Advertisement

arts entertainmentHolidays

Dial-A-Carol offers off-key Christmas spirit on demand

You can hire a cuddler and you can Rent a Mom, but that's not all when it comes to off-beat on-demand personal services. Need a hit of that sweet, sweet Christmas spirit? Just Dial-A-Carol.

Somewhere in America -- well, Illinois -- a college student cheerily awaits your call as a way to while away finals week just before winter break. Perhaps this isn't news to everyone. The University of Illinois' Snyder Hall has reportedly hosted the program for more than 55 years. For one week each December, students volunteer around the clock, serenading callers and spreading Christmas cheer. Each year, they field thousands of requests on the all-night hotline.

As for the performance, there's no guarantee you'll hear good singing, though anecdote suggests it is typically merry. Sometimes you'll get a soloist, sometimes duets or groups. Maybe there will be an acoustic guitar involved or maybe they're working au cappella. Caroler's choice.

Advertisement

Students say their most popular requests are "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells;" that is, of course, if you leave out the Mariah Meter, which they use to track requests for Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." Volunteers stay by the phones around the clock for callers "around the world," and they report requests from Singapore, China, Japan and Mexico.

News Roundups

Catch up on the day's news you need to know.

Or with:

Want to try it out?

Dial (217) 332-1882, request a favorite yuletide hit and hold briefly while your personal caroler pulls up the lyrics. But, hurry. This limited offer lasts only through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 16. 

Advertisement

H/t: The Washington Post