Last year,
we received a letter that warmed our hearts. Christmas caroling, a long-ago
tradition we thought had disappeared, was alive and well in the Town of
Eastchester. The letter reads:
In December 2008, a long-time resident of Eastchester, Theresa Nicholson,
thought it would be a nice deed to spread some Christmas cheer to all her
neighbors and friends by way of Christmas caroling. Along with family, friends
and their children, they went from house to house singing their happy Christmas
songs armed with a flashlight and a portable DVD player.
The DVD player was to help the kids keep time to their lyrics, which they had in their hands as the children sung from their song sheets.
The children and adults sung their hearts out. I, myself, was a participant along with my 8-year-old daughter (at that time). The kids enjoyed going house to house as they felt enormous pride as the neighbors complimented them on their lovely singing and told them how much they enjoyed their performances.
The adults singing were equally delighted to see everyone enjoying such a great outing! The fun didn’t stop there – after singing for an hour and a half and covering about 10 blocks of homes, it was off to the Nicholson’s home to warm up with hot cocoa, hot food, desserts and more laughter and fun.
This tradition continued the following year and the word had spread and now there were about 60 volunteer carolers and the numbers keep growing to this day. Without fail, Theresa sends out emails with a date and a time for this annual Christmas caroling event and after-party.
I think it is safe to say that this event has captured the true meaning of community and the true meaning of spreading joy and cheer during the holiday season. Imagine all the children who got to experience this kind of Christmas spirit throughout their growing years. So you better watch out. Santa is not the only one coming to town!
The carolers will be out spreading their joy this December and it is such a lovely sound and sight!” wrote Colleen, a member of the caroling group.
One year, the carolers brought along some ornaments to give to some of the houses they went calling on. One elderly woman opened the door and enjoyed some holiday cheer and the songs gave her comfort, along with an ornament she said she would treasure.
“If you can bring some joy to people, this is the time of year to do it,” said Colleen.
And let us all try to spend this holiday season trying to help those who need a boost. Maybe all they need is a friendly face, or a holiday song, or someone to open their hearts to them.
