The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

FRENCH CUSTOMS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS

ON CHRISTMAS DAY THE FAMILY ATTENDED CHURCH TO OBSERVE CHRIST'S
BIRTH, THEN JUST HAD A REGULAR DINNER AT HOME. NEW YEARS WAS THE
DAY ON WHICH THERE WAS A GOOD DEAL OF CELEBRATION. ON ARISING IN
THE MORNING, THE CHILDREN WOULD TRY TO BE FIRST TO ASK THEIR FATHER
FORGIVENESS FOR THE THINGS THEY DID WRONG DURING THE YEAR. HE WOULD
THEN FORGIVE THEM, PREACH TO THEM, AND ASK THEM TO DO BETTER. AFTER
THIS EVERYONE WOULD GET THEIR PRESENTS AND ENJOY THE DAY WITH
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY THE COLLECTOR