FRIDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- If you're caroling in your neighborhood during the holidays, a voice specialist has some tips to help you hit all the right notes.

Drink plenty of water, says Dr. Joseph R. Spiegel, associate professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. At this time of year, the air is cold and dry and can affect your voice.

"Carolers need to hydrate well before going out and while outside," Spiegel said in a prepared statement.

Don't drink any alcohol, though, he cautioned.

"Christmas cheer if for those enjoying the carolers and should only be enjoyed by those caroling when they are finished. Alcohol produces further dehydration. It also numbs a person to the cold temperature but not the effects of the cold temperature," Spiegel said.

He also noted that singing outdoors, especially in groups, is difficult because if can be hard to hear yourself and know if you're singing on key. Spiegel suggested that carolers bring someone who can stand in the audience and provide feedback about the caroling group's volume and voice quality.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers winter safety advice.