A favorite holiday tradition that started years ago involves everyone and anyone who is at our house on Christmas Eve grabbing an instrument, donning a Santa hat, and walking around the streets of our neighborhood caroling our neighbors.
This year was a particularly special year for many reasons. We have added to our family and are now a bigger group with more kids (and thus, more love!). Our next-door neighbors are celebrating their last Christmas in their house, as they are moving after 28 years. And, sigh, as Keith appeared dressed as Santa, not one kid batted an eye – not even a glimmer of “could it be?” crossed their faces.
As we made our way around the cul-de-sac and down the street, each door opened with a flurry of activity. Some little ones were afraid of Santa. Others mesmerized. Adults, young and old, clapped hands and sang along. Often, we were asked to pause, to wait to begin until family members could be assembled. We all sang from our hearts, and played our instruments with glee – it was like being a kid again!
This was our gift to our neighbors. Some were having large family gatherings so we got to sing to large crowds. Others were just two. Our kids were “rewarded” for their caroling at various houses with Chanukah gelt, solid milk chocolate Santa’s, a kitty Christmas ornament, and nearly some cash as one man started going through his wallet (which was odd, we weren’t singing for our supper, after all!). We even stayed and sang to the house that would not open the door and actually closed all the shutters on us. But we knew someone was in there, so we sang. I guess we all figured they needed Christmas Joy more than anyone.
Laughing, singing, banging on drums, jingling tambourines and shaking music sticks and maracas, we were not only giving the gift of neighborly love, but we were giving ourselves and our children the gift of a family tradition. Of a memory. Of an activity that they will have forever stored in their memory banks, that lets them know that they are part of a family, of something bigger and safer that will wrap them in love when they need it the most. And that is what this moment, this Christmas moment, is about.
Written in 1822 by Clement Moore, the poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is an American classic and one of my personal favorites. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May all the blessings of the season be yours.