Go Caroling Day

A Celebration of Joy, Music, and Questionable Singing Skills

Go Caroling Day, celebrated annually on December 20th, is a festive invitation to dust off those vocal cords, grab a scarf, and head out into the chilly evening to serenade your neighbors with holiday tunes. Whether you're a soprano who hits every note or a bass who barely grazes a melody, this day is all about spreading cheer through the time-honored tradition of caroling.

The Origins of Caroling

Caroling, or "wassailing" as it was once known, dates back to medieval England when revelers would sing door-to-door, not for fun, but for food and drink. This exchange of song for sustenance was the medieval equivalent of a barter system, with carolers hoping their harmonies would earn them a warm mug of cider or a mince pie. Over time, the practice grew into a way of spreading good tidings and seasonal blessings, often involving whole communities in joyous song.

The tradition's roots can also be traced to pagan celebrations, where singing and dancing around bonfires marked the winter solstice. These early carols weren’t exclusively tied to Christmas but rather celebrated nature, harvests, and the changing seasons. It wasn’t until the 4th century, when Christianity began to intertwine with existing customs, that caroling became associated with Christmas. By the Middle Ages, caroling transformed into a more structured activity, with clergy and laypeople composing hymns that celebrated the nativity story.

Caroling Through the Ages

The tradition of caroling has taken on many forms throughout history, adapting to cultural shifts and evolving musical tastes. What began as rustic tunes sung under frosty skies has blossomed into a beloved holiday pastime celebrated worldwide.

• Medieval England: Songs often revolved around community news or seasonal blessings, delivered with gusto and perhaps a bit too much mead.
• Victorian Era: The tradition gained respectability, with carolers donning their finest and performing songs like “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
• Modern Day: Caroling now features everything from traditional hymns to poppy renditions of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Some groups even break into choreographed dances for added flair (and occasional embarrassment).

How to Go Caroling Like a Pro

Caroling may seem simple, but there’s a method to the musical madness. With a bit of preparation and a lot of enthusiasm, you can ensure your caroling adventure hits all the right notes—figuratively speaking, of course.

1. Form Your Team: Gather a group of enthusiastic friends, family, or local choir members. Bonus points if you include a jolly fellow dressed as Santa.
2. Pick Your Playlist: Choose a mix of classics (“Deck the Halls”), tear-jerkers (“O Holy Night”), and crowd-pleasers (“Jingle Bell Rock”).
3. Dress the Part: Ugly Christmas sweaters, warm scarves, and Santa hats are encouraged. Glitter and reindeer antlers? Even better.
4. Spread the Cheer: Knock on doors or visit public spaces like parks, malls, or nursing homes. Most people appreciate the effort—even if you’re a little off-key.
5. Don’t Forget the Cocoa: Reward yourself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate after braving the elements and hitting those high notes.

Why Caroling Still Matters

Caroling is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past. It’s a way to bring communities together, remind us of the joy in simple traditions, and even help those in need. Many carolers sing to raise money for charities or collect donations for food banks.

It’s also one of the few times a year when singing in public isn’t just acceptable—it’s encouraged. Where else can you belt out “Frosty the Snowman” without someone asking you to kindly stop?

Hilarious Caroling Moments

Caroling is filled with moments of joy, camaraderie, and occasional hilarity. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected mishaps that make the experience memorable and worth sharing. Here are some laugh-out-loud moments that many carolers can relate to:

• The person who confidently starts singing the second verse of “The First Noel,” only to realize no one else knows it.
• That one house with the overly enthusiastic dog who insists on joining your rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
• The group member who insists on hitting Mariah Carey’s high note in “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” with...mixed results.
• Tripping over the lyrics to “Good King Wenceslas” and turning it into a group mumble-fest.
• Accidentally serenading the wrong house, only to find a confused but amused audience staring back.
• A well-meaning singer slipping on ice mid-verse but recovering with a dramatic bow as if it was all part of the show.
• Realizing mid-song that someone in the group forgot the key, resulting in a mashup of high and low notes worthy of a sitcom.

How to Celebrate Go Caroling Day

Even if you’re not the next holiday superstar, there are plenty of ways to celebrate:

• Join a Caroling Group: Check with local churches, community centers, or schools for organized events.
• Host a Caroling Party: Invite friends over for an evening of music, cookies, and laughter.
• Virtual Caroling: Can’t hit the streets? Host a Zoom caroling session. Technology may falter, but the spirit won’t.

Fun Facts About Caroling

Caroling is steeped in history and charm, with plenty of quirky tidbits that add to its festive allure. Here’s a closer look at some fun facts that might surprise you:

• The word “carol” originally meant a dance or song of praise and joy.
• “Jingle Bells” was originally written as a Thanksgiving song.
• Some caroling groups in Victorian times used handbells instead of singing, a practice still popular today.
• Caroling wasn’t always limited to Christmas; many cultures used songs to celebrate everything from harvests to weddings.
• In some countries, carolers dress as nativity characters to act out parts of the Christmas story while singing.

Not everyone is a fan of unexpected serenades. If someone politely declines your musical offerings, respect their wishes and move on. There’s plenty of holiday cheer to go around, and not everyone needs it delivered at full volume on their doorstep.

Go Caroling Day is the perfect excuse to embrace the festive spirit, even if your rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” sounds more like “O Come, All Ye Forgetful.” So, warm up those vocal cords, gather your courage, and let the holiday harmonies flow. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear—even if it makes the neighborhood cats join in.

Editor’s Note: While our office staff once delighted in going caroling, local noise ordinances have since curtailed this tradition. Surprisingly, this has been met with enthusiastic approval from the community, ensuring a silent (and perhaps more restful) night for all.

Please Share our Content