Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe, just maybe, perhaps, it comes from....folklore?

"Out upon Merry Christmas!" ~Ebenezer Scrooge

Recently in folklore class, we were asked to pick and respond to a favorite quote from our readings in Folk Groups and Folklore Genres: An Introduction (1986), cutely referred to as FGFG in the syllabus and "Fiji" by myself.

In our book, the chapter on "Documenting Folklore," by William Wilson, describes the functions of folklore and folklorists in society, and discusses the likely outcomes of following various methods of folklore documentation. In addressing the value that we place on folklore in American culture, Wilson states: "Folklore which does not call forth the proper associations will probably not be valued as much as that which does. Children insist on celebrating Christmas the same way each year because doing so brings forth plesant memories of Christmases past" (238).

There are several things that stand out to me from this brief excerpt. First, I find it fascinating that so much of our folklore is associated with holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving. Although most holidays began as "holy" days dedicated to rest and worship, many have been transformed by mainstream culture into days of feasting, leisure, fun, and family association. It is during these holidays that we specifically recognize and refer to our rituals as "tradition." It is also during these holidays that we have the greatest number of traditional customs to perform. To me, this suggests that much of American folklore falls under the category of entertainment, and is passed down so successfully because people find it amusing and enjoyable, rather than merely educational, informative, or wise.

Wilson's example of Christmas traditions made me think about my own family's celebration of Christmas. I realized that we do indeed make a great effort to celebrate in the exact same way every year, even if it means inconveniencing or even embarrassing ourselves by composing letters to Santa when we are well beyond the age of knowledge, or waking up at least two hours before 6 am (a thing unheard of for any of us on any other day of the year!) to anticipate the ritualistic "going up the stairs" to see the presents. Yet our Christmas traditions never feel arduous, fake, or contrived, and I doubt that any family thinks this way about their own traditions. These observations lead me to believe that there are rules for having a successful folkloric experience, and for some reason we are often more than willing to give up our sense of practicality (and sometimes dignity!) to achieve it. Which says a lot about the value we place on folklore as individuals. As a child, I looked forward to Christmas more than any other day of the year. I still do, but not for the same reasons as I used to. Now, Christmas is more to me than a time off from school and work, and an occasion for getting more presents. It is a time to make and share tangible family folklore - traditional meals, decorations, rituals, and memories that will bring together our past and our present.