Kids can volunteer too! Christmas Caroling at Old Folk's Homes

Yesterday, the little ones found a CD of Christmas carols, and they were soon dancing to "Jingle Bells"!

It brought us back to the time we went caroling at an old folk's home with our homeschool friends last year, and they reminded us that we had to go back again. An elderly resident was so touched by the little ones singing and dancing their hearts out that as we were saying goodbye, she wiped her tears away and asked our little girl if we would come back next year. The little girl immediately promised she would, and now, she reminded me of that promise.

It was a simple affair at Swami Home, singing easy tunes like "Jingle Bells", "Deck the Halls", and "We wish you a Merry Christmas", accompanied by a guitar, castanets and shakers. We had extra time, so we added some action songs we had learnt in the course of the year, like "Pearly Shells",  "健康歌" and  even "丑小鸭"! Not very Christmassy, but the elderly residents didn't seem to mind! They were very entertained and stopped whatever they were doing to watch. After the caroling, the children walked around to distribute little gifts and interact with the old folks.

Christmas Caroling at Swami Home 2014

I'm big on volunteering, having spent my growing up years visiting old folks homes and tutoring hearing-impaired and financially needy children.

I wanted to introduce my children to volunteering, to give them the chance to bless the less fortunate, and I felt that singing and distributing gifts would be a good way to get started. I was concerned that some children might feel awkward or uncertain visiting without any agenda, and I certainly did not want to be pushing and urging shy and reticent children to interact with strangers. Distributing gifts gave them a sense of purpose and was a good starting point for them to interact with the elderly residents.

The children were heartened to see the faces of the elderly residents light up with pleasure as they danced, and even my little boy, who normally REFUSES to dance or perform for anyone, sang his heart out for them. For that, I was truly thankful.

So if you're wondering what to do during the end-of-year holidays, bring some cheer to the less fortunate. A short email to the old folk's home and learning a few songs is all it takes. Castanets, shakers, funny reindeer head bands and gifts, are a bonus. Go out and do something meaningful this Christmas!

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40