A New Year Starts with an Old Tradition
A great memory growing up on Smith Island was participating in a unique and cherished tradition we call “New Year’s Give.” This is one of those traditions that I grew up doing without realizing its uniqueness. I didn't realize it was limited to us Smith and Tangier islanders until I was in my teen years. Like the Smith Island layer cake, no one knows of its origins. It has been passed down through generations and still continues to this day, although not as prominent. In days past there would be several dozen kids from each community of the island engaging in this time honored custom. Now there are only a small few on the island that continue.
Walking to the neighbors home.
Every New Year’s Day, kids would go door-to-door saying, “New Year’s Give!” The residents of each home would then give money to the children, who often carried jars, cans, or makeshift piggy banks to collect their earnings. We would mostly get coins but on occasion would get dollar bills. After, I would empty out all the money on the living room floor and start counting. It would usually be around $50 to $60. I often used mine to buy batteries for my toys or even another new toy I hadn’t received for Christmas. It was more than just a fun way for kids to earn extra spending money; it was a cherished connection between generations, where neighbors shared in the joy and excitement of the new year by interacting with the kids of the community.
Standing at the door with the cool whip piggy bank containers.
As fun as it was, there were superstitions tied to it. The older generation of Smith Islanders believed it was bad luck if a girl was the first to knock on the door. If a girl arrived first, some families wouldn’t answer the door! On the other hand, the first boy to arrive would receive a “bonus”—more money than anyone who came after him, boy or girl. There were 1 or 2 kids that would get up very early in the morning before the sun would rise, the time when most adults were awake on the island anyway, and start knocking on doors. This would guarantee them the extra money. As time went on, and competition heated up, some would embark on a sort of “midnight missions,” with kids staying up until the clock struck twelve, rushing to certain homes just minutes after midnight to claim the coveted bonus.
I remember one particular year when my brother couldn’t join me for New Year’s Give. I carried an extra container for the neighbors to put his money in, so he wouldn’t miss out. We’d use whatever we could find as makeshift piggy banks. For me, that often meant a plastic Cool Whip container with a slit cut in the lid and tape around the edges to keep it secure. One year I used a glass jar and an unfortunate slip on a neighbor’s pavement sent it crashing to the ground. Coins and shards of glass scattered everywhere. My mom and the neighbor sorted through the mess, making sure I didn’t lose a penny, or get cut. The neighbor gave me a new container to put my money in and we continued on our way.
Showing the money received from neighbors after going New Years Giveing.
When I talk to people on the mainland about this tradition, they’re often amazed, as are the people that have moved to the island. The idea that you could knock on someone’s door and they would just hand you money seems unbelievable. But for us, it’s a cherished custom—one that embodies the close-knit spirit of island life. It’s a tradition I’m proud to have experienced and one that connects me to the long standing heritage of Smith Island. Even though I do not live on the island any more, it has been a piece of island life that has stayed with me. It is a reminder of the simple joys and strong community bonds of a yesterday that helps to make Smith Island truly special.
What are your traditions?
