Where Have All the Carolers Gone
Dragging Christmases Past to Christmases Present43 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
I enjoy your style of writing! I did get the feeling of 'being there' and hearing your mom, your dad and the carolers. Two years ago, we had carolers in our neighborhood, but none this year. I agree they are needed now, as is the time taken to just be kind. I guess you and I are in the same contest coming up. The competition is stiff in that contest. While it is true that I love to win, more than that I love to read winning entries. I may have just read one!! ann
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021
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I enjoy your style of writing! I did get the feeling of 'being there' and hearing your mom, your dad and the carolers. Two years ago, we had carolers in our neighborhood, but none this year. I agree they are needed now, as is the time taken to just be kind. I guess you and I are in the same contest coming up. The competition is stiff in that contest. While it is true that I love to win, more than that I love to read winning entries. I may have just read one!! ann
Comment Written 23-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021
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I couldn't be happier that you enjoyed my writing style and my story. That's quite a compliment, Ann. I don't hold much stock in winning any contests here. The ones I've thought would surely win didn't even get honorable mention. We just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, you have yourself a blessed and safe Christmas!
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
This is so beautiful! I love it! I've been caroling several times with my church, but it was decades ago; one time an ornery pastor refused to do it with us because I was LATE! Can you imagine? And a friend of mine knew I wanted so desperately to go, that on another occasion, she went out alone with me in the freezing cold, just the two of us, and my dog. We made quite a group!
No, the closest thing we seem to get to carolers here in Jackson Heights, New York, are the drunken revelers shrieking their way home, after the bars let their patrons out at about 4 AM -- doing anything but singing Christmas carols.
There's nothing like an earnest group of Christmas carolers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, those few times I was privileged to participate. Yes, those were the days, my friend.
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021
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This is so beautiful! I love it! I've been caroling several times with my church, but it was decades ago; one time an ornery pastor refused to do it with us because I was LATE! Can you imagine? And a friend of mine knew I wanted so desperately to go, that on another occasion, she went out alone with me in the freezing cold, just the two of us, and my dog. We made quite a group!
No, the closest thing we seem to get to carolers here in Jackson Heights, New York, are the drunken revelers shrieking their way home, after the bars let their patrons out at about 4 AM -- doing anything but singing Christmas carols.
There's nothing like an earnest group of Christmas carolers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, those few times I was privileged to participate. Yes, those were the days, my friend.
Comment Written 23-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021
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You made my heart smile, Mary Kay. Thank you for all your support and your kind words ... and of course, the six stars. Mainly I'm thrilled that my story touched something in you. I hope it makes your Christmas just a little bit brighter. Bless you and yours, Mary Kay!
Jay
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You're very welcome, Jay. Yes, you did brighten my Christmas. I especially loved your title. May God bless you and yours too, my friend! - Mary Kay
Comment from Father Flaps
Ah, Jay! You take me back to the good old days. I loved the way you wrote about opening the door to hear the carolers. They were coming, just down the street now. And then, finally, there they were. But you sharpened your pencil and used that open door as you began to close...
"And more than that, we need to leave our hearts' doors' open to receive their song--even if it means the discomfort of waiting with only the faith that they're ... coming. They're just down the block.
O, the joyous celebration! Give me an Amen and a resounding Hallelujah, all of you who await the congregation of the song-givers and the song-receivers."
I remember one Christmas back in the early 90's, I was a leader of the Youth Group at our church along with Melody Grove (who eventually became a missionary to Cameroon). We took the Youth Group caroling. I remember one particular house we stopped at. And old woman lived there by herself, and she invited us in out of the cold to sing her a song. There she was at her small round dining table that was cluttered with Christmas cards and envelopes, stamps and glue. She was seated in a wheel chair, and was sharp as a tack. But it didn't take me long to notice... she didn't have any legs. Melody knew, but I didn't. Memories like this stick in your head. They never leave. And it seems you have some fine Christmas memories as well. You should share some more, or do I have to wait until next Christmas to read another?
Wonderfully written! Gratefully received!
Merry Christmas, buddy!
Kimbob
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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Ah, Jay! You take me back to the good old days. I loved the way you wrote about opening the door to hear the carolers. They were coming, just down the street now. And then, finally, there they were. But you sharpened your pencil and used that open door as you began to close...
"And more than that, we need to leave our hearts' doors' open to receive their song--even if it means the discomfort of waiting with only the faith that they're ... coming. They're just down the block.
O, the joyous celebration! Give me an Amen and a resounding Hallelujah, all of you who await the congregation of the song-givers and the song-receivers."
I remember one Christmas back in the early 90's, I was a leader of the Youth Group at our church along with Melody Grove (who eventually became a missionary to Cameroon). We took the Youth Group caroling. I remember one particular house we stopped at. And old woman lived there by herself, and she invited us in out of the cold to sing her a song. There she was at her small round dining table that was cluttered with Christmas cards and envelopes, stamps and glue. She was seated in a wheel chair, and was sharp as a tack. But it didn't take me long to notice... she didn't have any legs. Melody knew, but I didn't. Memories like this stick in your head. They never leave. And it seems you have some fine Christmas memories as well. You should share some more, or do I have to wait until next Christmas to read another?
