Chapter 12 Summary

Uncle Hammer arrives a few days before Christmas. Papa is on another search, so Uncle Hammer prepares the traditional hoghead souse in his absence. When he finishes, he puts it in the well until New Year's Day. Next, he takes the children to the forest to pick out a Christmas tree. While they chop it down, they talk about Stacey.

Papa comes home on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, they sing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." It is a song about family that they sing every year. It creates a solemn atmosphere, and the family prays together.

At church, Russell and Mrs. Lee Annie greet Hammer enthusiastically. They all go inside, but Cassie can't keep her eyes off of Son Boy. He looks so alone without his brother, Don Lee, beside him.

At Christmas dinner, the Averys, the Ellises, the Laniers and Tom...