The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ADVENT SEASON TRADITION

IN ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH, THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE
PARISH PUTS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE CHURCH, DECORATED WITH TAGS
WITH THE SIZE, AGE AND SEX OF THE SHUT-IN PEOPLE IN THE PARISH,
WRITTEN ON THEM. THE PARISHIONERS CHOOSE ONE OF THE TAGS AND
PURCHASE A GIFT FOR THAT PERSON. THE PARISHIONER THEN
RETURNS THE GIFT AND TAG TO THE COMMISSION FOR DISTRIBUTION
BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1975