To the Editor,

In December 2008, a longtime resident of Eastchester, Theresa Nicholson, thought it would be a nice deed to spread some Christmas cheer to all her neighbors and friends by way of Christmas caroling. Along with her family, friends and their children, they went from house to house singing their happy Christmas songs armed with a flashlight and a portable DVD player. The DVD player was to help the kids keep time to their lyrics which they had in their hand as the children sung from their song sheets.

The children and adults sung their hearts out. I, myself, was a participant along with my 8-year-old daughter at that time. The kids enjoyed going house to house as they felt enormous pride as the neighbors complimented them on their lovely singing and told them how much they enjoyed their performances.

The adults singing were equally delighted to see everyone enjoying such a great outing. The fun didn’t stop there—after singing for an hour and a half and covering about 10 blocks of homes, it was off to the Nicholson’s home to warm up with hot cocoa, hot food, desserts and more laughter and fun.

This tradition continued the following year and the word had spread, and now there were about 60 volunteer carolers and the numbers keep growing to this day. Without fail, Theresa sends out emails with a date and a time for this annual Christmas Caroling Event and After Party.

I think it is safe to say that this event has captured the true meaning of community and the true meaning of spreading joy and cheer during the holiday season. Imagine all the children who got to experience this kind of Christmas spirit throughout their growing years. So you better watch out. Santa is not the only one coming to town!

The Carolers will be out spreading their joy this Saturday, Dec. 23 and it is such a lovely sound and sight!

Colleen Gleeson,

Eastchester