The Christmas season for the Ladybirds really begins in August when they begin rehearsing their Christmas Holiday music! Then from “Black Friday” through to about December 15th the Ladybirds have their really busy season. Various groups in the tri-state area hire the Ladybird Barbershop Harmony Singers to entertain for their annual Christmas parties. In fact, every year, the group is invited to sing for the South Cumberland Businessmen’s Association Christmas dinner. They always look forward to The Twelve Days of Christmas, which involves audience participation.

The City of Cumberland presents entertainment at various locations the night of the Christmas tree lighting. For the last three years, the Ladybirds have participated in these activities. They sang at the Western Maryland Railroad Station in Cumberland and also at the First United Bank in Cumberland. The audiences enjoy such songs as White Christmas, Silent Night (in English and German), Here Comes Santa Claus, Up On the Housetop, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Silver Bells, and O Come All Ye Faithful, to name just a few of the titles.

Last Christmas a number of Ladybirds tried a new entertainment technique and delivered a number of “singing” Christmas greetings over the telephone. If the recipients weren’t at home, a “singing” Christmas wish was left on their answering machines.

The Ladybirds have sung for the Retired Federal Postal Workers, the Scottish Rite Shriners, the retirees from the telephone company, class reunions, family parties, senior citizens groups, nursing homes, church parties, places of business, etc. Indeed, the Ladybirds are busy as bees at Christmas time — and, of course, they have their own Christmas party each year, which always is very special to them. The last Christmas party was held at Park Place United Methodist Church where they hold their regular rehearsals. It was catered by Debbie’s Catering and featured entertainment by a couple of Red Hat Ladies, who put on a wonderful comedy skit.

The highlight of the evening, though, is always the gift exchange; the ladies draw names and buy a gift for their “Ladybird.” Then they write a jingle, which essentially wishes that person a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Everyone enjoys these jingles so much; sometimes they’re sentimental and loving, sometimes they are humorous, but all convey the joy of the Christmas season!

The Ladybirds Decked Out for Christmas