What tradition does smith describe in this excerpt? “a tree grows in brooklyn “ by betty smith

Assuming that you're referring to 'A tree Grows in Brooklyn' by Betty SmithEvery year around the children's neighborhood, There is a tree catching tradition in which the man at tree lot gave away free trees at Christmas Eve. In order to obtain the free trees, the participants have to be able to receive the tree that the man threw at them while remain standing

Basically someone who does it to you steady doing someone wrong that’s doing good make them wanna do you bad