The narrative unfolds in a small town where the local Presbyterian Sunday-school decides to forgo its traditional Christmas tree in favor of donating funds to aid victims of the Charleston earthquake. This decision, made by the superintendent, is met with enthusiasm from the children, who vote in favor of the charitable act. However, as Christmas approaches, the excitement of the holiday is overshadowed by the absence of the tree, leading to feelings of disappointment among the children. Jimmie Trescott, a boy who has attended the Presbyterian Sunday-school, expresses a desire to switch to the Big Progressive church, which promises a more enjoyable experience. His father reluctantly agrees, emphasizing the importance of making a firm decision. Jimmie arrives at the Big Progressive church, feeling out of place and anxious about the change. He is met with mixed reactions from his peers, some of whom mock him for his previous affiliation. In the Sunday-school class, Jimmie encounters a new teacher and a different atmosphere. The teacher attempts to engage the children with lessons from the Bible, but the boys struggle to grasp the meanings. Jimmie feels the weight of expectations and the pressure to conform to the new environment. The class dynamics reveal a hierarchy among the boys, with a standout student, Clarence, receiving praise for his knowledge, further alienating Jimmie. As the lesson progresses, the teacher emphasizes the importance of being good and loving the Lord, which resonates with the children but also highlights their insecurities. The announcement of the absence of the Christmas tree is met with disappointment, and Jimmie, feeling stiff in his new clothes, realizes he does not enjoy the Sunday-school experience. The story captures the complexities of childhood, the struggle for acceptance, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, ultimately leaving Jimmie disillusioned with the new church and its values.
By Stephen Crane · First published 1896 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary