Making a Business of Holiday Songs

Mary Ledwith has been performing as a Christmas caroler for the past couple of years. With a Charles Dickens-era costume and her guitar, the Summit Avenue resident makes any Christmas gathering a memorable moment with songs. 

Using her entrepreneurial spirit, Ledwith creates a holiday Craigslist ad every year to find potential customers, but she admits you have to always be careful when giving out your personal information on the network.

How did you get the idea to become a caroler?

I saw people doing this in N.Y. City and thought, "I could do that." Then, I found a place in the city that rented period piece costumes. I basically got started when someone asked me to do it for their private party.

What are you favorite things to do for the holidays?

I find all kinds of creative ways in which to enjoy myself. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts, so I enjoy making my own Christmas gifts.  (She has worked as an art instructor for .)

Where else do you sing, besides private holiday parties?

Well, last year, someone asked me to sing at their store. Basically greeting people with Christmas songs.

What are you favorite holiday songs?

That's a hard one. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" and  "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", that's very easy to harmonize.