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We have a family tradition in the Doyle clan.
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My Nanny Jean (my dad’s mom) knit Christmas Stockings for each new member of the family.  So if you were lucky enough to be born into our clan (yes we really believe that) or if you were lucky enough to be married into our clan, you got a stocking knit by our Nan.  She took pride in them.  People loved getting them.  You felt like she approved of you if you got one of her stockings.  They usually only went to family members.  Carly asked Nanny one year to knit one for a boyfriend.  Nanny did and the boyfriend didn’t stand the test of time.  I’ll have to ask Carly whatever happened to that stocking.  Did she get it back like you would an engagement ring?  In our family it is just as valuable.

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Anyway, Carly and I have been recruited to be the Christmas Stocking knitters now.  Nanny just isn’t up to it.
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I knit stockings for 2 new “outlaws” this year.  Matt and Justin. Matt married my step sister Jenny.  They had an awesome wedding in Breezy Point.  Beautiful right?
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You can really let your hair down at a destination wedding.  I seem to remember doing just that.  You’ll have to ask Carly:)
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Aimee and Carly

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I am also knitting a stocking for Justin, my cousin Bridget’s new husband.  That was another FUN wedding!
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bridget and Justin

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I mean for REALS!!!  How great is this picture?
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I seem to remember having a blast at this wedding too…
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Aimee and Carly

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Carly is lucky enough to knit the stocking for Ruth.  She married Jake and they had a beautiful wedding too.
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Jake and Ruth

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For some crazy reason, I can’t seem to find a photo of my face smashed next to Carly’s from our party with Jake and Ruth.  I am sure there is one out there somewhere:)  There always seems to be.
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Anyway.  I have decided that I LOVE knitting these Christmas Stockings and I can see why our Nanny Jean loved it so much.
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Matt and Justin Stockings

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They aren’t like knitting a hat or mittens or sweater.  No one will complain that it is too itchy.  It probably won’t get lost.  You can’t out grow it.  I like to imagine Bridget and Jen and Ruth pulling out the Christmas decorations each year and taking joy in hanging up the hand knit stocking.   I know I do every year.  I think about my Nanny and remember how lucky I am to belong to the family I do.