DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Instead of singing through commercial breaks, the WAND Wake Up team decided to take their musical talents on the road to spread some Christmas cheer across Decatur.
Armed with holiday spirit and a willingness to sing loudly for all to hear, Deron Molen, Lacey Spence and Caroline Reese surprised people throughout the community with impromptu performances of classic Christmas carols.
As the saying goes, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and that’s exactly what the trio set out to do, even if not everyone felt confident about their vocal skills.
“I don’t music. I don’t know how to,” Deron joked as the group warmed up with scales.
“Santa still loves you!” Lacey reassured him, laughter filling the room.
The caroling adventure kicked off at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, where the team ambushed a yoga class with “Jingle Bells,” proving that nothing says zen quite like Christmas carols. They even managed to combine yoga and music, singing “Oh Christmas Tree” during tree poses.
From there, the Wake Up team kept the cheer moving — literally — by singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” while running laps around the track with walkers and joggers joining in the fun.
After working up an appetite, the trio made a stop at Diamond’s Family Restaurant, where diners were treated to a lively rendition of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” The performance earned applause and boosted Deron’s confidence.
“I CAN sing!” he laughed.
The holiday sleigh ride continued across Decatur, stopping at Lincolnshire Place, where residents welcomed the carolers — and even a few four-legged friends in festive sweaters — before joining in on the singing. Residents added their own flair, including a senior providing percussion with a bell.
The final stop of the day brought the team to Macon Resources, where they were greeted with excitement, applause and plenty of smiles. Songs like “Deck the Halls” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” echoed through the lunchroom as attendees sang along.
Beyond the music, it was the connections that stood out most—hugs exchanged, new friendships made and memories shared.
By the end of the day, as the Wake Up team belted out one final song down the hallway, it was hard to tell who enjoyed the caroling more, the people they surprised or the carolers themselves.
One thing was clear: the Christmas cheer was loud, joyful and very much alive across Decatur.
More Coverage:
Celebrate Happy Noon Year at the Children's Museum of Illinois
Urbana escape room named #2 in US, #37 in the world
Penny for your hearts: Daughter honors father known as 'Penny Man'
Rare copy of Emancipation Proclamation coming to Springfield in new year
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
