Dec 23: Here We Come A-Caroling

The Linfords have a grand tradition of caroling. For many years they went as a family - Mom and Dad and their eight children. This number grew as the family grew up and got married and added spouses and children to the mix. They would carol, and as a gift leave fresh oranges for the people they were singing to. I was lucky enough to be a part of this tradition a few times over the years. They are some of my favorite experiences.

Now we gather together at Mom and Dad's home to sing one evening during the Christmas season. Anyone who possibly can make it comes. This year we had family members from seven of the original eight children. We had dinner first, then gathered to sing. Mom had arranged the Christmas story and hymns to go along with it. My son-in-law Randy played the piano, and Nancy and Sarah played the violin and Jonathan the cello. Many of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren acted out the nativity story.

It was beautiful and heartwarming, my favorite event of the Christmas season. We closed with Dona, Nobis, Pacem - the family song. Someday I'll share how that tradition began.

Mom and Dad - the ones who started it all

These first few pictures were taken by Charles my brother-in-law/photographer. I had to include the pictures of Diane and Madeleine - they are so superior to the ones I took.

Here we are! Not the whole family by any stretch of the imagination, but a wonderful group nevertheless

Diane and Madeleine

 The following pictures are ones that I took while sitting on the couch and singing. Rank amateur, but fun to have the pictures.

Here We Come A-Caroling (the Wassail Song)   traditional