Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas Caroling...awkward

I was recently thinking about caroling and I believe it has to be one of the most awkward activities ever. I would rate it right up there with being approached by panhandlers.  Before you label me as an Ebenezer Scrooge, let me explain myself. I enjoy Christmas time and carols, but successful caroling is not as easy as it looks. I'm sure there are those who love visits from carolers and are touched by the experience, but I'll bet most people, like myself, feel kind of uncomfortable.

How it is supposed to work:
A group of cheerful, attractive, and vocally talented people approach a home while singing Christmas carols. As they arrive at the porch, someone opens the door with a smile and the occupants of home quickly come to see their visitors and begin to soak in the Christmas spirit. When the singing is done the listeners are touched thank them for sharing their talents. If the recipient is an older or lonely person they may even shed a tear during the performance or offer some sort of treat to the carolers. This is the ideal way you would probably see it happening in the movies.

How it happens in real life:
You hear people singing outside your home but you can't turn off your lights quick enough so you reluctantly open the door and you are immediately reminded how freaking cold it is. You obviously can't invite the big group in so you stand there shivering with a fake smile on your face. As you listen to their singing, you ask yourself "Are they doing this for me because they think I like it?". There is nothing more awkward than staring at a group of strangers who have showed up at your home to sing to you with no warning.

What it's supposed to be like:



How it feels for me:


I'm sorry if I come across as a party pooper. I appreciate people who enthusiastically serve others by sharing their vocal talents, but I'm just saying it sometimes gets kind of weird. Merry Christmas.

4 comments:

kaylla said...

you are a scrooge. (:

Eric said...

I wonder if there was ever a Christmas caroling group whose membership was by 'Indiana Jones Holy Grail guardian' rules? So the group goes around until they find some other carollers, then that number can leave. Hmm, no that sounds to complex.

Jeanne Estridge said...

I think the whole "winter" thing intensifies the awkwardness. You either have to leave your door open (thus flying in the face of years of childhood training) or step onto the porch (thus freezing your butt off).

The Misek's said...

That's OK Tom we are the least social generation of people in the history of the world and from the most individualistic culture on earth. It's no wonder caroling is awkward. Better to sit in the basement and watch Netflicks.