Go caroling

Caroling is the simplest way to give someone a gift: you turn up, you sing a few songs, and you go. Nobody needs to be a good singer, and everything you need fits in a pocket. It works best with a small group and a short route.

When and where to go

Go early in the evening, once it is dark but not late. Between about 5 and 8 is a good window. People are usually home, and children are not yet in bed. Winter dark comes early, so you do not need to wait long.

Choose the places before you leave. The best doors are those of neighbours, friends and family who would love it. Telling them you might come, or asking in advance, avoids surprises. If you want to sing for people you do not know, ask first, or choose places that welcome carolers, such as a care home that has invited visitors or a community event. Never go into someone’s home or property uninvited.

Keep the route short and walkable. Four or five stops is enough. Stay on sidewalks and well-lit streets, and stick together.

Choosing songs

Pick four songs that everyone already knows. That is enough for several doors, and you will not need a printout. Choose a mix of slower and more lively ones, and decide who starts each song. If anyone is shy, let them take the quiet part.

Put the lyrics on your phone, or print a card with the words. Check the first line and the key of each song together before you start, so you begin at the same time. A hum from the group leader works well.

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and not everyone wants carols at their door. Choose your doors with that in mind, and be ready to move on without fuss.

What to wear and bring

Beyond the friends, lyrics and cookies:

• Warm layers, a hat and gloves. Standing still while singing is colder than walking.
• Good shoes with grip, in case the sidewalk is wet or icy.
• A small flashlight or phone light, for reading lyrics and watching steps.
• Something to carry the cookies, such as a tin or a bag, with a few napkins.
• A thermos of something warm, for between stops.

If you want to hand out cookies, check first for allergies where you can, and label what is in them.

How to do it

1. Meet and warm up. Sing the first song once before you leave, so everyone remembers the words.
2. Walk to the first door. Stand in a group where the person can see you, and do not crowd the doorstep.
3. Ring or knock, step back and start. Sing two songs. If someone wants to chat, great. If not, leave a cookie, say happy holidays and go.
4. Move on. Keep the pace easy, and sing a few bars as you walk if you like.
5. Finish with a hot drink. End somewhere warm. Someone’s kitchen is perfect.

What goes wrong

• Nobody answers. That is fine. Move on to the next door, or sing a verse from the sidewalk and leave a note.
• You forget the words. Keep lyrics on your phone, and start with songs everyone really knows.
• You are off-key. Everyone is. Keep smiling and keep going. It is not a performance.
• It is too cold. Shorten the route, bring a thermos and stand close together. If anyone feels numb or wet, go home.
• Someone does not want carols. Say thank you, wish them a good evening and move on. It is not personal.

After the evening

Warm up with hot chocolate and take a group photo. If people liked it, you could make it an annual tradition, with a short list of favourite houses. Some groups collect donations for a good cause, but only do that if you have arranged it properly and the people you sing for know about it.

Make it a winter evening

Choose your friends, pick the songs, and go out while it is still early. When you have warmed up afterwards, it might be a good moment for a holiday movie night with the same group.