Wonderfully written! Gratefully received!
Merry Christmas, buddy!
Kimbob
Comment Written 22-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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As always, thank you Kimbob. You are always so generous with your compliments and give me also the joy of reading about your experiences. Nothing more for me about Christmas. I'm pooped. I'll have a play posting soon about New Year's Eve. Old acquaintances won't be forgotten, but no more hints. Again, thank you my dear friend for the six and for the kind words. Merry Christmas.
Comment from Sally Law
This is so wonderful, Jay. I enjoyed it from end to end and listened to the audio in a trancelike state. Being sight impaired, this is a special treat. I love caroling and carolers, as it speaks of a different time that I miss dearly. Sending my virtual six with compliments, and blessings for Christmas to you and yours,
Sally XOs
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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This is so wonderful, Jay. I enjoyed it from end to end and listened to the audio in a trancelike state. Being sight impaired, this is a special treat. I love caroling and carolers, as it speaks of a different time that I miss dearly. Sending my virtual six with compliments, and blessings for Christmas to you and yours,
Sally XOs
Comment Written 22-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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Thank you, so much, Sally. I'll take a virtual over a six from you any day. I'm glad I stirred something in you. You are the frst one to mention listening to the audio. Have a blessed and joyful Christmas, Judy!
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It is marvelous, Jay, really. I really enjoyed the audio as it is has become my life on here as well with my blind assist reader. I use it to read my writing back to me and to review texts. Thanks, again, and I'm sure it will win! Rooting for ya!
Sal xo
Comment from Jasmine Girl
The carolers are gone and gone forever. Thanks to Covid19. I enjoy reading this heart-felt Christmas story about the good old days. I have lived here in Minnesota for 32 years and I have experienced Carolers singing a lot. I even joined a Medtronic choir once a few years ago and found I was talented at singing songs I wasn't familiar with. I belonged the University Club of St. Paul and they used to have fancy Christmas party and we will go on streets and sing.
This year some people have to cancel their plan of going home because of the Omicron.
I'm not sure when the carolers will be back but when they are, we will appreciate it much much more.
Six stars for a truly emotional piece of writing.
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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The carolers are gone and gone forever. Thanks to Covid19. I enjoy reading this heart-felt Christmas story about the good old days. I have lived here in Minnesota for 32 years and I have experienced Carolers singing a lot. I even joined a Medtronic choir once a few years ago and found I was talented at singing songs I wasn't familiar with. I belonged the University Club of St. Paul and they used to have fancy Christmas party and we will go on streets and sing.
This year some people have to cancel their plan of going home because of the Omicron.
I'm not sure when the carolers will be back but when they are, we will appreciate it much much more.
Six stars for a truly emotional piece of writing.
Comment Written 22-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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I'm afraid you are right about the carolers, at least the ones who went door to door. Thank you for the lovely six stars. When is your next scene in the play coming out?
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I was wrong. We went shopping today at the Mall of America and there were choir singing. I guess I didn't know about the door-to-door carolers.
I have been super busy lately and will go up north to stay in a nice condo on Lake Superior. Thanks for encouraging and I will post one soon.
Merry Christmas.
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The way you travel. Will you and your hubby please consider adopting me!
Comment from BethShelby
Jay, I was delighted to read this story of your memories of your Christmas past. I've only experiences the Carolers going house to house once, and that was in seventies in New Orleans. Some church groups still do it, but it is rare, and may have be canceled as wee some church choirs due to the virus. I'm sure most of us have memories of Christmas past we would like to bring into the future. My own memories include lying on my stomach in front of roaring fine with the home made hot chocolate and cookies and listing on the radio to the updated reports of Santa's journey across the world. There are so many more memories of those Christmas times our parents strove to make memorable for us. I can only hope today's children are making their own memories of Christmas magic. They are far different from ours, but who is to say they aren't special and won't be drawn from memory banks seventy years from now and dusted off and longed for in the same way we long for ours Have a good Christmas and make some fresh memories.
Beth
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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Jay, I was delighted to read this story of your memories of your Christmas past. I've only experiences the Carolers going house to house once, and that was in seventies in New Orleans. Some church groups still do it, but it is rare, and may have be canceled as wee some church choirs due to the virus. I'm sure most of us have memories of Christmas past we would like to bring into the future. My own memories include lying on my stomach in front of roaring fine with the home made hot chocolate and cookies and listing on the radio to the updated reports of Santa's journey across the world. There are so many more memories of those Christmas times our parents strove to make memorable for us. I can only hope today's children are making their own memories of Christmas magic. They are far different from ours, but who is to say they aren't special and won't be drawn from memory banks seventy years from now and dusted off and longed for in the same way we long for ours Have a good Christmas and make some fresh memories.
