NOW it's time for Fa La La!

Today is the first Christmas caroling "gig" of the season.  I've been doing this for years, but it still makes me a little nervous the first time out.  Singing for four hours in a row (with the odd break) is a challenge.  Between numbness of fingers and boredom, there are all sorts of other hazards.  On this particular outing I bring in three "character actors"; three good-natured teenagers who dress up as Frosty the Snowman, The Gingerbread Man, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and silently interact with dozens of screaming, pawing children who have come to see grandparents and Santa, but not in that order.  What a fun way to get caught up in the season!  I, dressed as a Mary Todd Lincoln look-alike, get to drive my standard shift car while wearing a full hoop petticoat (no small feat, that!) and layered like an onion.  No coats may mar the illusion of "quaintness", so under the costume are long johns, slacks with big pockets to carry money and driver's license, and a thermal shirt that works fine until we have to go inside where the temperature suddenly mimics the Equator.

Although I'm not picking up the cast for another five hours, I woke in a panic, knowing I have to touch up my costume and check for torn hems and obvious mud, find my music, and plug my addresses into the GPS so I can find the place.  Today is the beginning of Advent, and Christmas is officially on its way in my house.  Down come the decorations for fall (tomorrow....I'm busy today).  It's time to look forward with joy.  I throw as many religious carols in there as I can get away with, because that's what I like to sing.  And couldn't we all use some "tidings of comfort and joy"?