The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM

EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY DECORATE THEIR
CHRISTMAS TREE. THE PROCESS BEGINS ABOUT MID-AFTERNOON WHEN THE TRE
IS BROUGHT IN FROM THE GARAGE AND PUT IN THE HOUSE IN ITS STAND. IT
IS THEN DECORATED WHILE CHRISTMAS MUSIC IS PLAYED. AFTER THE TREE
IS COMPLETELY FINISHED, THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY EAT A QUICK
DINNER AND THEN SPEND THE REST OF THE NIGHT SITTING AROUND THE TREE
AND TALKING.

Submitter comment: THE TREE IS NEVER DECORATED ANYTIME BEFORE THE AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMA
EVE. THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN CARRIED ON BY THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER
SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL. IF ANY LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
OR BAKING HAS TO BE DONE ON THIS DAY, IT IS ALWAYS DONE BEFORE THE
TREE IS DECORATED. THE EVENING IS RESERVED FOR ENJOYING THE TREE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Date learned: CA00001963