As you know, I love singing, and for me, one of the absolute bestest bits about Christmas is carol singing - "proper" carol singing where you walk round the streets in the bitter cold, no instruments to drown voices, attempts at harmony, sometimes pitching a song that little bit too high or low, cos it's all off the cuff. Love it.
Tonight was carols on the run. Kids finally dispatched, I dashed to where the others were (texting to locate as I'd missed the start). We sang, beautifully, and it was ace to hear it was the first time in 30 years that a particular street had been carolled. I hope we go again next year and start a new wave of tradition. I had to pick up from cubs, so dashed off again (they're always out late except for the nights I'm late. Always). Maybe I need a sleigh.
An additional aspect I liked about tonight is that we weren't collecting. I have nothing against collecting and am v proud of money raised during previous sings. But was great to turn expectations on their head and when people asked to donate, we explained we were giving not collecting, and offered them chocolate and a booklet instead.
I've been reflecting on carol singing through the ages. My first memory of it is as a teenager, just three of us, going door to door locally and pulling off some amazing 3 part harmonies in silent night. I also recall singing with Ladies Circle that my mum was part of. Then it feels like there's a gap but maybe my memory is just hazy? I have happy memories of singing around Preston, a kind friend offering to carry my girly whose feet had frozen. And I've sung with my church before around the streets of my town. I've stood outside to sing many a time too with various choirs, but there's something about moving that makes it extra special for me. Don't know why. Anyhow, better dash, hope you get to sing gustily today too...
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