A five-decade old holiday tradition is going strong at the University of Illinois.
While a majority of students head home for winter break, a handful of college co-eds stay in Snyder Hall to man the "Dial-a-Carol" phones, The Washington Post reported.
It all stared 55 years ago, in 1960, when a secretary persuaded the residents to sing or play carols for random callers for the holiday.
They'd sing and spin records, but eventually they transitioned to singing all of the carols live, no matter their musical ability, religion or those who have finals looming.
So who are the favorite calls to get?
The students say ones from classrooms, albeit from much younger students than they are, specifically from elementary or middle schools.
They've already performed more than 3,330 songs by request from all 50 states, as well as Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan, according to the group's Facebook page.
The phone lines are open from now until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, The Washington Post reported.
The number, 217-332-1882, is answered 24 hours a day.
About the Author
