Today’s writing prompt, Christmas Carolers, is the fourth prompt of the TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PROMPTS on the Daily Drafts and Dialogues blog this year. Keep reading to see the full prompt and my completed version of it.
Today’s Writing Prompt: Christmas Carolers
Write a conversation a group of carolers is having, while on a break, when they’re out caroling.
Or re-write one of your favorite Christmas carols if you want more of a challenge.
Completed Version of Today’s Writing Prompt
Christmas Caroling in Florida, by K.E. Creighton
“Do I really have to wear this, mommy? I’m sooooo itchy,” Katie complained. She abruptly stopped walking to lean against a palm tree and started scratching her calves vigorously.
Her mother, Amber, stopped walking and turned around to where Katie was leaning, then stooped down to meet the little girl eye-to-eye. “Please, stop scratching at your stockings, sweetie. You’ll get a run in them. Plus, we’ll be at the next house in a few minutes. And we need to wear these to make sure we’re offering an authentic caroling experience.” She forced a smile. Katie softly groaned in reply and stopped scratching her legs— at least until her mother stood and started walking a few feet ahead of her.
“It’s okay, squirt. It won’t be much longer until you can be a troll living underneath the stairs again,” her older brother, Dylan, said before he tickled her, making her giggle.
Katie’s teenage sister, Lacey, scoffed as she typed something rapidly on her phone as she walked. She spoke without looking up, “Mom, we’re just showing up to random rich people’s houses, and start to sing random Christmas songs as soon as they open the door. I don’t think it matters what we’re wearing. They’ll get it.” Amber had learned over the past few months not to respond to this type of adolescent condescension, so she gritted her teeth, said nothing, and kept walking.
Their father, Jim, chimed in, “The girls are right, hon. It is over eighty degrees out today. This top hat is making my head feel like it’s on fire in this heat. And this suit is…”
“Enough! I get it. Next year, we’ll revisit the costumes, okay? Dylan, you’re up in the front with me. Lacey, get off your phone and hold your sister’s hand.” Amber then put her own arm through the crook of Jim’s arm as they walked up the next long driveway and said, without missing a beat, “And don’t forget to smile, everyone.”
The Lane family was hot and uncomfortable in their retro Christmas caroler outfits. The sun had been beating down on them for over an hour. Who ever heard of caroling in a rich neighborhood in this heat? Dad was almost sweating through his jacket, and the girls were complaining more and more. Only the promise of a lunch at their favorite restaurant and shopping in the village kept them moving along.
Dad promised this would be the last house. Even the AC in the minivan was only helping temporarily. Dad pulled up to the last house, an old Victorian-style manor at the end of the road. Mom mentioned that the widow Robinson had been good to various charities in the village, and she deserved to have someone visit her for the holidays.
Dad parked just outside the security gate. After several sips of water and juices, they ventured into the heat. Mom pressed the call button, and the sweet voice of the widow Robinson asked who was there. Mom introduced each of the family, and assured her that if she wanted to hear the carols, they could just hold down the intercom button.
Dad noticed the drapes part, and the buzzer sounded, opening the front gate. Mrs. Robinson said she would be delighted for them to drive to the porch and carol there. Dad loaded the family up and drove up the circular drive to the front of the old manor, amazed at how well cared for the trees and flowers were.
Mom handed out the song books, and they let the sisters do a duet for “Silent Night”. Dad took a verse, Mom sang solo on the next verse, and brother finished the fourth verse. As the were finishing up “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, the front door opened and a butler asked if they were interested in joining Mrs. Robinson for lunch. The children were all nodding in agreement, and Dad and Mom heartily agreed.
Mrs. Robinson welcomed them to the dining room, and a Christmas feast was spread out before them. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, biscuits, iced tea, soda, and pies! She apologized for the heat on the porch, but needed the caroling time to prepare the feast.
As they sat down, Mrs. Robinson asked Dad to say grace, and after he finished, the butler and three maids served the feast. Mrs. Robinson surprised everyone by moving a big-screen into the dining room and showed her old family Christmas videos. She had raised four children, and lost her husband two years ago, but always loved to show the videos to friends.
All four of the children played an instrument as the parents sang. We ate and enjoyed 3 Christmas videos. Mrs. Robinson was brought to tears as the last video showed her children and grandchildren each saying Merry Christmas to her and her husband.
The butler and maids then brought in gifts for the whole family. Dad told Mrs. Robinson that this wasn’t necessary, but she insisted, saying that this sweet family would be her family and her best present this Christmas. Mom hugged her tightly, and all the children kissed her on the cheek.
Dad realized that it was almost time for the Christmas parade, and everyone said good-bye. Before leaving, Mom pulled a gift from her purse, and gave it to Mrs. Robinson. She began to tear up, and was delighted to find a necklace with a locket inside. The picture was of their family.
Mom promised they would come and visit again soon, and Mrs. Robinson invited them back for New Year’s Eve. Dad accepted, and we drove off, feeling richer for knowing Mrs. Robinson!