Spreading Holiday Cheer

One of the best things about the holidays are traditions and Christmas carols are a tradition dating back to the medieval times of the 14^th century. It’s believed the first carols were sung by Franciscan friars who stood in a circle, linking hands, singing together. Christmas carols have somehow survived through the centuries. According to English-heritage.org, the oldest surviving carol is “O Come All Ye Faithful” from the 18^th century.

The first carols were offered by Franciscan friars, pictured here in the 1940s, who were followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Credit: English-heritage.org

The holiday tradition is kept alive with carolers roaming the Old Mill District serenading shoppers on various days throughout December. Among the local groups scheduled to fill the air with holiday cheer are Bella Acapella, a women’s group, ReSistas Bend, which formed during the Women’s March in 2017 singing songs of social justice and unity, according to their facebook page, Bend High School, Caldera High School and the High Desert Jazz Choir.

The ReSistas Bend carolers at the Old Mill District in December 2024. Credit: Old Mill District

“Our guests love it, in part because it’s another way to get festive down here,” says Old Mill Marketing Director Beau Eastes. “We’re so fortunate to have fantastic and passionate singers who take a lot of pride in what they do. I can’t imagine a holiday season without them.”

For kiddos, Santa has a mailbox in the Old Mill. Young ones can drop off their holiday wish lists at the North Pole Express Mailbox (no postage needed) and they’ll receive a response from Santa. Letters do need to include a return address.

“We started the North Pole Express Mailboxes in 2020 as an additional way for kids and families to connect with Santa and it’s grown each year,” Eastes says. “In 2024, we helped more than 1,000 kids communicate with the North Pole.”

The mailbox is located at SantaLand on the second floor above Lush and is open Fridays-Sundays in December. The last day to drop off letters to Santa is Sunday Dec. 14. Eastes says while a lot of kids list the toys they want like Lego, Ninjago, Elsa shoes and karaoke machines, a fair number talk about what they would like for their moms, dads, brothers and sisters.

“It’s pretty heartwarming to read,” he adds.

Carolers in the Old Mill District 
Sat. Dec 6 3-5pm
Wed. Dec 10 6:30-8:30pm
Thu. Dec 11 4:30-5:30pm
Fri. Dec 12 5-6:30pm
Sun. Dec 14 Noon-3;30pm
Mon. Dec 25, 5-6pm
Sat. Dec 20 3:30-5:30pm
Sun. Dec 221 Noon-3:30pm 


Letters to Santa
Fri-Sun through Dec 14 11am-5pm
Old Mill District above Lush
520 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend

This article appears in the Source December 4, 2025.