There is something magic about knocking on someone’s door, they answer not knowing who it is, and then the smile on their face as they hear the singing and call over others in the house to listen.

In college, our SCA group used to carol across the Cornell campus, singing several more period pieces (even in Latin and German)

Every year, I tell myself that I need to start doing it again. I’ve tried to push the Iron Bog caroling, but realized that I should be doing it with my family as well.

Well, this year it’s going to change. We’re going to go, and I would *love* to have your voices be heard alongside ours. Just a few hours out of your weekend to put smiles on your face and those of others.

That was part of an email I sent to friends a few weeks ago. Yesterday we were able to bring it all together. Now, my original vision of going door to door with candles was thrown for a loop with the bad weather yesterday. My rain date was also up against something else, and I *really* didn’t want to miss out on going, especially since I had several responses.

So we went with Plan B. That consisted of me tracking down a nursing home or assisted living location that would welcome us on short notice. Luckily, I found one not far from us in Deptford. I sent out an email early in the day to let folks know not to get nervous with the rain.

Overall, it went really well. We had 8 adults and 8 children, though only 2 of the kids actually joined in the singing.

Our music was holiday and seasonally inspired. Since almost half of the singers were Jewish, we want to make sure to not be overly Christian in our song choices, while at the same time including some Chanukah songs (which are really hard to find sheet music for, btw)

We wind up singing to a group of about 15-20 older women (and a few men), plus the staff. It was great to watch them sing along and smile in recognition as we worked through the songs.

It was actually more difficult to do it this way. Had we gone from house to house, we would have had breathers between songs. We could also have repeated the ones everyone knew really well, or tended to get the best reception. In this case, we just worked through the handout I’d given everyone. We sang for about 45 minutes.

Afterwards we returned to my house for cookies, hot cider, hot chocolate, and “Jewish death bread” (with clotted cream of course). Those celebrating Chanukah light their Menorah and exchanged gifts. The kids watched the classics of Rudolph and Frosty on DVD.

Thank you everyone who came and joined us. It was a wonderful evening, and hope the resident’s smiles stay with you throughout the season.

Here was our final set list of songs (* = actually sung):

The Twelve Days of Christmas *

Good King Wenceslas

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer *

Toyland

My Favorite Things *

Jingle Bells *

Let it Snow *

Over the River *

Jingle Bell Rock *

Carol of the Bells

The Holly and the Ivy

Deck the Halls *

Frosty The Snowman *

Winter Wonderland *
O Chanukah, O Chanukah *

Dreidel, Dreidel *

Oh Christmas Tree

Here we come a-caroling

We Wish You a Merry Christmas *

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) *

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

We Need a Little Christmas

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree *

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Up on the Housetop

The Night Before Christmas

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Sleigh Ride *

Mele Kalikimaka

Hey Ho Nobody Home (shortened verses)

Boar’s Head Carol

One of my favorites was Christmas 1991. My grandmother (on my mom’s side) was still with us, as was my Dad’s twin, Harry. Towards the end of the evening, we all start singing Christmas carols. However, in typical Bachen fashion, we proceeded to make fools of ourselves by making reindeer antlers with our hands and holding red Christmas ornaments in front of our noses as we sung Rudolph. It was a really warm feeling to see our family all together having such a great time.

Later, we watched a family reunion from 1995. At one point it must have gotten colder, so I switched out of my overalls (which earned me the nickname HeeHaw all night) and into a fleece pullover. My sister starting laughing hysterically as she realized that I wore that *very fleece* on the plane ride to Florida. She made me go upstairs and put it on to ‘recreate’ the original shot. My cousin Nick was below me and holding a replica red guitar (Guitar Hero stand-in). It’s a little out of focus, but you get the basic idea. We all laughed for hours. It’s 12 years old and it’s comfortable, so why wouldn’t I wear it? In fact, its starting to tear in the shoulder, in the actual fabric itself, not a seam, so it’s hard to repair. My sister tells me though I should have retired it after 5 years. Obviously I disagree.

Watching videos immediately after an event is fun, but can also be boring. Watching them 10 or 15 years later and laughing and reminiscing is a wonderful experience. I’m glad I was here and part of it. My grandmother enjoyed it too. Sometimes she would argue about who was in a picture or what event it was (and she was always wrong), but other times she was spot on with recognizing who people were. She was especially good at remembering those who had already passed away. The older they were (and obviously the further back in her memory), the better the chance. I know she was glad we all sat around watching them.

{ video = You Tube – Chiron Beta Prime }

Been singing it to myself for the last two weeks. Tried earworming Ian at practice Wednesday, but didn’t have any luck.. figured I’d try it here instead.

Info Links:

Jonathan Coulton on Wikipedia

Spiffworld (Very funny WoW machinima videos)

Smoked Salmon Paté.

This Sunday, soda lovers will have the choice of two different limited edition packs.

First, you can go with the Christmas pack, including the ‘favorites’ of Sugar Plum, Christmas Tree, Egg Nog and Christmas Ham.

For those that celebrate Hanukkah, do not despair! You too have your very own pack this year: Jelly Doughnut, Apple Sauce, Chocolate Coins and Latke.

I’m thinking I might temporarily convert, because those flavors look better. While I might put Sugar Plum up against Apple Sauce, you’ve got to agree that Christmas Tree is probably beaten out by everything.

Feel free to pick some up at their online store, because it’s not likely your local Shop and Save is going to have them.

Current Mood:  okay