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The Art of Christmas Caroling

From Your Family to Theirs

By Marie-Helen Goyetche

Singing Christmas carols helps to spread the Christmas cheer. After Thanksgiving, how do most people get into the spirit of the upcoming Christmas holidays? By listening to Christmas carols, or by singing them themselves. In this season of getting together with loved ones, sharing time and exchanging gifts, caroling just seems to be a natural way to spend an evening.

"I love the sound, the excitement and, most of all, the pleasure it brings," says Jean. "We go to elderly or housebound people and we just bring Christmas to them. Oh, it is such fun!"

"The best night of the year is our Victorian Christmas Sleighbell Parade," says Lani. "It originated spontaneously but is now organized by our Chamber of Commerce. After the parade goes by, everyone watching it follows the giant, horse-drawn Christmas tree down to the city park. There are as many as 10,000 people who start singing Christmas carols together. It's incredibly beautiful, seeing the whole community come together like that."

There are no rigid rules when caroling. Anyone can participate -- those who don't want to sing can hum. Make sure copies of the songs are available, and have flashlights on hand if you plan to carol at night.

The only negative comment about caroling is in regions where cold weather could interrupt your performance. If you live in the reality of snow and winter, dress up warm and snuggle together. Let the music warm your hearts. After a few hours of caroling, many get together at someone's house for hot chocolate and fudge.