Our Countdown to Christmas continues—1o days until Christmas.

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Ever since I was young I sang in choirs and groups around the Christmas season.  I loved caroling and sharing the music of Christmas with others.  There is nothing like music to bring in that spirit of giving and love that comes each year in the Christmas season.  As I grew older this yearly tradition slowly stopped, but after a few years of not doing it I missed it and wanted to have that same feeling and joy that only this brought me.  Christmas music is great, but it just isn’t the same as giving of your time and self to bringing joy to others and share the gift of music with them.

A few years ago a few of my friends and I got together and started a yearly caroling group.  We get together for a month or so before the holiday season, and we practice the music then go out and perform it at senior centers.  When I first started doing this with my friends we were just women that liked to sing.  As we got together to practice and began to feel the spirit of the holiday season, I realized the great gift that we were able to give others.  I also saw what a great family activity this could be.  If you wanted to do this with just your family it is a great frugal activity that can help the spirit of Christmas in your family and give service & enjoyment to those who you are visiting.

To get the little kids involved we have them help to make some crafts for those in the senior centers.  They enjoy coloring and gluing pins and candy cane reindeer together so they can give them out.  As an added bonus for us parents, it also keeps them busy during the day and while we practice.  When we are singing, we have the kids go out and pass them out to those who are listening to us.  We also have the kids who are old enough do a number themselves.  The kids look forward to it every year and have a blast serving others.

I find my family is brought together by doing this.  We are able to share something that brings us joy, and work together for a common goal.  We enjoy time together and help others feel loved that may have no other visitors during the year.  If you are looking for a frugal activity for your family, this is an excellent way to bring your family together while feeling the spirit of the season and teaching your children the power of service to bring joy not only in others lives, but also your own.