Tips On Christmas Caroling

By Kim Morasse

With Christmas right around the corner, there’s no better way to lift your spirits and get you into the holiday mood than a lovely stroll while singing your favorite Christmas Carols. So gather up a group of friends or family members, and hit the streets! With these handy tips, you’ll be spreading holiday cheer to the neighbors in no time.

• Make sure you know the music! Be sure to brush up on all the verses to Christmas favorites such as “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells”. Look up the lyrics online, print out sheet music, or buy a holiday caroling book from a nearby music store.
• Dress to impress! Make sure you’re prepared for the chilly weather. Layers work best for unpredictable weather. Most importantly, don’t forget to wear your Santa hats. For a more authentic experience, forgo your usual winter clothes with Victorian-era garb. Caroling is just more fun when you look like you’ve walked straight out of a Charles Dicks novel.
• Timing is everything. Don’t carol too early as to interrupt your neighbor’s dinner. On the other hand, don’t start too late because you don’t want to awaken the already sleeping children.
• It’s not all about the singing… Look happy! Neighbors want to hear cheerful carolers. In addition, stop by the elderly or festive neighbors in your neighborhood that you know would really appreciate the visit.
• You don’t need to be a good singer. No one expects you to belt out a tune like Pavarotti. It’s all about having fun! For those that may be too shy to sing, or don’t feel comfortable doing so, spice up your performance by bringing out some jingle bells, drum sticks, or a triangle.
• Don’t forget your manners. It’s always polite to say thank you if your neighbors give you a tip, or even just giving their time. If a neighbor turns down the caroling, don’t be rude. Don’t let the Scrooges get you down. Accept their answer and get on your way to the next house!
• Organization is key. Appoint someone from your group to be the leader. After deciding on a house to visit, have them ring the doorbell. Similar to a conductor, the leader should inform the carolers on what song they will be performing, as well as when to start the singing.
• As always, safety first. When crossing streets, be mindful of traffic, especially if its dark. You may want to carry flashlights or wear reflective clothing as an extra precaution. For the younger carolers, make sure an adult is always present.

Now that you’ve brushed up on your caroling etiquette, get out there, have fun and be merry!