Saturday, December 17, 2016

Bring Back Caroling





Caroling is an age old tradition which has now become almost extinct for various reasons. So many people do not even know their neighbors. Many do not feel safe walking the streets at night with their families. People are afraid to open their doors to strangers, especially at night. So how can we bring back this beloved tradition for our families to enjoy together?

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities! These places are full of elderly, many who grew up doing this with their families. They love when people visit at any time but especially when younger folks bring back traditions from their childhood. It reminds them of so many wonderful times.  Memories of things in which they will never experience again UNLESS someone brings it to them.

Most families know the basic traditional Christmas tunes such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and many more. You don't even need to worry about everyone singing in tune. It won't matter one bit to the people listening, I promise!

Plus, you won't even have to stand out in the frigid weather! To make it just as festive, put on a Christmas shirt or just some red and green will do fine! Maybe some Christmas bows in the little girls hair!

Be sure to call ahead to the facilities Activity Director to set up a time and give them a bit of notice. 30 minutes is plenty. Be sure to try and greet the folks personally if possible.  They love to talk. With this time limit you could even do 2-3 homes in one night.

Also, consider doing this as a group such as Sunday School Classes, Scouting groups, Voice Classes etc.

Not long ago I was doing this with a group from church. When we arrived at one of the homes there was a very elderly lady there who mentioned she had played piano in her younger days. We encouraged her to play along with us, as there was a piano in the room.  She was so excited. It took her a moment to get her fingers to work, as they were bent and crooked from age but when she got going it was a most wonderful time had by all!  It was the most wonderful Christmas for her in many years.  Actually we were all pretty BLESSED!

I hope you are encouraged this Christmas season to.....

BE PREPARED TO BLESS,

Johnna

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