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This photo (mix) has got to be one of my most favorite of moments and memories! Caroling. I loved it then and always will.
This evening I had the privilege to load my three kiddos, along with three of their cousins to attend a choral production with some home school families, from our church. We knew quite a bit of them and I tell you - it feels so good to support friends, like this and this is only one way.
However, on our way home, you can imagine - everyone wanted to sing and pretend they, too, were part of such a beautiful production and so we all took turns leading out in song one of our own favorite tunes.
Of course... those Christmas Carols are ALL so beautiful... and it took me right back to my childhood days of when caroling in our church community or our neighborhoods was a REAL priority. I found myself sharing this memory with my carload of choristers...
It was one of the most anticipated events of the year, for me.. to go Christmas Caroling. Oh, the memories this evokes... Here is what I shared...
We always went Christmas Eve - with our church - to the large local community. No matter the kind of weather. I can remember going in the bitter cold, times of heavy snow (lots of memories on this one), even in the rain... however, the community KNEW we were coming. They expected us. Prior to going our youth group would get together, a couple of nights before, to make up fruit baskets and bake cookies to take to folks along the way.
This event involved bundling up (little kids and all), carpooling and still there would be what seemed like a mile of cars following each other with their four-ways on... we'd all get out of the vehicles, trudge carefully to the front door, with flashlights and song sheets (though not really needed, as we sung from memory anyway). Someone would knock or ring the door bell. Someone else would lead us out into song. Joy to the World, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, etc.
We'd all gather closer together our harmonious voices echoing through the night sky. Sure enough the front door would open and huddled in the doorways were the elderly, the growing family, a single person and every now and then, the surprised or "unsure" person (of what to make of all of this). Some would ask us inside for a cup of hot chocolate ( I remember one year, someone offered chili) ... SERIOUSLY! 50 + plus people getting served... sometimes we were asked to come indoors because of someone to sick to come to the door and they simply wanted us to sing our hearts out- and they with feeble voice did their best to join in.
It was beautiful.
We'd always end our four-part harmony caroling, at each home, with:
It seemed like forever - but starting at 6pm sharp! and ending more times than not at 10pm (getting to the last folks on the list) was a long time, but worth it - we'd all head back to our church to finish up any remaining cookies and fruit from the fruit baskets & cookie baking. Someone usually would stay back, usually an older grandmother or two who didn't want to make the trek into the bitter cold or "inclement" weather - they were the ones who "had everything ready" when we returned; the kettle steaming of hot chocolate, the trays of cookies and a roaring fire in the fireplace. Yes! there was a fireplace in the "auxiliary building". Someone also had prepared a (handmade) Pinata for the final activity of the evening. We ALL took turns from youngest to oldest (adults included) to take one turn at bat. Chaos erupted... as we all dove to get pieces of candy and nuts.
Oh, what fun!
I wish I had a better picture to show - to share of my memories better. I wish I could make these memories the same, for my kids... maybe one day, we will.
****
Do you go caroling? Have you ever considered going? Bundle up.... let's go. I'll go with you.
Here we come a caroling... among the leaves so green.
This evening I had the privilege to load my three kiddos, along with three of their cousins to attend a choral production with some home school families, from our church. We knew quite a bit of them and I tell you - it feels so good to support friends, like this and this is only one way.
However, on our way home, you can imagine - everyone wanted to sing and pretend they, too, were part of such a beautiful production and so we all took turns leading out in song one of our own favorite tunes.
Of course... those Christmas Carols are ALL so beautiful... and it took me right back to my childhood days of when caroling in our church community or our neighborhoods was a REAL priority. I found myself sharing this memory with my carload of choristers...
It was one of the most anticipated events of the year, for me.. to go Christmas Caroling. Oh, the memories this evokes... Here is what I shared...
We always went Christmas Eve - with our church - to the large local community. No matter the kind of weather. I can remember going in the bitter cold, times of heavy snow (lots of memories on this one), even in the rain... however, the community KNEW we were coming. They expected us. Prior to going our youth group would get together, a couple of nights before, to make up fruit baskets and bake cookies to take to folks along the way.
This event involved bundling up (little kids and all), carpooling and still there would be what seemed like a mile of cars following each other with their four-ways on... we'd all get out of the vehicles, trudge carefully to the front door, with flashlights and song sheets (though not really needed, as we sung from memory anyway). Someone would knock or ring the door bell. Someone else would lead us out into song. Joy to the World, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, etc.
We'd all gather closer together our harmonious voices echoing through the night sky. Sure enough the front door would open and huddled in the doorways were the elderly, the growing family, a single person and every now and then, the surprised or "unsure" person (of what to make of all of this). Some would ask us inside for a cup of hot chocolate ( I remember one year, someone offered chili) ... SERIOUSLY! 50 + plus people getting served... sometimes we were asked to come indoors because of someone to sick to come to the door and they simply wanted us to sing our hearts out- and they with feeble voice did their best to join in.
It was beautiful.
We'd always end our four-part harmony caroling, at each home, with:
We wish you a Blessed Christmas,
we wish you a Blessed Christmas,
we wish you a Blessed Christmas
and a Joyous New Year.
Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin,
good tidings for Christmas and a Joyous New Year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(said in said- shout unison)
It seemed like forever - but starting at 6pm sharp! and ending more times than not at 10pm (getting to the last folks on the list) was a long time, but worth it - we'd all head back to our church to finish up any remaining cookies and fruit from the fruit baskets & cookie baking. Someone usually would stay back, usually an older grandmother or two who didn't want to make the trek into the bitter cold or "inclement" weather - they were the ones who "had everything ready" when we returned; the kettle steaming of hot chocolate, the trays of cookies and a roaring fire in the fireplace. Yes! there was a fireplace in the "auxiliary building". Someone also had prepared a (handmade) Pinata for the final activity of the evening. We ALL took turns from youngest to oldest (adults included) to take one turn at bat. Chaos erupted... as we all dove to get pieces of candy and nuts.
Oh, what fun!
I wish I had a better picture to show - to share of my memories better. I wish I could make these memories the same, for my kids... maybe one day, we will.
****
Do you go caroling? Have you ever considered going? Bundle up.... let's go. I'll go with you.
Here we come a caroling... among the leaves so green.
