Years ago my Aunt Leann and Uncle Rich started a tradition of caroling to various neighbors in our community. Part of me has always felt we should invest in long wool coats, top hats and muffs. In reality we are usually just a mismatched well-wishing group of children and adults of (let’s say) assorted levels of technical ability. Some faces of cousins and family I know well, and sometimes I meet new cheerful neighbors. It’s fantastic!
I love bringing my children along to participate in spreading Christmas joy. My uncle uses his work pick up truck (from a local family business) pulling a long flatbed trailer lined with two rows of haystacks for all of the carolers to pile on as we travel from house to house. Our stops this time included (but were not limited to) an elderly man and his wife who suffers with MS, he held the door opened wide so she could hear us from where she was at; a sweet and spry man who boasted he had just turned 93 in November and told us to keep coming back; a family relative who’s husband needed more care than she could provide and recently had moved into a nursing home; another family relative who suffered with a stroke not too long ago and was pushed to the door in her wheelchair. For the first year we didn’t stop at my Great-aunt Shirley’s house, knowing she wasn’t there. Last year the group sang for us at our house because Noah wasn’t yet a month old and not well enough to face the cold. It’s just embodies what every season should be like, and what this time of the year gives us reason to carry out.
At every home we pass out a poinsettia and sing two selections from our song sheet followed by “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. When we’ve sung to every house on the list we all meet back at the warehouse to refresh ourselves with a potluck style variety of dishes and treats, hot chocolate, and Aunt Leann’s delicious Chili for a Crowd accompanied by all of the toppings. It’s the perfect time to thaw out, dry off or as the case in this year’s mild weather; catch up with old and new friends while we fill our bellies with food for heart and soul.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Really nice write up… This is something I look forward to every year, and your family are world class carolers….
I’m sure they appreciate that! 😉
This is a great tradition and I’m so happy to hear that it still continues! Question, is the first photo Tom and Christy’s house? Looks like it! What an awesome family, wish I was there to join in!!! xoxo
I wish you were too! No, I believe that was Dino and Allison’s. We did sing to Uncle Tom and Aunt Christy though!
What a wonderful tradition! Love your photos, and oh how I wish we could join you sometime! 🙂
Thank you Anna! You would be very welcomed! I forgot my good camera, and tried my best with my phone… so your comment is very appreciated, lol! 🙂
You captured the evening beautifully! 🙂
Lol, thank you!
What a lovely tradition! Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours as well!
Thank you:)
Beautiful tradition and memories being made for those on both sides of the door… love that you are getting your kids involved!
Thank you 🙂
This is so beautiful! I can’t imagine a nicer and more giving tradition at any time of the year Sadie! You are so special and have a very special family! Loved this post!!!!
Thank you Lynn! 🙂
Wow Sadie what a special tradition! I love it and the pictures, it looks like pure fun!! I am sure those people are so excited for all of you to show up! A wonderful thing to do
🙂
Sounds like so much fun Sadie 🙂
Thanks Marisa:)
Such a fun tradition!! Love it Sadie! And all the photos are lovely..especially the adorable pics of the kids ?
Thank you Smiling Notes 🙂
What a sweet tradition! Mmm that hot chocolate looks good, but snow cones might have been more appropriate this year lol I can’t believe how warm it has been!! Nice for the babies though:)
Yes, it was perfect for taking the kids out!