Cherokee Elders Steve Downing Jr. and Rufus King share some stories of what Christmas was like when they were growing up.

Downing tells a story of finding a Christmas gift before he was supposed to, but he also says: “We never got much because there wasn’t much to be had.”

King shares how he would enjoy candies and treats on Christmas and sometimes get a toy gun from someone.

He remembers hearing about Santa Claus and hanging stockings, “our house wasn’t like that though.”

Hear all about it below: