Spread the Chrsitmas Joy with Deanna Klingel | Day 9

Joy from Deanna Klingel

Our two toddler daughters, excited that we would have a new baby in the spring, were enthralled with Baby Jesus. In fact, they wanted to name their baby Jesus. This was a special Christmas for us, still getting used to being a family, in our first home, and beginning new Christmas traditions with our first borns. The enthusiasm overwhelmed me when two days before Christmas in the dark afternoon big beautiful snowflakes began to fall. I phoned several friends who showed up at 6 pm, with their children and flashlights, dressed to be outside in boots and mittens, for the first annual Klingel Caroling Party. A simple party with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, it was “entertaining” we could afford and included children.

The snow continued to fall; we trekked down the neighborhood street laughing, singing and pulling the kids on sleds. They took turns hopping off and ringing doorbells. We sang a slightly off-key carol and ended with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” at every house. Our neighbors stood shivering and smiling in their open doorways. We could smell their suppers cooling in the kitchen, their tree lights twinkling.

We had the same party every year in different homes in four different states until 1999. Our family grew to seven children, foster children, international exchange students and displaced people in need of our homes. And we sang and laughed in all kinds of weather. Family and friends looked forward to it as a major event every Christmas. The memory of our first family caroling party in 1967, in Columbus, Ohio, is one I will always cherish.

Our mouths were filled with laughter our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among nations the Lord has done great things for them. Psalm 126:2

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Deanna Klingel lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband Dave. They are empty nesters now except for golden retriever, Buddy. Their seven children are now parents of their eleven grandchildren and hosting their own caroling parties. Deanna writes for children and young adults.

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