Sing along with carolers or not

[geekette]

Have been amusing myself with Christmas movies and wondered if it were rude to sing along with carolers? Would it matter if they were door-to-door, on your stoop, vs encountering them standing on a corner in town square? Oddball twist question, does it matter what the carolers are wearing?

Now that it has occurred to me, from what I just watched, vs what I saw the other night, I have some thoughts, but have more movies dvr'd to keep compiling data. I'm really more interested in whether this is a point of etiquette or is there a custom or standard, what do y'all do, what would give even mild offense, etc. I never really thought about it, until I thought I might shock the crap out of roving carolers when I join in to belt it out! it's ok, I'm a good singer, the shock parts would be not only my confident volume (on key with good timing), but also whatever crazy dishevelment I happen to be rocking.

These are things I ponder when cousin insomnia comes to hang out at my house. I thought maybe others could use a lighthearted diversion.

We are far from Christmas, this could be a fun thread or too stupid to keep rolling. I dunno. If you happen to catch any movies that have caroling, tell me what's up. If you go caroling or carolers visit, that's even better data!!!

 

[WinniWoman]

Have not come upon Carolers in many years, but if I did I would never think of singing along no matter where they are. In terms of does it matter what they are wearing- no- that wouldn't even cross my mind. LOL!

To me, they are performing and I am part of the audience. That said, I suppose you could join the group and rove the neighborhood with them.

 

[Talent312]

I'm sure that if I tried to join in, they'd stop and one would ask:
"Dude, did you go to the Jerry Seinfeld School of Bad-Singing?"
.

 

[stmartinfan]

When we were kids in our small town, our church group would go through the neighborhood caroling. I don't recall anyone every joining in when they came to the door to listen - we just appreciated them being our audience and enjoying our visit.

 

[clifffaith]

When we lived in our painted lady Victorian we seemed to be a magnet for carolers. I'd just as soon not have to open the door for them and then have to do a cat head count afterwards. I'd never sing along on my front stoop, and would only join in at the mall if they would encourage people to. The last time at my door, as I closed it I heard one say "she stared at me the whole time". Well that's the issue, there they are three feet from you at the door, you have to look at them right in the face!

 

[geekette]

When we lived in our painted lady Victoian we seemed to be a magnet for carolers. I'd just as soon not have to open the door for them and then have to do a cat head count afterwards. I'd never sing along on my front stoop, and would only join in at the mall if they would encourage people to. The last time at my door, as I closed it I heard one say "she stared at me the whole time". Well that's the issue, there they are three feet from you at the door, you have to look at them right in the face!

LOL, were you supposed to open the door, then turn your back???

Heck, if I were That Caroler, I would consider it a compliment, that maybe I was the best singer.

 

[isisdave]

I'd sing along if they were standard-quality enthusiastic amateurs, but not if they were clearly a notch or two higher. I used to know the tenor parts to a lot of carols, but that information has been crowded out of my brain, probably by details of timeshares...