Christmas Carols
Practice Caroling in the Neighborhood
Gather close friends and family on a December evening and bundle up.
Print out caroling booklets (Appoint a strong singer to be the official song starter.)
Have the children (or the most outgoing adults) knock on doors for each house you visit.
Consider giving candy canes, cookies, or tiny cups of hot cocoa from a thermos.
Ask if your neighbor would like to hear a carol, then sing out together joyfully!
Conclude your time at each house by walking away singing ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.
Practice Caroling Party at your Home
Invite friends, family, and neighbors to a Caroling Party at your home.
Print and give out caroling booklets.
If you have musician friends, invite them to prepare a song or lead the group in singing.
Carol together for about 30-45 minutes. Leave time for conversation and connection.
Options: sing in your living room, or sing outside under the stars. (My family sings with the neighbors outside on the deck since the closest house is a half mile away. Get creative!)
Daniel is the planting pastor of Redemption Anglican. He is an ordained Anglican deacon, musician, and coffee roaster. Alli is a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and board-certified music therapist. Together they are planting Redemption Anglican Church in the Denver West neighborhood and singing with joy in this Christmas season!
“Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Nothing unites people quite like singing. Entrainment of melody, breath, thought, and timing quickly synchronizes a group and produces a profound sense of connection. Music has been employed to end conflicts, build bridges between diverse groups, and cultivate a sense of joy and peace. Research shows singing is beneficial to all people – regardless of age, background or singing ability. Singing helps lower stress, improve lung function, boost immunity, stimulate memory, enhance mental health, and decrease both physical and emotional pain.
People have bonded through music in countless cultures and every era. But, singing together has become rare in our society in recent years. One practice to sing together still exists: caroling! Caroling is a wonderful way to meet new neighbors, make memories with friends, and benefit from the all the gifts of singing songs.
Alli is a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and board-certified music therapist. Daniel and Ali are planting Redemption Anglican Church and singing with joy in this Christmas season!
