Going Christmas Caroling with Your Kids This Year?

I haven't..I miss the days when we had carolers or would carol. I think it's ok to go to houses where let people know in advance you are coming...I guess we always did that but I was too young to be aware of the preplanning.

I'm going this weekend!

Please go around your neighborhood where everyone knows who you are. Call the neighbors or put a note in their mailbox or door letting them know that you are coming. That way they can be ready for you.

So cute that he wants to do this!

Dawn

I bring my Sunday school class to a nursing home to go caroling. We have had groups of carolers come to the door a couple of times I can remember.

I wish I could!!!

I can't sing.

Or to be more precise... You know how Japanese pitch & tone is different? I learned to sing in Japanese. Apparently I have a lively / lively voice in Japan. (I was humming Sakura in class a couple year back -early class, i wasnt really awake yet) and my teacher flipped out and had me sing the whole song 4 times.

So AT BEST I sound like bad Japamese Karaoke of Western Songs.

In my own mind, I know I sound like a cat thAt fell asleep in a car engine.

In reality... I invent new notes when I sing. Its physically painful to both myself & everyone around me.

I looooooooved Caroling as a kid (before I realized I'm incapable of singing). So I wish my son could have that experience. But I can't take him. And I don't know anyone else who does who could take him.

I will go this year with DD; I have gone plenty of times before DD was imagined. I love it. We're careful to only go where there are Christmas decorations. Even though we go without telling folks in advance, we are often treated to cookies, cocoa --even champagne! And if anyone insists on giving us money, we make a donation to our local meal rescue organization (Food Gatherers).

As far as safety is concerned, it is a lot like trick or treating. If you want, go only to the people you know, or drive to an even "safer" neighborhood.

Merry Christmas!

Find a church group to go with or go to a nursing home as one mama suggests.

My daughter and I have no shame in taking "evening walks" and singing at the top of our lungs around our neighborhood. Super family oriented community so I'm sure none would mind. I love to sing and she doesn't know to feel embarrassed. So we get on our warm clothes (by SD standards) and walk around our neighborhood, looking at the Christmas lights singing away. Love these evenings together!!!!!

Our old church was a very large parish with many elderly members. We had lots of programs for them but my favorite was carolling. They could sign up and families would be given a list of members who wished to receive carollers on specific nights. We went with the kids, and as groups with other families. They generally had treats for the kids, hot chocolate and cookies and such, though it wasn't required. It was nice because they KNEW we were coming and were looking forward to it. Coolest thing.

Otherwise, no we haven't just gone out carolling. I guess I feel a little embarrassed about it. But the little kids DO love to sing Christmas songs, it's true. Usually WAY too loud and with exaggerated enthusiasm at church.

:)

I haven't, but we totally wanted to this year! Still thinking about trying to squeeze it in on Sat or Sun night.
Our neighborhood is not super "neighborly", because we live in So Cal and there are a lot of apartments.
But we thought we'd go to some of the actual houses of people we know. And I figure we will have a few elderly people come out of other places when they hear the singing and we'll bring them some cheer too.
I asked my kids to each pick their favorite Christmas carol and we're gonna get our friends who have a family of 9 to join us, because for sure their kids will drown out my horrible singing voice. I think they key is bring lots of kids if you can so you don't have to worry about your own voice, lol!

I've never gone caroling in the neighborhood but have taken my kid's several times to carol at nursing homes. The seniors love it and my kid's get a lot out of it.

Last year I had carolers sing at my house for the first time and it was the coolest thing ever!!! It was funny because they randomly picked houses and they picked ours! We still talk about how funthat was!

Whatever and whereever you decide, have fun!!!!

We went as a girl scout troop when my daughter was 6, 7, 8ish and had a super time. I know it's a scary time, but I'm sure you'll be fine! Great idea by your son- enjoy and bring some smiles to folks who surely need it! Merry Christmas!!

We went last week with some of the kids and the parents around the neighborhood. It was fun and really cute for the kids. Each family picked a house or two, so we could visit a couple of the neighbors we know best. My daughter was actually disappointed she couldn't hit All her faves, but we had to let some of the other kids choose who to surprise too. We let the kids give out small bags of treats. Many wanted to give hugs, treats, and take pictures of the kids. It was great :)

Our kids want to-but think they are going to get paid for it! So, I told them if they want to carol we can volunteer to be bell ringers and they can raise money.