As we planned, folks started joining on organically. Without trying we had 8 families. One mom had a great idea to put out some flyers to let the neighbors know we were coming. I googled "how to go carolling" to find a example.
Carolling in Miami is like gardening, there is very little information on it. Almost none. It's a lost American tradition. Now granted, Miami isn't "American." It's a special case. Arguably, (read- Immigrant Power in Miami) the only US city that became a new creation as immigrants did not assimilate but recreated a new community. Latin America has Las Posadas. Caroling is different. It's actually much easier. Just walk around and sign together. Maybe that's why there isn't much information posted.
However, the neighbors didn't know what to do. Most didn't come to the door. A sweet elderly woman peeked out of her front window from behind her blinds. A couple of houses came to listen. Overall it seemed this was the missing link- the uncomfort of mismatched social expectations.
In the end, we had a great time. It was cold (75 F) and drizzling. We decided to pretend it was snow and plow ahead. Our homemade song books (Thanks Melissa) disintegrated. We sang anyway. We sang for our jewish neighbors with the inflatable polar bear holding a dreidel. They invited the pack of kids in to light the next menorah candle. We sang for the older neighbors. We splashed in puddles. We feasted on impromptu "pot luck" of the non-requested items that the families brought to the gathering house. (a great Latin tradition- always bring something when you go to someone's house.)
The lesson- next year we'll do it again. And we'll put out flyers so the neighbors know we're coming. But next year, the flyer will explain what the neighborhood should do as follows...
- Open the door. Say Hello. Politely listen to song or two. Say a big Thank you and wave the kids good bye. We'll happily move along.
You forgot a big one- rain barrels. It's tricky in South Florida without rain guttering but it's doable. You just have to find the right spots where rain runs off the roof. I've found that collecting rain water in barrels helps with soil erosion as well.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome to sing at my house. And I'll come with you next year! (I'm in South Miami.)
ReplyDeleteNext year- you got it!
ReplyDeleteYou know a few evenings after we carolled, another group was circling the neighborhood singing from a low-bed trailer. I wasn't home, but heard from the neighbors. Who knows- maybe it'll catch on. I'm seeing a lot more gardens this year than last.