OUTDOOR Adventures

At this time of year, with fresh snow and ice, my mind tends to focus on things like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of these thoughts racing around inside my melon but something else has been on the radar as well. A completely different type of outdoor adventure that may appeal to those not into hitting the trails or drilling holes in pursuit of crappies, sunnies, or walleyes. Not only a much different type of adventure but one that just might spread joy, happiness, and love to others, which I think is something that many would agree is much needed. What is this outdoor adventure that I am speaking of? Christmas caroling!!!

I am being 100% serious here and I ask that you hear me out. Just like things like snowmobiling and ice fishing, going Christmas caroling requires some planning, bundling up, and setting course into the outdoors. Depending on where or when you are going, you will need to be ready for the weather. Should there be an anticipated nip in the air, then a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee surely must be in the preparations and, depending on how many others will be joining you, maybe two or three. Instead of bringing your auger, rods and reels, and bait… you simply need to bring song sheets and, if caroling in the evening, some form of flashlight.

Just like snowmobiling and ice fishing, caroling is much more fun when you go with others. As the old saying goes, the more the merrier, and when it comes to caroling, it is much easier to sing harmonies when more than one voice exists. It is imperative that more voices be available for harmonies as if you go by yourself, it is just acapella caroling, and that doesn’t sound remotely fun. You can do that in the shower. The other good thing about going in a group is that if your singing pipes might not be the best, you can still blend in and if the notes are a bit off, be it sharp or flat, you can just say you are singing “jazz” and improvising.

Caroling is also much safer than snowmobiling or ice fishing. For the most part, when you are caroling, while you might slip on a patch of ice, the chances of falling through the ice rarely exist. I mean, I suppose if your group were to head out to a local lake and carol to those out on the ice, it could happen but, why? Why would your group choose to carol out on a lake when you could be strolling through a neighborhood where people have things like cookies to share with you in appreciation for your efforts? Also, unless you hit the eggnog a bit too hard before venturing out, you most likely will not be hitting any trees or other things, like sometimes happens while snowmobiling. Caroling is definitely a much safer outdoor adventure at this time of the year. I am hoping by now, a few thoughts are starting to circulate in your heads regarding the idea of adding Christmas caroling to your list of outdoor adventures.

Think about the benefits. Christmas caroling provides you, your family, and your friends, an opportunity to get together to build some fun memories. You do not have to go out for hours on end, you could start with a potluck type dinner at someone’s house, warm up the voices a bit inside, have an eggnog or two (no more or you might run into a tree), and then, unlike most outdoor adventures, you get to not only enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends, you get to bring happiness to others. Music has the power to bring smiles to people’s faces and warmth to their hearts. Your songs that you sing about joy and peace will resonate with others and, while maybe not in all cases, your songs and actions will motivate others to spread happiness to others as well. The ripple effect isn’t just about potato chips… let’s get a ripple going in our little area of Minnesconsin.

Let’s go Christmas caroling… call your friends and set up a caroling party. As one of the songs that has been blasting on the radio since early November says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Let’s make it wonderful by sharing the joy and happiness that is in our hearts. If you have been in a “bah humbug” mood, here is your chance to break out of it. Be like the grinch and let that heart grow from two sizes too small to three sizes in one day… by caroling. Think about it. Groups of carolers in neighborhoods all around us on a regular basis the next few weeks. Can you even begin to imagine the number of smiles that would be generated. Can you fathom the level of happiness in our lives? We have the ability, right here and right now, to bring positivity to our lives and the lives of others by simple actions. If by chance you decide to do this, please take pictures, and send them to [email protected] com with some information about your group. We would love to share them with the rest of our subscribers. Now get the party started… and Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.