HANG UP THE BABY'S STOCKING
Hang up the baby's stocking,
Be sure you don't forget,
The dear little dimpled darling
Has never seen Christmas yet.
But I've told her about it
And she opened her big, bright eyes,
I'm sure she understands it,
She looked so funny and wise.
But look at the baby's stocking!
Why anything so small
For such a darling baby
Would just hold nothing at all!
I know what I'll do for baby,
I've thought of the very best plan!
I'll borrow a stocking from Grandma
The longest that ever I can.
And you'll hang it by mine, dear Mother,
Right here in the corner so,
And write a letter to Santa
And fasten it onto the toe.
Write: "This is the baby's stocking
That hangs in the corner here,
You've never seen her, Santa,
For she only came this year.
But she's just the blessedest baby,
And now before you go,
Just fill her stocking with goodies
From the top clean down to the toe.
My Aunt Ethel, my dad's sister, sent this poem to me the year Milo was born (1977). She wrote: "This little song has been in the Dobson family for as long as I can remember and was sung to each baby who had just entered the family circle. I remember we sang it to Vance (my dad) and Shirley (the youngest), and I feel sure it was also sung to me." An online search revealed the original poem was written by Emily Huntington Miller and published as sheet music by Oliver Ditson and Company in 1870. The words are a little different than those Aunt Ethel wrote from memory. KW
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteIt was so sweet of you to send this poem to Emmy. It was a highlight for me and very thoughtful. I will be sure to place it in her baby book for her to remember and look back on for many years to come.
Kelly
Hi Kelly! You know, I never gave that poem a second thought when I received it -- just tucked it away. This is the first year it clicked with me that this old tradition should be shared. I credit the worldwide web with sparking the curiosity to follow through. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Love, KW
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