A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she and her newborn baby were surprised earlier this evening by Christmas carolers at her door. That made me happy, nostalgic, and a little sad. Sad because no one does that anymore. Kids today are so different. Not just the little ones, the big ones too. I remember being one of those carolers. First, in elementary school. I went to a small, neighborhood parochial school, where everyone knew everyone. Every December, the choir at the school would pile into the back of a teacher's pick-up, song sheets and guitars in hand, and go door to door around the neighborhood, singing carols. Sometimes, we were met with doors being slammed in our faces. RUDE! But mostly, we were met with smiling faces and sometimes, on that rare occasion that it was cold, hot chocolate. Then, in high school, I joined the choir again, and we would go to hospitals, or homes for the elderly. No matter how sick they were or if they believed in the meaning of Christmas or not, they were always happy to see us. And they sang and danced along too. For a few hours, I'd like to believe that our presence brightened up their lives. I had totally forgotten about that time of my life. Had it not been for my friend's post earlier, who knows when I would have thought about it. I miss that. This Christmas-eve, my entire family will be together. The married folk take turns with their respective in-laws each year. Last year was the year that everyone went their separate ways. This year, we'll all spend it together. So I decided we're going caroling. That's right, I'm THAT girl. We'll be at one of my cousin's home, and her neighborhood has tons of kids, so I figured we'd blast her neighbors. What? I don't live there. I've already printed the song sheets, and we've got flute and guitar players in our family bringing their respective instruments. A piano player too, but we can't haul around the baby grand! Heh. So I'm excited about this, can you tell? Hopefully, it will all work out.
Anyway, that's what was on my mind tonight. I guess my inner child is coming out to play. Christmas time is so much fun!
Oh wait, something else on my mind tonight. Mugginess, humidity and rain. That's what's forecast for our fair city all weekend. Yesterday it was 40 degrees out. Who says the weather isn't schizo? O.M.G. We went from heaters to air conditioners in just a span of a few hours. Texas weather. Gotta love it!
Yeah that was random, I know. Helloooo. Do you read my blog??? Moving on.
So what about you? Singing. Yay or nay? Who cares if you can carry a tune or not. The important thing is that you do it and feel fabulous about it. At least, that's what I think. My favorite carol to sing is Jingle Bells. But my favorite to listen to and occasionally, whisper to is, O Holy Night.
Tell me yours.
10 comments:
Unfortunately, the only Christmas caroling I ever participate in . . . is what comes out through my radio. Doing anything more than that in the neighborhoods I live in and near would not be conducive to one's health, let's just say.
But good for you, Yvonne! I'm glad you're being "that girl" this year. :)
Have fun!
I'm the Grinch. But I do think it's cool to see kids singing. But I lose it when the radio stations play the same songs over and over again.
I was in the choir in elementary and middle school. I can carry a tune - but I wouldn't say I'm a good singer, though I will sing quite enthusiastically with a little encouragement.
Caroling sounds like so much fun!
I've gone caroling with my church too and singing in retirement homes. It is a lot of fun. I'm so glad your family is keeping the tradition alive! My ex-son-in-law was from Newfoundland and he said everyone goes singing house to house. It's called mummering.
David- Ha! To be honest, I would NEVER do that in my old neighborhood where I grew up, now. I'd probably get shot!
Israel- "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch..." Oh I know! Every single day, same song, over and over and over again. I can time it perfectly! So irritating! lol
Jennifer- It's tons of fun! :)
Belle- Then you know exactly what I mean! I've never heard of it being called "mummering". I'll have to read up on it. Thanks!
I'm an awful singer and I have zero confidence so I would never try caroling or anything like that. But it's great to hear people spread some Christmas cheer. I'm with you, it's much too rare these days and it shouldn't be.
Sadly I'd be a bit skeptical if my doorbell rang right now, but if a group of carolers showed up the only thing I'd feel awkward about is whether or not to tip them. What the heck do you do when carolers sing to you anyway? Thank them? Clap? Bake them cookies? lol
I like that you are getting your family together to do that! How fun. I remember when I worked at MD Anderson, there were carolers that came to each hospital floor. It was beautiful!!! I don't think they let them do that anymore. :(
I was just thinking about how nobody carols anymore!!! If I had enough people willing, I'd totally gather a group together and go caroling.
I miss the good old days. :(
How cool! Love it!
I did this once with a youth group and it was too much fun.
You're right, nobody does this anymore. Maybe you'll be a trendsetter. It would be great to bring this tradition back.
Insomniac- No need to tip! Just wish them a Merry Christmas and that's it. Hopefully, they won't remember where you live and go back to kick your a**! I kid, I kid. :)
Kelley- No they don't allow that anymore! I think that sucks! When I was in elementary school, we would go visit the kids at MD Anderson as well. I wonder why they stopped allowing that...
YRJ- Wouldn't it? I totally love it!
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