HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Go Caroling As one of the most timeless, unique ways to celebrate the Christmas season, caroling offers a great tradition for spreading holiday cheer. Singing door to door helps you build relationships with your neighbors and fellow carolers, alike. Pass the Spirit e O n f t o e ma h n i n e b t f s i to ri h C s a tm s a c i ro l n i g s h t o e j y o u a c n r b n i g o t t e r h s i w th y r u o b u x e e a r n t i d a sp l . Caroling y f o has become a rarity of sorts during the holiday season, giving it even more meaning to people of all ages. Besides the great feeling you’ll receive from caroling, you may also find yourself offered hot chocolate or cookies at the end of your carols. Other thankful neighbors and community members may show their appreciation simply by telling you how much hearing your Christmas songs meant to them. o l h id y a i p s t ri Group Experience Through caroling, you will create a group dynamic and camaraderie that will only add to your love for the holidays. If you haven’t caroled before, quiz your friends, family members and acquaintances to see if they know of any such groups. You can also check in with your local cultural and civic centers, since they are often linked up with singing and acting organizations. If you can’t find any such groups, start your own. Invite your favorite people to join you – even if they aren’t the most talented singers. Choose a couple of songs and set up a few practice sessions before hitting the town. You can color-coordinate your outfits and wear Santa hats to give your performance a little creative cohesion. Choosing the Carols When choosing a list of carols to perform, go with the traditional Christmas songs that everyone knows. The main draw to caroling is its ability to bring back nostalgia and goodwill to those around you. So choose like-spirited carols that will leave your audience members smiling. You might even add a Hanukkah song such as “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” or “The Dreidel Song” to lift the spirits of those in the neighborhood who celebrate that holiday. If your group is dynamic enough, choose songs with multiple parts that can be mixed together for a memorable carol. You can also incorporate solos, clapping and a few simple dance moves to spice things up. © 2015 Pacific Power wattsmart is registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. from your local Hometown Sears Store Shop locally for the best selection in appliances, tools, and electronics. Don't see what you need, let us help you locate it at Sears.com with free shipping on most items right to your door. Wishing you a wattsmart holiday season. There are simple steps you can take to help save energy and money. Start by turning off lights and household electronics when they’re not in use, or by using energy-efficient LED holiday lights. For more wattsmart ideas go to bewattsmart.com. 1700 Portland Street • La Grande 541-963-8451 L ocally owned and operated Home for the Holidays 2015 • www.wallowa.com • 23