Christmas Carolers!

It was icy cold with a slight breeze, but we braved the elements and sang our favorite Christmas Carols for our community and neighbors. Our first stop was at a house that requested our performance. They had Trader Joe's cookies waiting for us.

People are not used to carolers and we get many reactions from our impromptu audiences: some listen while standing next to the window, others grab family members from inside so they too can hear the singing, while others walk quickly back into their house after one song. For the most part, everyone enjoyed our singing. I can understand it is awkward to stand there while a group sings to you a bit off tune.

The kids love it - they run ahead, ring the doorbell and then belt out the words to Jingle Bells and Rudolph. Each year, we gain a new family to our group. Once you start this tradition, it is hard to let go.

Ben is in the left-hand corner of the photo hugging Elizabeth, his former teacher.

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