Beth
Comment Written 22-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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Truly, I pray that you're right Beth. And I won't sully your hopes for the future's children with even an iota of negativity. Thank you for sharing your particular memories, just as warm and sweet as thoughts of carolers. Thank you for sharing and for your kind words about my story. Merry and safe Christmas to you and yours.
Comment from Mary Shifman
We never had carolers in my little home town, but we sang carols in school and in church. We has Christmas plays and a bit Christmas tree in the auditorium and gifts were exchanged. I remember how magical it all was and like you, I long for that illusive feeling of wonder and joy. Have a wonderful Christmas and a lovely New Years. May carolers find your door!
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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We never had carolers in my little home town, but we sang carols in school and in church. We has Christmas plays and a bit Christmas tree in the auditorium and gifts were exchanged. I remember how magical it all was and like you, I long for that illusive feeling of wonder and joy. Have a wonderful Christmas and a lovely New Years. May carolers find your door!
Comment Written 22-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021
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What a beautiful parting wish, Mary, "May carolers find your door." We don't have many more days to say this, so may you and yours have a safe and a Merry Christmas!
Comment from RGstar
A little long Jay, but I understand a story is not complete until its complete. And worth the wait.
As said, I always like personal stories, especially for this time of year, and without exception, an exceptional read, for these are such where emotions are relived and conveyed...so much more giving for the writer,and so much more appreciative...for the reader.
Bravo.
Merry Christmas my friend.
Best wishes.
RG
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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A little long Jay, but I understand a story is not complete until its complete. And worth the wait.
As said, I always like personal stories, especially for this time of year, and without exception, an exceptional read, for these are such where emotions are relived and conveyed...so much more giving for the writer,and so much more appreciative...for the reader.
Bravo.
Merry Christmas my friend.
Best wishes.
RG
Comment Written 21-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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Thank you, so much, RG. And this was trimmed down over 50% by lopping off the history of Chrismas Carols, beginning with the kidnapping and assumed murder of a British child, named Carol Poles. This was at the time of Jack the Ripper, and the only way people would open their doors to the searchers for young Carol was in response to groups of door-to-door singers, singing Christmas songs, which they called Carols. Too far-fetched not to be true, right?
Anyway, thanks, RG, for the six stars. I'm astounded by the response this is getting.
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always ssme persnal in there Jay...so we write. Best wishes.
Comment from juliaSjames
Bravo Jay! You brought the true spirit of Christmases past with your nostalgic words and the magic of Dylan Thomas.
My late husband was Welsh. I well remember a Christmas party in Brazil ( it was a diplomatic posting) where a Welsh friend read A child's Christmas in Wales to the gathering.
Pre pandemic, it seems caroling had evolved into an activity at shopping malls. But I remember my childhood in Guyana where carolers roamed the streets, among other Christmas traditions.
Merry Christmas my friend and best of luck in the contest with this wonderful entry.
Stay safe and blessed
Julia
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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Bravo Jay! You brought the true spirit of Christmases past with your nostalgic words and the magic of Dylan Thomas.
My late husband was Welsh. I well remember a Christmas party in Brazil ( it was a diplomatic posting) where a Welsh friend read A child's Christmas in Wales to the gathering.
Pre pandemic, it seems caroling had evolved into an activity at shopping malls. But I remember my childhood in Guyana where carolers roamed the streets, among other Christmas traditions.
Merry Christmas my friend and best of luck in the contest with this wonderful entry.
Stay safe and blessed
Julia
Comment Written 21-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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Julia, thank you so much for your heartfelt words. I deeply appreciate them. I'm getting into the Christmas spirit just by reading all the wonderful reviews I've gotten for this piece. Yours rises to the top!
Jay
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Dear Jay
Once we open our hearts the tiniest bit, the Christmas spirit rushes right in.
Blessings my friend
Julia
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You did a great job with your entry. I enjoyed reading it. I, too, enjoy carolers, and wish that part of Christmas would return. I believe the sight and sound of carolers make people remember happier (hopefully) times with their families and friends. I could see everything as I read. I was engaged from start to finish to find out more. I liked the part about the hot coca and whipped cream and cookies. That is part of the homey feel of Christmas. People nowadays are so caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, they miss the true essence of it.
Best wishes in the contest.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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You did a great job with your entry. I enjoyed reading it. I, too, enjoy carolers, and wish that part of Christmas would return. I believe the sight and sound of carolers make people remember happier (hopefully) times with their families and friends. I could see everything as I read. I was engaged from start to finish to find out more. I liked the part about the hot coca and whipped cream and cookies. That is part of the homey feel of Christmas. People nowadays are so caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, they miss the true essence of it.
Best wishes in the contest.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 21-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
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Thank you so much for this, Jan. I'm glad you're a kindred spirit, and miss the Carolers as I do.