The best way to spread cheer is singing loud for all to hear. — Elf (attributed to Buddy the Elf, written by David Berenbaum) Express Yourself! teen radio host, Julia Howe, is part of a Grammy-winning choral group who have recently been nominated for Best American Roots Song and Best American Folk Album for the 67th Grammy Awards as we were featured on folk artist Aoife O' Donovan's recent album All My Friends. Julia begins the program by talking about the history of Christmas caroling. The word "carol" comes from the Old French word carole, (cahull), which meant a circle dance with singing. She provides the background of caroling from the early days of Christianity until modern times. She then introduces the choral groups that provide the beautiful holiday music you'll hear. The Waves The Waves is a Bay Area youth-led acappella group that blends traditional and modern songs, pushing the boundaries of choir music with creative experimentation. The group aims to bring youth perspectives to traditional choral performance. The San Francisco Girls Chorus San Francisco Girls Chorus prepares girls and young women from diverse backgrounds for success, on stage and in life, through rigorous, empowering music education, and enriches Bay Area cultural life through innovative vocal performance. www.sfgirlschorus.org Lick-Wilmerding Vocal Ensemble The Lick-Wilmerding Vocal Ensemble offers training to high school students with no prior experience, transforming them into confident performers. With a focus on vocal technique and musical expression, the ensemble builds a community of young singers who are passionate about music and performance. The next time you hear a carol, think about the history of caroling, connecting to centuries of celebrations, resilience, and pure holiday magic. Happy Holiday Hootenanny from Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, StarStyle® Productions, LLC, and Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity. Enjoy the beautiful voices. Savor the show! Follow us: https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio • https://www.facebook.com/ExpressYourselfTeenRadio/ • https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/ • https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/ Sign up for FREE Newsletter: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/ Buy shirts and hats with BTSYA logos: https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/ Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://sites.libsyn.com/560220