many of which have special features specifically designed for use by hunters, fishermen, campers, or anyone who enjoys quality time in the outdoors. I don’t believe any outdoor enthusiast can ever have “too many” knives, and I don’t know any who wouldn’t be happy to find a new boxed Case knife in their Christmas stocking!

Stocking stuffers do not have to be expensive items. A small spray container of a shooter’s favorite gun oil, a clear plastic box with an assortment of trout flies, or a new lure for bass fishing will add nicely to the stocking. A combination unit that has a compass, a whistle, and a waterproof compartment for waterproof and windproof matches makes a great gift for any sportsman who just may find themselves caught out overnight unexpectedly (It happens, and being prepared with such a simple device might just be a lifesaver!).

Putting together a stocking full of things and hanging it from the fireplace mantle is a fun thing to do and is always something that adds to the joy of Christmas morning. Use your imagination and come up with some interesting small items based upon the interests of the person you are trying to make smile as they dig into the stocking to see what else might be there.

One last thing: don’t forget the “always-thoughtful and always-appreciated” gift certificate or gift card from the recipient’s favorite outdoor store. It is an easy item to include and something that can be used to purchase an item you may not have thought of.

Christmas morning means Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas,” Nat King Cole crooning “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” or listening to “Silent Night” as you awake to this very special day. And there is the aroma of bacon frying in a cast iron pan, hot chocolate warming over the stove, and the soothing warmth of a fire in the fireplace! Finally, along with all the other fine gifts placed under the Christmas tree, there is the fun bundle of surprises in the stockings hung by the chimney with care (in hopes that Saint Nicholas would soon be there!).

Here’s wishing each and every one of you “The Merriest Christmas Ever and a Happy and Healthy New Year!”