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Every year my family has a neighborhood caroling party during the holiday season. People often come to our holiday parties with the intention of “sitting this one out” — but they almost always find themselves out with the group having a great time. I am sharing my family caroling recipe to inspire you to make it out this year.
1. Plan for weather.
On the Coastside, we plan for rain and fog on caroling night and treat it as a challenge. In my opinion, part of caroling is going out to share good cheer in spite of the weather. Where I grew up we would plan for the worst case, freezing rain — and every few years we’d get lucky and have snow. However, with the proper coat, boots and umbrella protection, caroling can be quite an enjoyable experience no matter what the weather. And if you have a fireplace at home, have lots of logs and remind everyone that you’ll warm them up when you return!
2. Have instruments for all.
The guideline here is that everyone gets to play an instrument in addition to singing. Many people have stage — or doorstep — fright, and having a drum, bell, rattle, tambourine, banjo, guitar, accordion, trumpet, whistle or kazoo will help to bolster their courage. Also, the instruments help to drown out those singers who are tone deaf!
3. Know your playlist.
Print out sheet music and agree upon a few “traveling songs.” It’s very easy to find and download that music from the Internet; just search for caroling sheet music and you’ll find lots to choose from. Sing a few songs at each doorstep, and have a song or two to sing between houses. Pick songs where everyone knows the words, like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” — and then have a surprise song or two, like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
4. Start singing inside first.
Starting a handful of songs and practicing with instruments indoors gets everybody in the spirit. I have found that although only a few die-hards have pre-committed to the outdoor event, you will be able to attract many more if you can get your partygoers singing and engaged. There is nothing like being out in the neighborhood at night during the holidays with everyone’s lights and decorations!
5. Plan your route.
Choose an easy and safe route for your caroling, preferably one where you can start out from your own front door. I have found that somewhere between seven and 10 houses is a great place to start and I usually tell three to four of them that we will be showing up! Also, the best time to go out is right after dinner, before people have put their younger children to bed.
6. Light your way like Rudolph.
I encourage everyone to bring a flashlight or headlamp; glow-in-the-dark tube sticks or battery-powered string lights for the little ones are essential. Open flames are discouraged, but I have been known to roast chestnuts on a small grill and cart that around on a wagon. If you’re going the wagon route, you can carry extra supplies and refreshments as well!
7. Giving is receiving.
Before we leave the house on our caroling journey, I like to remind everyone that the energy you put out will ultimately come back to you in so many ways. Just having a positive attitude and sharing a little cheer can go a long way and set the tone for the entire year.
I hope to see you out this year and wish you all happy Coastside caroling!
1. Plan for weather.
On the Coastside, we plan for rain and fog on caroling night and treat it as a challenge. In my opinion, part of caroling is going out to share good cheer in spite of the weather. Where I grew up we would plan for the worst case, freezing rain — and every few years we’d get lucky and have snow. However, with the proper coat, boots and umbrella protection, caroling can be quite an enjoyable experience no matter what the weather. And if you have a fireplace at home, have lots of logs and remind everyone that you’ll warm them up when you return!
2. Have instruments for all.
The guideline here is that everyone gets to play an instrument in addition to singing. Many people have stage — or doorstep — fright, and having a drum, bell, rattle, tambourine, banjo, guitar, accordion, trumpet, whistle or kazoo will help to bolster their courage. Also, the instruments help to drown out those singers who are tone deaf!
3. Know your playlist.
Print out sheet music and agree upon a few “traveling songs.” It’s very easy to find and download that music from the Internet; just search for caroling sheet music and you’ll find lots to choose from. Sing a few songs at each doorstep, and have a song or two to sing between houses. Pick songs where everyone knows the words, like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” — and then have a surprise song or two, like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
4. Start singing inside first.
Starting a handful of songs and practicing with instruments indoors gets everybody in the spirit. I have found that although only a few die-hards have pre-committed to the outdoor event, you will be able to attract many more if you can get your partygoers singing and engaged. There is nothing like being out in the neighborhood at night during the holidays with everyone’s lights and decorations!
5. Plan your route.
Choose an easy and safe route for your caroling, preferably one where you can start out from your own front door. I have found that somewhere between seven and 10 houses is a great place to start and I usually tell three to four of them that we will be showing up! Also, the best time to go out is right after dinner, before people have put their younger children to bed.
6. Light your way like Rudolph.
I encourage everyone to bring a flashlight or headlamp; glow-in-the-dark tube sticks or battery-powered string lights for the little ones are essential. Open flames are discouraged, but I have been known to roast chestnuts on a small grill and cart that around on a wagon. If you’re going the wagon route, you can carry extra supplies and refreshments as well!
7. Giving is receiving.
Before we leave the house on our caroling journey, I like to remind everyone that the energy you put out will ultimately come back to you in so many ways. Just having a positive attitude and sharing a little cheer can go a long way and set the tone for the entire year.
I hope to see you out this year and wish you all happy Coastside caroling!
© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill
This is an article that was published in Coastviews Magazine in the December 2010 issue: http://coastviewsmag.com/7-steps-to-successful-coastside-caroling
