The countdown for Christmas has officially commenced, and the festive season has begun. To spread Christmas cheer throughout Powell, many organizations have participated in the seasonal tradition of caroling. 

On Wednesday, December 13th, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited several families throughout Powell. 

“I carol with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” senior Lucy Whipple said. “It was a lot of fun. Our youth group goes caroling every year and it’s something I look forward to.” 

Personal preparation is a vital part when signing in the cold. Gloves and coats can provide the necessary warmth to make the experience more enjoyable. 

“Pick out the proper attire and make sure you’re prepared,” Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Leader Nate Black said. “We use a trailer with hair bales. What makes it all worth it is seeing the smiles on people’s faces.” 

A bishop from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Neil Waite shares how the participants rode on a trailer during their caroling activity. They sat on hay bales and came back to the church for hot chocolate and donuts afterward. 

“It’s a fun annual tradition,” Waite said. “The teachers were in charge of getting a trailer and the hay and the refreshments as well as a list of the people we were going to go visit.” 

The National Honor Society participated in caroling as well. On Tuesday, December 12th, the group visited the Rocky Mountain Manor and the Heartland Assisted Living; brightening up their Christmas season with some festive tunes. 

“Caroling was fun,” junior Trevion Solberg said. “It felt great to do something like that as a group for the community.” 

The groups sang a wide variety of Christmas songs including classics, carols, and several others as well. 

“We sing silent night,” Black said. “Away in a manger, oh little town of Bethlehem, we wish you merry Christmas; all kinds.” 

Contributors to this tradition share how they increase their enjoyment in preparation for their singing. By embracing the activity they end up having a great time. 

“The people and the screaming random Christmas songs in between make it fun,”  Whipple said. “We sing the classics for the people and then scream Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the top of our lungs as we go.” 

For some people, caroling became an opportunity to provide some happiness to their community. By singing classic Christmas carols, the groups gave others a great experience this Christmas season. 

“I definitely enjoy it because I get to see how happy it makes others when we are finished singing to them,” junior Jordan Black said. “You can see the joy on their faces. Just people that need comfort and need to know that people are there for them.”