Carolers??

So, hubby was just napping and there was a knock on the door. I answered and there were two young (teenage) boys who started caroling. I seem to recall hubby saying they do it for money, so I handed them a 2 pound coin as that's all I had. But...I don't want all the neighborhood kids thinking they can come here to get cash, so what do I do. I mean, if it was a large group, in an organized thing for charity it would be fine, but these were just to kids who I see out skipping school every day. Anyone have any advice?

Edited to add, I guess my main problem is, I very rarely if ever have cash on me. I just happened to have some left over from when we bought our Christmas tree the other day. I was really kind of neat, as I have never ever had carolers come to my house before. Just not sure what is right. Give them some change if I have it? Tell them I've got nothing?

I just wouldn't answer the door.

Yeah, I guess that is the easy way out.

You could put a notice on your door saying "NO CAROLLERS", its an accepted thing practice.

I live in a block of flats now, so it's not an issue, but when I had a house, I just didn't answer the door when they came round.   I dunno... might be different if it was an organised group, doing it for charity or whatever, but 2 teenage lads?  That's just money-grubbing.
Jings, isn't it a bit early for carollers anyway?     

Tell them to come back closer to Christmas, it's too early.

Then give 50p to each group for the first five.  Any more than that say "they've already been" and close the door.

I guess I'm in the minority, but I would *love* if carollers came to my house! I've not seen that since I was a little girl.

I guess I'm in the minority, but I would *love* if carollers came to my house! I've not seen that since I was a little girl.

I understand the sentiment, but I've rarely seen real carollers.  It's hard to explain, but you can just tell it has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas spirit.  I've had some come that I'm happy to have, but when it's a couple grubby teenagers who aren't even trying to really sing and putting their hands out, it just feels a bit like they are spitting on Christmas to see if they can con someone out of some money for beer.  Now, I'm not saying anything about teenagers.  I loved carolling as a teenager, but we certainly did it in a different light than this.

I've yet to see any carollers, I didn't know you were supposed to give them money.  I thought you were suppose to give them minced pies or hot drinks or something of that nature. 

I've yet to see any carollers, I didn't know you were supposed to give them money.  I thought you were suppose to give them minced pies or hot drinks or something of that nature. 

I think that was back in the Victorian days! 

I understand the sentiment, but I've rarely seen real carollers.  It's hard to explain, but you can just tell it has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas spirit.  I've had some come that I'm happy to have, but when it's a couple grubby teenagers who aren't even trying to really sing and putting their hands out, it just feels a bit like they are spitting on Christmas to see if they can con someone out of some money for beer.  Now, I'm not saying anything about teenagers.  I loved carolling as a teenager, but we certainly did it in a different light than this.

Yeah, I see what you're saying and I agree. I guess I'd think the teens were just being cheeky, but you're right, some are making a mockery of it.

Do what my mum did, and I do....tell them it's too early.

My mum used to tell them to come back Xmas Eve, she always had some money for them on Xmas Eve and invariably nobody came!

But 20p is ok as well....don't give them £2!