Christmas Caroling Tips and Ideas for Tweens

Does your tween want to go Christmas caroling this year? It's a great idea, and it's easy to throw together a Christmas caroling party. Below are ideas for a memorable Christmas caroling experience. Have fun!

Christmas Caroling Tips

• Send out invites to your tween's friends. Advise them to dress for the weather (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.).
• Let the children pick the songs the want to sing, just make sure they are appropriate for your audience.

• If you have a lot of tweens caroling, consider dividing up into two groups and meeting up at a central location. 
• Practice the songs a few time at home before you leave.
• You can sing songs more than once, since you'll likely be visiting different houses along the way.
• Make sure every caroler has his or her own caroling booklet of Christmas carols.
• Establish your route before you leave the house, but be prepared to adjust it as necessary (such as if your carolers get cold, or want to visit a friend they know from school).
• Bring hand warmers and toe warmers if the weather is super cold.
• Bring a wagon for all your supplies: Christmas caroling booklets; extra hats and gloves; a thermos full of hot chocolate or cider; insulated cups, etc.
• Before you leave the house, know how far your group will walk and where you will carol.
• If you visit a hospital or a nursing home, ask for permission ahead of time to make sure your visit comes at a good time.

• Sing just a song or two per home.
• Choose songs that are short, easy to sing, and fun.
• Take pictures of the Christmas caroling adventure to share with parents and friends.
• Have homemade cookies, hot chocolate or other goodies waiting for your Christmas carolers when they're finished.

After Caroling

• Invite your tween's friends to stay for awhile, or turn the event into a sleepover party. Show Christmas movies or bake cookies together to share with your neighbors or friends. Consider an ornament exchange after caroling as a fun way to wrap up the event.

• Make sure your guests each leave with a goody bag so they can remember their evening together. Include a small booklet of the songs you all sang together, and perhaps, a photo as well. 
• Consider making your Christmas caroling event an annual tradition. 
• If you receive any fun comments from your neighbors or other people you visited, be sure you share them with your group. It might inspire them to carol again next year.
• Relax and take it easy for a day. Christmas caroling (and planning) can be hard work for a parent, you deserve a rest.