The Art of the Well-Stuffed Stocking

THE CHRISTMAS ENTHUSIASTS on the Strategist team gathered to discuss the oversize socks they drape on their couches and what they put inside them.

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What's the secret to a delightful Christmas stocking?

LIZA CORSILLO, senior writer: My father has always been our family's stocking filler. His philosophy, which I agree with, is there should be one bigger thing that costs up to $30 and a bunch of little things that fit into its story. The bigger item is wrapped, and the other things are not.

JEN TROLIO, senior editor: I do the stockings for all of us, including myself. My feeling is that stocking stuffers are supposed to be cutesy add-ons that are largely quirky and sometimes practical. And you want brand-name items -

Lip Smackers ($12 for an eight-pack), not the off-brand lip gloss from the corner store. It's a real bummer when there's a good concept but a crappy execution.

AMELIA JERDEN, sleep writer: I like the tradition in my partner's family. He and his sister, as "the kids," shop for their parents' stockings. They usually go to Fresh Market and get fun snacks and candies.

Does a good stocking require edible treats?

L.C.: There should be at least one food item because you get hungry opening presents and you want to have something you can eat right away.