What we give to Christmas carolers

By Macy
Philippines
December 18, 2018 8:20pm CST
Since last week we've been having regular nightly visits from Christmas carolers, most of whom are poor children from relocation sites nearby. It can be a bit challenging to accommodate them every time. We sometimes just yell "Patawad!" (meaning "sorry" or "forgive us") because we cannot possibly give money to all these children throughout the Christmas season. More often than not, we prefer to give them something in kind -- like old toys and food. When I have spare time, I gather my kids' old stuff and whatever snacks and knick-knacks that we haven't opened in the last 2 or 3 weeks, and put them in paper bags. I offer these goodies to the carolers when they come. This year we've had loads of colorful sweet gummy candies from Halloween. They're not expired but my kids won't have them anymore. So I give them to carolers and you know what? They like and appreciate them! One boy actually thanked me because apparently they couldn't buy any food with the little pennies they got from caroling. I was glad to know that I was able to feed another soul, albeit with just candies.
5 people like this
4 responses
19 Dec 18
That's a really good way to let those kids experience true meaning of Christmas. Since other people would just turn off their lights, shout at kids to stop singing and some of them will be rude enough to go out and let their dogs bark at them. Knowing that there are people like you really warms my heart
1 person likes this
@just4him (309082)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
28 Dec 18
That's a good thing to do. I haven't seen carolers in many years.
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
19 Dec 18
i'm glad they receive your gifts. last year, i saw coins left in front of our gate (25cents, 10 cents and 5 cents). it didn't come from us. i think they probably sat on the steps while counting and dividing their money. i have always loved gummy candies. my favorite now, though, is sour worms. have you always observed halloween?
@LadyDuck (460794)
• Switzerland
19 Dec 18
I think it would be a good idea if all people offered them chocolates and candies. A few pennies are not enough to buy good things.