Have you ever been Christmas caroling?  I have.  I was about 12 years old and our church group decided to stop by a downtown nursing home in Manchester and charm the residents with our youthful presence and undeniable Christmas spirit (bring on the presents!).  We even carried little songbooks, just like in those Norman Rockwell paintings.  Unfortunately, I couldn't read the music and it seemed that I was always off-key or out of sync with the rest of the group.  As much as I love music, and I do have a Christmas CD that contains everything from Christina Aguilera to Bruce Springsteen to Faith Hill on it, I just don't have a musical gift.  I even tried to learn how to play violin (yes, I was a geek) in 6th grade but it just wasn't for me.  I felt more comfortable with my nose in a book or tuned in to my "Walkman" radio (it was the 80's).  That was just my way to tune out the world.  To step into that world and try to make people smile with my voice, well, all I can say is that I tried. 

I share this story not to discourage you from caroling, but to encourage it.  For me, it was a great experience and I'm glad that I did it.  It was definitely a good thing that the voices around me drowned out my single voice.  And that is the beauty of caroling.  It's a team effort.  There is no doubt that we put smiles on those lonely faces (even if they were laughing at us and not with us).  In turn, that put a smile on our collective heart.  After all, that's what the season is all about.

Have I inspired you to break out of your shell?

InTown Manchester is looking for carolers to sing during the Moonlight Holiday Stroll on Thursday, November 29 in downtown Manchester.  I'd like to encourage you to be part of this magical holiday experience.  You'll be glad that you did.  Call Samantha Appleton at 603-645-6285 to participate.