Holiday Cheer?

Today I popped into a bookstore and as I was making my purchase about eight or so college students (I think) walked in and started singing Christmas carols. They were really good and even had a guitar and tambourines. I was so excited to see the Spanish version of carolers for the first time! I was grinning to encourage them and said "bravo" when they finished. Then I noticed that the store owner gave them a five Euro bill. Hmm... That's not how Christmas caroling works in the U.S. As I was standing there (innocently) trying to decide whether the money had been their motive for the Christmas cheer, one of the girls approached me with her upside down tambourine. That answered my question. ;)