We love caroling. We have gone caroling many times over the years (including several years with kazoos!), but the last couple of years we could hardly find anyone home (in any neighborhood we tried) to sing to, so we quit trying. I’ve missed it though, and when we polled the kids to find out what their favorite Christmas traditions were, caroling was at the top of the list for several of them.
One day I had an idea—what if we went caroling, but instead of going from house to house in a neighborhood, we actually called people and made appointments to come and sing to them? It lacked spontaneity, but it meant that we would actually be able to sing some Christmas carols. We decided that we would call some people that we knew who didn’t have children at home any more and might appreciate our youthful group.
The experience we had was unexpected.
We’ve gone caroling before, walking from door to door, hoping that busy people will politely listen to us for a few songs. This caroling has been for us; about what we wanted to be doing.
Tonight we were thoughtful about where we went. With the exception of an unplanned stop at a friend’s house when we realized it was located along our route, we were considered who might need a little Christmas cheer. We made a difference to these dear people; I could see it in their faces and in their eyes. Instead of “just singing,” we were serving. And it felt wonderful.
The interesting thing was that one of my children was complaining as we set out to our first destination. This particular child does not really like to sing, and didn’t want to go caroling. After we left the first house, I asked, “what did you guys think of that? Do you still feel the same?” They were unanimous in their feelings—that they had liked singing that time.
I think a new tradition has been born…
PS—a great moment tonight: Rachel singing Silent Night in the car, and singing
Round your version, mother and child…
It’s always so interesting to hear what your kids think the words are!
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We loved you dropping in. I am glad we were on the route between your visits. I can't remember which daughter was the one who took forever in the bathroom, but after you left I realized why. Her favorite kitten was in there. :) Thanks for the cheerful uplift. If we had known you were coming I would have stressed on cleaning. The surprise was nice and I didn't have to worry about cleaning. You just got to see the normal mess. :)
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