Photo credit: 123RF / kakigori
Christmas caroling is an ancient tradition that has been around for over a thousand years. In 2015, it’s still a fun activity for families, friends and other groups to participate in. Christmas caroling gives people an opportunity to admire the twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning each house. And it puts smiles on the faces of the people being serenaded as well as the singers. So if you’re looking for something fun to do this holiday season, why not plan an old-fashioned Christmas caroling party.
Below are some simple tips to make your caroling experience not only a fun adventure to remember, but a safe one, too.
- Plan your music ahead of time. If you’ll have children in your group, choose songs that are short and easy to sing. Make sure everyone has a Christmas carol songbook. Decide how many verses of each song you’ll sing. Practice the songs a few times before you head out. Plan to sing one or two songs per house. And you can always sing the songs more than once, especially if you’re visiting several homes.
- Dig out the musical instruments. Jingle bells, kazoos, cymbals and wooden clappers can make your caroling lively and fun. Plus, musical instruments allow the smallest carolers to participate even if they can’t sing all the words. Pa rum pum pum pum.
- Choose your caroling route. Decide ahead of time where you’re going (such as visiting neighbors, family members or school friends) and how you’re going to get there (walking or driving). After all, you want to spend more time singing rather than walking, especially if it’s really cold outside!
- Consider spreading Christmas cheer at a nursing home, hospital, fire department or police department. Call for permission to come entertain them. You will likely need to set up a date and time. Plan to sing for at least 15 minutes. Bring some treats to share to make it even more cheerful.
- Choose the right time. If you’re going caroling in the evening, start after dinner because no one likes to have their meal interrupted. Also try to be finished by 8:00 or 9:00, especially if you have younger children who need to go to bed early.
- Make sure children are chaperoned. Never let children (even teens) go out Christmas caroling alone. They could get lost or something worse could happen. It’s best to make sure you have at least one adult for every 4 to 5 kids. Encourage everyone to stay in a group.
- Dress for the weather. Make sure everyone is dressed warmly – coats, scarves, gloves and hats or ear muffs. Also wear sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots that fit well. If you suffer from perpetual cold feet, consider purchasing a pair of Infracare bio-material socks. They’ll keep your feet toasty warm.
- Get in the Christmas spirit. Go all-out and dress up in traditional Victorian costumes or keep it simple and wear matching scarves and Santa caps. Even reindeer antler headbands and blinking Christmas light necklaces can add a merry note.
- Consider wearing ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics from the WalkEZStore while caroling. If you suffer from painful foot conditions, you don’t want to hurt while you’re a wassailing. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics are customized to each of your feet, providing you with the exact support your feet need. And with proactive use of these custom orthotics, every step you take while caroling or throughout the holidays and beyond will be biomechanically correct, reducing your risk of foot pain.
- Bring flashlights or lanterns. You’ll need them to navigate sidewalks and stairs – and read the Christmas music. Plus, it’ll help passing cars see you better.
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Photo credit: Pixabay / Jill111
Be polite. If a homeowner shoos you away, apologize and leave immediately. Don’t argue or pick a fight with them. Remember, some people don’t like to be disturbed – even if you’re just spreading Christmas cheer.
- Stay warm and hydrated. Pack a wagon with a thermos full of hot cocoa or warm apple cider to drink while caroling outdoors. Don’t forget the cups. Also bring extra songbooks, hats, gloves and blankets, too.
- Have a party afterward. Plan to have some festive treats like Christmas cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows when you’re done caroling. You can also have people share a funny song, dance or skit.
- Don’t forget your camera. Take photos along the way and during the party to share the memories with parents and friends.
By following these tips, you can make your Christmas caroling more jolly and memorable.
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