In the late 1960s, Joyce Byers, an amateur artist with a fashion design degree, was unimpressed by the holiday decorations available in stores. Wanting something warmer and more traditional, she crafted her first Carolers for her family, and they quickly became a hit.

Encouraged by their popularity and a neighbor’s suggestion, Joyce brought them to a local store where they sold out. This led to requests from stores nationwide, and the Byers' Carolers soon became a beloved holiday tradition.