"Here We Come A'Caroling"

The Martin Family Christmas Chorus

Kim and I continued a Martin family tradition of going door to door during the Christmas season to sing carols to unsuspecting neighbors, last Saturday night. We may not go out every year, but since I have been in the family (33 years) we've managed to go out more years than not. Some years we have more people singing and some years less. Other years we might have non-family members join in the Martin Chorus. No matter who shows up, one thing is for sure, it is always a fun time to sing choruses of Winter Wonderland and We Wish You a Merry Christmas with this family of singers.

Sometime in the late 1960's, the tradition started when Kim's parents, Kelly and JoAn Martin, decided to pile the family into their vehicle and serenade their friends at their houses with Christmas carols. Kim recalled how his dad invited those they sang to, to join the caroling party. Many of their friends would join the ban of carolers and continue along their way singing Christmas carols to neighbors. Kim added that the evening of caroling usually ended up with hot chocolate and a party at his family's house.

Now we have introduced the caroling tradition to a 4th generation of Martins through our grandchildren, Regan and Aidan. They and the other children in the family enjoyed going door to door to be greeted by delighted residents as we all sang Hark, the Heralded Angels Sing or some other carol. Sometimes the people even give out candy or cookies that you can imagine is a big hit with the kids. This year our Aidan and Regan, with cousin Gabe standing timidly by, would station themselves in front of the chorus to add an "interpretive dance" to our singing. The kids were clearly having a good time.

In the spirit of the first caroling party, although not as impromptu, we ended the evening with a party back at our house. It brings me pleasure to continue this spirited tradition and offer a Christmas song to our neighbors. I'm thankful that Kelly and JoAn thought to start such a fun event. Even during the rush of the Christmas season, it is a happy surprise that family and friends want to take part in the caroling. It is my hope that we will continue going Christmas caroling for years to come.