There was a time when carolers br Strolled the wintery, cold streets, br And bowed, and smiled, and said, 'Hello! ' br To everyone they chanced to meet. br br There was a time when little children br Looked at a tree on Christmas Morn.... br You know, the ones decorated and strung br With strings of cranberries and popcorn. br br There was a time when Christmas br Was for friends from far and near, br A time for gathering, and fellowship, br Love, and worship, and good cheer. br br There was a time when sleigh bells br Jingled and jangled and RANG, br And neighbors called out greetings... br Back when carolers sang. br br A cup of Wassil warmed you br At the hearth of every home, br And Father gathered in the children br To read the Christmas Poem: br br 'T'was the night before Christmas, br And all through the house....' br was scent of pine tree, and gingerbread... br Back when carolers sang.