“Black Velvet” and other Christmas favorites
Posted by beth on November 22, 2008
Well, so far, I think only Lauren and one other person think that this is a good idea, and Lauren was in on the development stages of this ridiculousness, so…we need some more input. It’s been mostly negative thus far. Here’s the deal.
Around Christmastime, it is not uncommon to hear a commotion on your lawn and look out to see a group of neighbors and their friends singing. But as much as we all love Christmas carols, wouldn’t it be even more fun to have a group of neighbors and their friends singing Top 40 hits?! I know what you’re going to say. “Silly girl,” you’ll say, “Christmas caroling is only for Christmas songs. If you want to sing Blaze of Glory or (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, do it some other time in the year, not at Christmas.”
Yes, but it’s not natural for people to go round singing at other people’s houses at any other time. Now is the time to do it! The whole idea was born out of an idea to sing non-traditional Christmas carols: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Jingle Bells (Batman smells, Robin laid an egg), We Three Kings of Orient Are (puffing on a rubber cigar), that kind of thing. Then we thought Hey, if we’re singing non-traditional caroling songs, why sing Christmas songs at all? Let’s just give the people what they want – Bonnie Raitt.
So imagine your doorbell rings one cold winter evening. You pull yourself out from under your warm Slanket and pad to the door in your fuzzy slippers, hoping you’re not about to be burgled. Lo and behold, there is a cheery mob on your lawn. What do you want them to sing? Good King Wenceslas? Or Father Figure?
I’m talking about doing it up right, now. Do not be fooled. I’m talkin’ full on Norman Rockwell painting, songbooks in hand, mittens and hats, rosy cheeks, three- or four-part harmony Hot For Teacher. Mmmbop. How Can We Be Lovers If We Can’t Be Friends? Against All Odds. Don’t Stop Believing. 9 to 5. What do you say? Can we count on some Figgy Newmans and a cup of good cheer at your house this holiday season?
dlf said,
I love (most) Christmas music, but always feel awkward around carolers. How should I respond? Do I stand there stupidly and smile? Join in? Do I have to feed them? What if they go on for a long time and I have to go to the bathroom? And when I sing, what if I choose a song carolee doesn’t like? What if I sing the song that was playing in the background the Christmas their stepfather beat them mercilessly? Or the song that was playing when their mom left and never came back? Caroling is rife with potential social faux-pas and awkward moments. At any rate, if someone is going to embark on such a dangerous journey, I think it should probably involve Christmas music.
However, it would be pretty funny if you knocked on a neighbor’s door (preferably one you don’t know so well) and started belting out 9 to 5 in say, April.
anonymous said,
I like the idea of random Christmas songs at this time of year and agree with dlf that non-Christmas songs should be done in April, preferably on April 1. While you’re thinking random Christmas tunes, don’t forget Mele Kalikimaka.
Steph said,
I LOVE it…it’s like traveling karaoke!
(I would also like to put a request in for Elvis or Justin Timberlake.)
Susan said,
I just love it. If I knew all the words to any of those songs, I’d be right there with you. But what is a Figgy Newman?
ann said,
H’AMAZING! This idea is hilarious and odd and genius. It would definitely make my day if Beth appeared at my door with an 80′s medley… costume changes would be appreciated, too!
Emmers said,
GENIUS. I mean, seriously, why have we not been doing this for the past 28 years?!? So. If you ever do decide to appear on my doorstep belting out 80′s hits, in addition to the classics by Bonnie Rait I would also suggest perhaps some classics by Bonnie Tyler. Heck, it could even be a Bonnie-themed caroling session! I’d love it. For sure.
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