Christmas is rung in at sundown Christmas eve when the church bells peal out for an hour or more, Ole Yound said in telling about the grand old holiday as it is celebrated in his native Sweden. Santa Claus visits the children during Christmas night, filling their stockings. Bright painted toys, little wagons, and warm woolen clothing are his favorite gifts.
The Christmas holiday is celebrated for two days. Early morning finds every resident walking to the 6 o'clock services that are an important part of the day's observance.
New Years Day is carnival time, when the young people dress as ghosts or tramps or blacken their faces and tromp to the homes of their neighbors to serenade them or to make a big noise. Everyone is invited into the homes and treated to candy, nuts, cakes, and other fine food that is more plentiful at the Christmas time.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 435