Caroling Anyone?

“Caroling” used to be a time-honored tradition in the US and in Great Britain. Carols are songs of praise and joy usually sung at Yuletide. Just before Christmas groups of people would go door to door singing Christmas hymns and songs as a way to bring the community together and to do good deeds. Now we have “Flash Mobs” a spontaneous public performance which appears out of nowhere with just one person and which quickly grows to tens or hundreds of people who try to bring a bit of humanity back to seemingly cold inhumane places such as shopping malls or large department stores. The people who participate in these events try to create joy through surprise. The spectators as well as the performers feel that they’ve gotten to be a part of something special. I added a post a year ago about a Flash Mob in a shopping mall near New York which particularly moved me. Recently at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) the University Choir and Orchestra from Azusa Pacific University performed their rendition of the “Carol of the Bells” in a similarly uplifting manner. Travelers and employees alike exclaimed afterwards that it had lifted their spirits and brought some holiday cheer to a place which is usually stressful at this time of year. In fact some travelers smiled all the way to their final destinations proving that you don’t need a plane to elevate yourself!