Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas Caroling in bush Alaska

Our village used to participate in Christmas caroling years ago. People fondly remember children going door to door, singing songs to the adults and elders. Then for some unknown reason, the tradition disappeared. No one remembers why the children quit singing, but they did. So this year a few of us teachers and adults got together and decided to bring it back. Well, we decided on a Tuesday that we were going caroling on that Thursday. It didn't give us too much time to plan but we wanted to do it before it got swept under a rug for another year. We made plans, got candy canes, made flyers, made announcements, got hot chocolate and cups, etc. and then Thursday came. After school the weather started to get a little windy. Then it got real windy and cold!!! Well, we planned on caroling, so we WENT caroling! We were freezing and getting blown around in the middle of a blizzard, but by God we were caroling. We decided to only go to a few elders' houses but ended up going to more houses than planned. The children loved it and we enjoyed the time together, bringing some cheer and holiday spirit to the community. When we came in, some of the children were sad that we didn't stay out caroling for longer!


Some of the group after caroling drinking hot chocolate and warming up before going back out into the blizzard to go home. We met and departed as a group from the school.

A few of my students that joined us caroling waiting in line for some delicious hot chocolate, being silly!

We had a great time together doing something to bring some joy into peoples' lives. I felt so happy being able to plan and participate in such a fun event. The children were also very happy and enjoyed doing something "new."

Until my next adventure,
Jacqueline

1 comment:

  1. This is an awesome story. You are missed here in Las Vegas but you are where you are supposed to be. Your children are beautiful. Teach well.

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