"When are we going caroling?" Katie Beth asked with her calendar in hand. Christmas caroling is a popular Christmas tradition in my house.
We have so many happy memories of bundling up and caroling around the neighborhood.
Where
We go caroling around our neighborhood, although sometimes we have caroling with friends in their neighborhoods.
But, don't limit yourself to your neighborhood. One of our favorite places to carol was in an assisted living facility. We went door to door to the residents' delight. Each one asked us to stay and keep singing. They were so blessed by our feeble singing!
We also were invited one year to sing at the Sanford Tour of Homes in the next town over. What a blessing. We simply set up a music stand halfway between two of the houses on the tour and were able to use a guitar for accompaniment.
When
We go sometime the week before Christmas which seems to be the best time. People are usually in the "Christmas mood" by then and welcome the old-fashioned tradition of carolers at the door. We always go in the evening, dressing in warm clothing. We make sure that we wear shoes that are comfortable for walking around the neighborhood.
Who
We have so many happy memories of bundling up and caroling around the neighborhood.
Where
We go caroling around our neighborhood, although sometimes we have caroling with friends in their neighborhoods.
But, don't limit yourself to your neighborhood. One of our favorite places to carol was in an assisted living facility. We went door to door to the residents' delight. Each one asked us to stay and keep singing. They were so blessed by our feeble singing!
We also were invited one year to sing at the Sanford Tour of Homes in the next town over. What a blessing. We simply set up a music stand halfway between two of the houses on the tour and were able to use a guitar for accompaniment.
When
We go sometime the week before Christmas which seems to be the best time. People are usually in the "Christmas mood" by then and welcome the old-fashioned tradition of carolers at the door. We always go in the evening, dressing in warm clothing. We make sure that we wear shoes that are comfortable for walking around the neighborhood.
Who
Since everyone in my family loves enjoying and creating music, caroling is fun! But, keep in mind that many people are intimidated by caroling. Don't force people to come with you. If the first people you invite to carol with you are negative, keep looking. You will find kindred spirits who are enthusiastic and eager to go.
It is important to have one strong singer in your group who can carry a tune and lead out for the others to follow. This person doesn't have to be a rock or opera star, but should have a pleasant voice. Position your song leader near the front and allow him or her to start each carol.
We always run through the carols one verse each before we go so that everyone is familiar with each Christmas song we are singing.
What
We like to sing a verse or two of each carol, limiting it to two carols a house. Then we sing, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and turn to go.
We found little song books with lyrics for fifty cents a piece, but you can make your own on the computer. Simply type up the words. Make the font a little bit larger than normal since you will be reading the words in the dark.
Here are songs we enjoy singing when we carol.
Don't forget to bring flashlights if you are bringing song sheets along!
Merry Christmas!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
It is important to have one strong singer in your group who can carry a tune and lead out for the others to follow. This person doesn't have to be a rock or opera star, but should have a pleasant voice. Position your song leader near the front and allow him or her to start each carol.
We always run through the carols one verse each before we go so that everyone is familiar with each Christmas song we are singing.
What
We like to sing a verse or two of each carol, limiting it to two carols a house. Then we sing, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and turn to go.
We found little song books with lyrics for fifty cents a piece, but you can make your own on the computer. Simply type up the words. Make the font a little bit larger than normal since you will be reading the words in the dark.
Here are songs we enjoy singing when we carol.
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- Silent Night
- Away in the Manger
- Hark the Herald Angels Sing
- Joy to the World
- It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- O Holy Night
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- Go Tell it On the Mountain
- Here We Come a Caroling
- Deck the Halls
- Angels We Have Heard on High
- Angels From the Realms of Glory
- Little Drummer Boy
- We Three Kings
- Do You Hear What I Hear
Don't forget to bring flashlights if you are bringing song sheets along!
Merry Christmas!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
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