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Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire us? How are we different from other caroling groups?
Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers hires only top notch professional singers, from all types of backgrounds, pop, jazz, musical theatre and oftentimes, all of the above. We have over 100 carols to choose from, (many many more than other groups), ranging from traditional to contemporary and many foreign language songs as well. Our arrangements are complex and proprietary and will make you wish to hear them again and again. But our piece de resistance is our costumes. Most groups just use long skirts and capes with mufflers. But ours are the full hoop skirt, bonnet, top hat, frock coat Dickensian look. They are lavish and expensive and exquisite and were NOT ordered off of Amazon. We have world class costumers that have designed and continue to build our looks. Each one is unique and gorgeous. We are truly a sight to behold (and a sound to hear)
How do I use the carolers?
Once you’ve booked your carolers, you can use them however best suits your needs. We can serve as ambience near the tree or buffet. We can greet your guests with song. We can stroll around your tree lighting or shopping mall or town center. Many like us to go table-to-table accepting requests from their dining guests. You can use us for photo ops (our costumes are oftentimes more impressive than Santa or his elves!). You can set us up concert-style for your guests…or any combination of the above.
Do you have your own sound system? Will you be mic’d?
We do not come with our own sound system. Our voices usually blend best when we are unamplified and we can manage our own blend. If you do choose to mic us, please provide two (2) omnidirectional microphones, (vs. unidirectional that only picks up the voice right in front of it), so that we can balance our singers around them. If you only have one microphone, it’s harder for us to arc around it because of the sheer size of our costumes.
Why are holidays more expensive?
We all love to enjoy the holidays with our loved ones. When our singers come to sing for you on a holiday, that means they are taking time away from being with their own family and friends and making themselves available to sing for you and yours and should be compensated for that. Just as someone working at, say, a grocery store, would be paid time and a half on holidays.:)
Am I supposed to tip the carolers?
Gratuities are always welcomed but never expected. Gratuities always go directly to the singers, even if they are included in a check to CMHC. However, please refrain from putting gratuities on a credit card — or the singers get docked the credit card fees charged.
Do you take requests?
Of course. If you have songs you would absolutely like to hear, please let us know. People often like to play ‘Stump the Carolers’ (and unless it’s very obscure, rarely win).
What if I only want up-tempo songs? Or religious/sacred songs? Or secular songs only?
No problem. If you have a specific ‘play list’ you would like to hear, or songs you would like us to avoid, just let us know ahead of time. We have an up-tempo set, a sacred set, and a secular set. We even have Chanukah songs, foreign language songs, etc.
When do the carolers arrive? Do they need a place to change?
The carolers arrive IN costume, 5 to 15 minutes before the start time of your contract, to check in with the host and collect any final payments before singing. They typically change at their cars or come dressed so they can enter in full regalia.
Can I break up the time they are singing? For example, if I only want them to sing an hour but a half hour at the beginning and a half hour at the end…do I only pay for the time they are singing?
Unfortunately, no. You must pay for the time they are hired to physically be at your event. Supposing you want 45 minutes of singing at 6pm and then another 45 minutes 8:15pm, you still pay for the 3 hours that they are there. You pay for their time to be there, how and how much you use them is up to you.
What if we are enjoying them so much we’d like them to stay for another half hour or hour. Is that possible?
It’s very possible. It depends on the caroler’s schedules. Sometimes, they have to run off to spread more holiday cheer, but if they don’t have anything else booked and they agree, they will contact us (or you can) and collect the extra money for the additional time.
Can we do photo shoots with them?
Of course! See “how do I use them” above. Please be sure to do your photo ops within the allotted time for which they are scheduled. Oftentimes, they have to run right off to another event. Thank you for being respectful of that.
Do we need to feed the carolers?
No, it is not necessary to feed the carolers. If, after their set is over, you would like to offer them something, that is completely up to you, but not necessary or expected. Keep in mind, they may need to run out to another event after yours so they may politely decline.