Because we are German we do not use stockings instead we use plates. They are called Bunta-tella (sic) the meaning is colorful plates.
Santa leaves an orange, red apple, green pear and lots of candies, M&M, chocolate coins, beautiful wrapped chocolates are a German/ Swiss/France tradtion. The plates are piled high with all kinds of chocolate goodies and on Christmas morning we munch and munch while we spend hours opening the gifts. We take our time opening the gifts, thanking each other and going over memories. Each person takes a turn and there is usually a photo taken of each gift being opened. We finished around noon. Then it's clean up time, shower time and I head into the kitchen for the guests will soon arrive for the Christmas party and the merryment continues long into the night. I cook and bake and bake and cook the day before and the day off. When all is said and done I am one tired elf and one blessed one as well. This year we are having Chrismtas in Jan again as that is when Mike can come home.