Our bluff called, my scruffy friends and I started bellowing Jingle Bells.
It didnt sound good, but even though we meant it as arent we so ironic?
thing to do on a bored Christmas break, thats not how it turned out.
The old man called his wife over to the doorway, and they were surprised and delighted.
It was an unexpected connection between strangers in a cold world.
I still think Christmas is super cheesy, but this wasnt.
It stuck with me.
I think you should too.
They evolved into the Christmas choral tradition of the Victorian era, the golden age of the Christmas carol.
The Victorianslovedgathering family and friends and hitting the streets for some good, old fashioned wassailing.
What else were you going to do during the winter in that pre-television, pre-everything era?
Television, home heating, cars, computers basically, modernitykilled caroling.
We dont have a lot of space for spontaneous community interactions like Christmas caroling anymore.
Caroling reconnects us with our neighbors in a meaningful, only mildly intrusive way.
Personal growth: It takes real courage to step outside your comfort zone and sing in public.
Who doesnt need an occasional test of bravery?
How to carol
Christmas caroling goes better with a little preparation.
Here’s how to set up an evening of door-to-door holiday cheer.
You have to get some friends together.
Were going for the classic, semi-impromptu caroling experience and that starts with a caroling party.
Invite friends, family, and acquaintances to a holiday party.
Keep it casual, but check that youre clear that Christmas caroling will be part of the evening.
Ask your guests to each bring a Christmas sweater, festive scarf, or other piece of holiday costuming.
If you want to be extra,have some LED candleson hand to give out for the caroling.
And definitely print out the lyrics of your chosen songs.
Keep your set list to everyone knows em holiday classics that are easy to sing.
My picks:
We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
This is the ultimate Christmas carol banger.
Energetic, joyous, and easy to sing, We Wish you a Merry Christmas is evenaboutChristmas caroling.
I wouldnt follow through on the songs promise (threat?)
to sing until you get some “figgy pudding.”
Silent Night.This classic is slow, pretty, and immediately recognizable to all.
Jingle Bells.This is the easiest Christmas song to sing.
Step three: Rehearse
Once everyone is together, run through your songs.
Only do this once, and dont worry about how it sounds.
Youre not rehearsing as much as making everyone feels comfortable with singing in a group.
If you happen to have some singers in the group though, putting together some harmonies makes caroling magical.
Step four: Get out there
This is the big momentthe test of courage.
(Theyll probably want to join in the end.)
This increases the chance for both unexpected magic and awkwardness.
Both of which are good results.
The classic move is to ring the doorbell/knock, and start singing.
This gives your audience the option of not opening the door if they dont want to deal with you.
I guarantee theyll welcome you with open arms, and the residents will enjoy it.
Do nothing but carol:Asking for nothing in return is the most important caroling rule.
Dont mention your church.
Dont venture to sell anything.
Dont ask for donations or for anyone to sign a petition.
Just sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas, wait for the audience to say, Wow!
Thanks, I guess, and be on your way.
