MORELAND HILLS, Ohio — Moreland Hills resident Aaron Marinelli knows enjoying the holidays this year might take a little extra effort.

“So my partner and I wanted to bring a little, a little joy during these COVID times where people have been, you know, trying to find some, it's not easily found these days. And so we thought doing a little bit of a Christmas caroling COVID style was the way to go,” said Marinelli.

With spirits low this holiday season amid the pandemic, Marinelli sought the help of the Cleveland Opera Theatre to do something special for the community.

“People in the arts have been suffering quite a bit like many others and peoples’ mental health oftentimes, is helped by the arts by performances. And we think it's important to support both,” Marinelli said. “So we brought in the Cleveland Opera Theatre to do a little caroling.”

Doubling as a fundraiser for the Cleveland Opera Theatre and a mental health awareness event, carolers visited Marinelli's neighborhood in northeast Ohio for a socially-distanced holiday performance.

“It's a way for us to bring the holidays right to your living room,” said Megan Thompson, director or education and engagement at The Cleveland Opera Theatre. “So the way I've actually been telling folks is that it's a great time to get the whole family together, to enjoy some hot cocoa and some candy canes and, you know, put on those nice Christmas pajamas and just chill out by the fire, stream our event right in the living room.”

Opera singers like Rachel Pollock caroled in a quartet.

“Just getting to carol, I've done a couple of caroling gigs so far this winter, and it's just been really, really great to see the spirit that it brings people,” said Pollock. “Cause this year has been just such a dumpster fire really. And just getting to sing Christmas carols is really a blessing.”

The group caroled while Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other Christmastime characters cheered them on.

It was streamed live for hundreds to see allowing people to sing away the stress of 2020 right in the comfort of their own home.

“So we hope, for those, that this would serve as some therapy for it, some therapy for others, it just brings joy to their world in 2020,” said Marinelli.

The Cleveland Opera Theatre said there will be more virtual events like this even after the holidays. For more information, visit the Cleveland Opera Thatre website.