It certainly seems to me that in the UK, the tradition of youngsters 'carol' singing at doors coming up to Christamas has died out. They still come singing, but two lines of 'We wish you a merry Christmas' and they're knocking on the door with their hand out. I remember learning carols by heart, and would sing all the verses, even when the door opened and I was asked to continue. Furthermore, I might ease the letter box open to improve the chance of being heard, but would never knock on the door. I believe that most youngsters today who come singing at the door cannot be bothered to put in the effort to learn carols or even to equip themselves with a hymn sheet and a torch. Sorry to sound like an old codger, but I do lament the loss of this tradition.

Rog