Lessons I Have Learned About Christmas Caroling

The last few years, a small group of folks at St. Benedict sign up to go caroling to our elder members, who are some of the most fun and winsome people in my congregation. Some are homebound and some are not. Some sing along with us and some just listen. It’s a fun Advent tradition.

Here are some practical and humorous things I’ve learned over the years:

1. Even though it seems that every year there are fewer caroling booklets, somehow there’s always enough to go around.

2. You can pack a lot of caroling punch with just 6-10 people. That’s about as many as you can fit in someone’s living room, anyway. Extra points for children.

3. While it sounds very romantic to surprise folks with a troop of carolers crooning on their doorstep, it really isn’t very practical to show up at someone’s front door without calling first. Even your elder church members have a life and appreciate some notice, in case of grandchildren’s Christmas concerts, a cluttered foyer, or deciding whether to watch the evening news in one’s PJs or not. Save everyone some awkwardness and schedule your visit.

4. Three carols pis enough. Thinking of singing every single verse? A bit excessive, especially if temps are in the teens, as it was for Caroling Extravaganza 2013. However, even if it’s in the 80s in December in your neck of the woods, it’s best to make it short but sweet. A mix of sombre and joyful carols is good. We’ve found that most carolees want us to pick the songs, but we often ask for requests anyway. It can be nice to walk out while singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

5. Caroling in the suburbs, like any kind of activity in the suburbs, requires quite a bit of driving around. This means caroling to 4-5 people can take two hours. Carpool if possible and consider giving everyone a list of addresses in advance.

6. Your default should be to carol from the person’s front step, so you’re close enough that they can see and hear you but respectful of the privacy of their home. However, if they invite you in, don’t hesitate to say yes!

7. Caroling in someone’s nursing home room is pretty fantastic. Caroling to someone in their nursing home lobby is even better! This way, a whole bunch of folks get to enjoy your caroling and your elder member can feel a bit proud in front of their neighbors that their church is coming to see and sing to them for Christmas.

8. Useful items: pitch pipe, Santa hat, handwarmers, bottled water, and a booklight or your phone flashlight.

9. Do not let your farewell be “Merry Christmas!” if, as a member might be quick to remind you, that makes it sound as though you won’t see them again for weeks when they will, in fact, see you in church on Sunday and again at the Christmas Eve service.

10. You might plan to take some pictures of your church members caroling and being caroled to, but the dark evenings make it pretty much impossible to get decent shots. Also, when it’s very cold, no one wants to stand still any longer than necessary.