Caroling used to be a big part of Christmas’s past. First detailed in books in 1492, caroling was originally called wassailing, which was invented by Franciscan Friars.

People would go house-to-house every year at holiday time to sing and bring everyone’s spirit up for Christmas. Wassailing was also a word to describe a hot, spiced beverage that was created in the English Middle Ages which was served as people went around to sing.

At first caroling was not included in Christmas. It was an oral tradition across Europe. Until Franciscan Friars encouraged the members of church to start singing on Christmas, which created the magic of Christmas caroling!

The people sang a variety of Christmas songs, but the most famous Christmas songs for caroling were “Silent Night” and “Twelve Days of Christmas”. These songs were passed down from generation to generation. But then, where did Christmas caroling go?

Unfortunately, through the years Christmas caroling has died down. It’s rare seeing kids or adults singing at your front of your door. Although there are some people who carry on the tradition, many pass them by and don’t bother to pay attention to this once-important, Christmas tradition.

A high percentage of people think Christmas caroling is helpful to bringing out the Christmas spirit and since many have stopped, kids in this generation won’t be able to experience the original glory of Christmas.

If people started caroling again it could bring joy to others and could give the kids a glimpse of how Christmas used to be in the past, plus it is just a great experience.

To do our part, the WMHS chorus will be caroling around the school Friday, which is a yearly tradition.

Why not rekindle this annual event and spread Christmas spirit? Grab hot chocolate and a blanket and go caroling!