Section 1 Summary

Truman Capote learns the true meaning of the Christmas season through his older cousin. He remembers times full of happiness, simple pleasures, and giving - despite how poor he was. His story takes the reader down Memory Lane to show how his cousin touched his life.

Truman remembers the friendship he had with his older distant cousin. The 60-year-old homely dressed old woman considers 7-year-old Truman her best friend. They spend time with each other because relatives ignore them and they have no other friends. The woman had a childhood best friend named Buddy, but he died long ago. She does not call Truman by his real name but by the name Buddy. The old woman doesn't get out much, cares nothing for her appearance, and lives by the bible she reads. She has the courage to kill snakes and also dips snuff...