The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

AT CHRISTMAS TIME A FRESH EVERGREEN WAS CUT AND SMALL CANDLES WERE
PLACED AT VARIOUS PLACES ON THE TREE. THE TABLE WAS SET WITH A LARGE
PLATE FOR EACH ONE AND THE PERSON'S NAME ON EACH PLATE. THEN THE
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WOULD CONGREGATE IN THE KITCHEN TO SAY THEIR
EVENING PRAYERS WHILE FATHER, PRESUMED TO BE STILL WORKING, WOULD
DISTRIBUTE THE GIFTS IN THE DINING ROOM ONTO THE PLATES, WITH THE
TREE ALL LIT UP IN THE CENTER. WHEN THE JOB WAS DONE, HE WOULD RING
A BELL AND THEN LEAVE TO COME BACK INTO THE HOUSE THROUGH THE KITCHEN
DOOR AS IF HE HAD JUST FINISHED HIS CHORES.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; PEORIA

Date learned: 11-01-1971