The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE UNITED STATES

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE WHOLE FAMILY WOULD GATHER TOGETHER IN
THE LIVING ROOM AND TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. EACH CHILD WOULD BE
GIVEN A LIT CANDLE WHICH THEY WOULD CARRY TO THE MANGER
SITUATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM. THE YOUNGEST CHILD
WOULD HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF CARRYING THE BABY JESUS FIGURE
AND PLACING HIM IN THE CRIB. WE WOULD SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS
AROUND THE MANGER AFTER THE PROCESSION WAS OVER. WHOEVER
WAS CARRYING THE BABY WAS VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR
RESPONSIBILITY AND THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD HURT HIM IF THEY
HELD TOO TIGHTLY.

Submitter comment: MY MOTHER STARTED THIS TRADITION WHEN MY BROTHER LEO COULD
FIRST WALK AND NOW IT IS STILL CONTINUING WITH HIS SON
LEO THE FOURTH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1958