The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

EVERY CHRISTMAS THE FATHER OF THE HOUSE WOULD GO OUT AND GET A
BARTH (BOUGH?) OF HOLLY, BRINGING IT HOME ON HIS BACK. THE WOMEN
MEANWHILE WOULD CLEAN THE HOUSE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. THEN HOLLY
WOULD BE PUT ALL OVER THE HOUSE. MISELTOE (MISTLETOE) WAS HUNG
AND CANDLES WERE PLACED IN EVERY WINDOW. THERE WAS NO CHRISTMAS
TREE. ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE WOULD BE LEFT
OPEN, NO MATTER HOW COLD IT WAS, SO THAT THE BABY JESUS COULD COME
IN OUT OF THE COLD WHEN HE PASSED BY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-18-1970