On Thursday after all the turkey I could stand to eat I decided to do what a lot of people already have done. I decided to drag out and put up the Christmas Tree.

I got the tree put up and next I needed the garland. All of my household Christmas decorations, including my stockings, were tucked safely away in a big crate in my garage. The same place i have kept all of that stuff for the 4 years I have been in this house. Oh and for the 9 years I was in my previous house. Never a problem.

Until this year. I went and grabbed the big plastic crate when I opened it and noticed the horrible mildew smell. Everything was covered. I kept this container on a shelf even, not on the ground. All the ornaments were in a cardboard box as well as my Nativity Scene. None of that had any damage. I have no idea why this container was ruined.

I started pulling out stuff. I washed what I could. I got the smell and damage out of my Disney Store bought Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh stockings we use every year. All my Christmas rugs and placemats had to be thrown away. There was no saving that.

A picture my mom painted for me at one of those fun with friends paint parties....had to be thrown away too. The mildew ate through the canvas.

All of that made me sad but not as sad as this discovery. Faith's very first stocking. I have had this for 24 Christmases. So to say it made me cry a bit. It did.

I took to Facebook with my problem. Through my tears I had people with suggestions to try to salvage it. I mean I have had this stocking since the Christmas after my daughter was born. So it means a lot to me. I had people tell me to use vinegar and water with an old toothbrush. I was told to use baking soda and an old toothbrush. I used both. It is still not 100% but at least it is something I can live with.