Carolling in Bangsar

I guess the best Christmas experiences I had during the younger days still lingers on till today. Mine was carolling. Used to join in the carolling during my school days, my bachelor days, even my married years. It's the season of Christmas and singing all the carols together with other young people, spreading the cheers to homes and families that makes the spirit of Christmas so warm and so nostalgic.

5 years playing the guitar, with 1 or 2 younger guitarists, for the carollers in Bangsar back in the 80's were the best carolling years. The carollers were all in their teens then and we practiced mostly in the home of a simple and very nice Portuguese family. They really treat me very well and like part of the family. Used to have a crush for their daughter, one of our carollers too, but gave it up eventually. Managed to sweet talked to a friend of mine to take up the Santa Claus character and that was the best thing that ever happened to the carollers, cos he was really dynamic and made almost all the hosts danced with him.

At the end of each carolling night (usually 3 nights) we would get together at the last house for supper and talking about the houses and families we visited, which particular carol made an impact, which songs we screwed up, etc.. We would also count the nights offering.

My friend and I would go shopping for Christmas presents especially for the Portuguese family who were ever so kind to allow their home as our carolling base. After Christmas we would all come together for a simple party before the year's end. After that, well, a kind of sadness would start to fill the emptyness, like a Christmas hangover..