Carolers Spread Tidings of Comfort and Joy

"Fa la la la las" were in steady supply last night in Boerum Hill for the Hoyt Street Association's annual Christmas caroling event. A troupe of more than two-dozen spirited residents maintained the timeless tradition, singing all along the neighborhood's festive streets.

At precisely 7 pm, the eager singers braved the winter chill to meet at the corner of Dean and Hoyt streets, where lyric sheets were distributed and Santa hats were donned.

The impressive turnout enabled organizers to split the group in two, with one half circling the southern part of Boerum Hill and the other half hitting northern addresses.

Carolers of all ages sang traditional favorites from "Jingle Bell Rock" to "Silent Night" to a planned list of neighborhood residents. Doorbell ringing honors were bestowed upon the youngsters, who were responsible, also, for handing out candy canes to residents at the end of each three-song performance (the last of which was always "We Wish You A Merry Christmas").

The group also paid a visit to Building on Bond, where unsuspecting diners were treated to a particularly jovial rendition of "Jingle Bells." At the song's finish, the entire restaurant erupted in hearty applause.

"It has been a lovely tradition," says Margaret Cusack, president of the Hoyt Street Association and the annual event's main organizer, adding that the caroling events brings out many members of the community.

"I find that the people who come out for the caroling are delighted to have the opportunity to sing together," she said. "Even though many of them do not attend neighborhood meetings or other events."

The route each year is primarily based upon participants' suggestions. Last night it included households having a holiday party that evening, those who are new to the neighborhood, older residents, shut-ins, families with new babies and those who recently suffered a loss.

According to Cusack, the yearly tradition was started in 1973 by the late Joyce Gibbs, a professional singer and local activist who lived on Wyckoff Street with her husband and son. Gibbs owned a portable organ that on caroling night was pulled around the neighborhood to all the different locations.

Trumpets and bagpipes have also made appearances in years' past, notes Cusack. This year, though, the prevailing instruments were ribbon-woven jingle bells, which were handed out at the beginning of the route and shaken quite enthusiastically throughout the evening.

Boerum Hill resident has participated in the event for more than five years. She says she appreciates how the caroling inspires holiday spirit in both residents and the carolers themselves.

"We are a community of people who care for each other," Wolfe said. "This keeps the community aware of that."