Uncle Scott's Christmas tradition was unusual because he was and is the only person I knew who did this during the holiday season. When he came to visit, before he knocked on the door he would call out Christmas gift in a loud voice. I don't remember him or anyone explaining the why he did this. A light bulb moment occurred while reading slave narratives. This tradition may have originated during slavery.
"At Christmas time the slave children all trouped to "de big house" and stood outside crying "Christmas gift" to their master and mistress." Amanda McCray of Florida
"If we could manage to say "Christmas gift" to any of the Master's family on Christmas morning before they spoke to us, they would have to give us a gift of some kind." Malinda Discus of Missouri
"De fust one what said Christmas gift ter anybody else got a gif', so of cou'se we all try ter ketch de marster." Charlie Barbour of North Carolina
Speaking with relatives about family history, I am often told to keep this piece of information between you, me and the gate post. Respecting sensibilities, I will share my family stories entwine with historical events from Copiah, Jefferson and Lincoln Counties, Mississippi, from gate post to gate post.
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What an interesting story about your Uncle and how his Christmas saying might have something to do with an old slave tradition.
ReplyDeleteWonderful history of Christmas Gif:
Deletehttps://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/charlemae-hill-rollins-discusses-and-reads-her-book-christmas-gif
It's interesting how you happened upon a possible explanation for what your uncle said.
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly surprised how often I find information relevant to my family history when I'm not looking specifically for it.
Wonderful history of the origins of Christmas Gif: https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/charlemae-hill-rollins-discusses-and-reads-her-book-christmas-gif
DeleteI never knew this. Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteWonderful history of Christmas Gif: https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/charlemae-hill-rollins-discusses-and-reads-her-book-christmas-gif
DeleteThere is a wonderful book titled "Christmas Gif" by Charlamae Rollins that tells the history behind this tradition. She explains how the tradition of knocking on doors and shouting "Christmas gif!" did indeed start during slavery.
ReplyDeletehttps://g.co/kgs/uTKtCT
Here is a wonderful recording of Ms. Rollins and Studs Terkel discussing her book, "Christmas Gif!" https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/charlemae-hill-rollins-discusses-and-reads-her-book-christmas-gif
ReplyDelete