Christmas Carolling

Christmas eve was spent carolling with LS folks and the family. I love carolling as it's a great time to get to know fellow carollers, and at the same time we bring cheer to the families we visit! I have attended carolling since school days, and still found much joy and pleasure in it.

The first house we visited was in the east with a young couple who are not regular church goers. They had lost their first child to cancer. There were guests at the gathering and I think they enjoyed our singing. The hosts had prepared a variety of delicious food. As I have declined the packet dinner prepared earlier for carollers, I was able to indulge in the feast at the houses we visited. :)

The 2nd house was the Ang's residence located in the east. As we walked into the apartment, we could immediately smell the strong pine scent from the live Noble Fir Christmas tree. It really brought back memories of Christmas in Winter in Canada. We sang carols before John shared with the young children the true meaning of Christmas. He is such an eloquent speaker and I hope the kids understood the message. It was also great to see that his children had returned from overseas to spend Christmas with the family. Later on Dorcas left them to clear up while she joined us for the rest of the evening. She proudly proclaimed that she has never missed carolling in her life!

Next we visited GL's residence. Her aged mum was delighted to have us visit. She sang and clapped along as we sang carols. GL's neighbours were also invited to witness the fun and that brought smiles to their faces. GL's house is pretty big for a 4 room apt. I don't think my place can house so many of us without being confined to their spot.

The next visit was to Steven L's residence. The house is huge and beautiful located in the west. It was there where we congregated with the MS carollers according to plan. He had a number of visitors as well. His young and charming son who had performed on his flute during our carolling 2 years back is all grown up now. It seems he's become a renown musician with the Youth Orchestra and is jet-setting for his performance. How times flies, and we have aged!

The 5th house we visited was Joycelyn's residence in Bishan. She is holding up well years after her husband passed away. As usual, the owner of a large food manufacturer arranged a sumptuous spread of buffet for us. But I was too full by then to stuff myself further. And it was already approaching midnight!

We arrived at the final house slightly after midnight, and after the bus driver had much difficulty manoeuvring the big bus through the TKG estate. The Ang sisters' residence is sparkling white and clean. They have a lovely mini grand piano and beautiful wall paintings. They spoilt us with delicious homemade turkey porridge, samosa, curry puff, fruitcake, almond chocolate, biscotti etc. Despite being stuffed, I just had to eat because of the love and effort that went into preparing the food. Many of us had 2nd and 3rd helpings of the yummy turkey porridge. At our request, the elderly Mrs Ang also entertained us in music using her valued antique harmonica.

We had so much fun and arrived home past 2 am. Imagine still having to get up early the next day to present our choir anthem at the combine Christmas service ...