December 14 – “Caroling with Cujo”

Last night we continued one of our Seaside traditions. Christmas caroling. When we started we would walk through the neighborhood and sing at different homes along the way. For few of those years we just happened to be caroling on the same night as the huge Methodist Church Christmas party. That was the big finale, as they all came outside and we joined forces in singing. Then they brought us gingerbread and brownies. It's been awhile since those days. The Methodist family either doesn't live there any more or at least doesn't have their party any more. We didn't walk through the neighborhood last year because of all the debris still blocking streets from the hurricane. So last year we invented a new tradition. Caroling at the Corner. We all gathered around the big hunk of granite near the corner by the traffic light. One family brought goats from their farm in Santa Fe. And we all held flashlights, sang, and waved to cars as they passed by. Most people waved back and smiled. A few pulled over and joined us. And then came last night. We announced that the goats would be back. Little did we know that goats can draw a crowd. One of our new Seasiders brought her chocolate lab, Penelope. She also invited a friend of hers who lives right by the church. Her friend brought her two black labs. One of them was named Buster. I told her that was my Dad's nickname. One of our youth families brought their malamute or husky or something. Another brought the chihuahua terrier mix that she saved from the side of the road. We had one bushy goat with horns and one not-bushy goat with no horns. One of my favorite sights was when little Will started talking to the smooth-haired goat. Face to face. Very close. He was holding the goat's head so that it would look at him when he talked. That goat was as patient as any parent I have ever seen. Maybe more so. I wish we could have heard what was being said. It was also pretty funny when the bushy goat decided to join us. I think he just liked the song. Silent night. During that song two or three time he bleated or bellered or whatever it is that goats do when they make noise. I say he was singing. He sure sounded as good as me. Probably better. So for about an hour we sang to the Lord every Christmas Carol Lanny had in his little song book. The fog was thick as pea soup, as they say. There wasn't much traffic, but those who did drive by all waved back to us. And then all but the goats came inside for hot chocolate and cookies. I think we should rent a camel next year. At the very least we could try to market the event as The Carol of the Animals. No, better yet … Caroling with Cujo. 1 Chronicles 16:23 says, "Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day." Father, we sure had some of your creation out there last night singing to you. Thank you for receiving our praise when it's hard to tell if the noise is coming from the goat or the human. Amen.