The Bell Ringers
Featured in the Dayton Daily News
Although Christmas trees seem to pop up in retail stores sometime between the last summertime pool party and apple picking season, most of us display tinseled garland and festive lights for a relatively short period of time. Quite a bit of our social, economic, and culinary efforts is concentrated between Thanksgiving and New Year’s; the 6-week period of time we call “The Holidays.” Apart from the spiritual significance of the season and seduction of cyber deals, I wondered what captivates and invites us to participate in such an all-encompassing celebration. After all, the fact that I spend hours detangling, testing, and stringing Christmas lights only to endure frustration when they don’t work proves the enticement of December. So much about Christmas is exhausting but propelling. Multiple trips to the hardware store with determination to complete the outside light display is non-negotiable. Not only that, but I seem to recreate my role as a glutton for punishment year after year. In the midst of such fiasco, I wonder. But then on a recent trip to Kroger’s, I was reminded. My 3-year-old granddaughter was holding the hand of her mom as they approached the bell-ringing volunteers for the Salvation Army. Standing outside the store entrance braving the elements, they were huddled together inviting shoppers to place loose change or dollar bills into the iconic red donation bucket. Smiles and salutations were shared as my granddaughter’s little fingers added some quarters to the unassuming collection vessel. The unpretentious gesture was laced with goodness, and the bell ringers expressed exuberant gratitude for the small-scale gift given by a small child.
I realize the holiday season is a tough sell for some. Perhaps it’s the decorative clutter, pressure in gift giving, or just plain “I’m over it” sentiment. For many, the past year may have derailed energy for the merry or dulled belief in the magic. Authentic life, after all, challenges even the most ardent fan of Hallmark Christmas movie storylines. Yet, as I watched the bell ringers interact with those who flowed through the automatic Kroger doors, I was affirmed by their antidote to holiday reluctance.
What struck me was the palpable joy of the volunteers. I can probably guess their personal stories were less perfect than the red velvet bows encasing their jingle ringing bells. Yet here they were, showing up for the sake of something greater than themselves. Rather than becoming contracted by the limitations of their individual lives, they opened themselves to a greater world grounded in giving. Their joy in the moment was palpable. There is constructive power in keeping our arms outstretched to the world beyond. Open arms can’t hold too tightly kindnesses that have been given. Rather, transformative benevolence has no other option than to be ricocheted outward to others. That, quite simply, is the reason for the season. My mom used to say “good begets good.” I saw this to be true outside Krogers in the smiles shared between simple gestures of humanity. Extending ourselves and giving to others breeds gratitude. Gratitude redefines the definition of abundance which gives us all an opportunity for introspection. During this short, concentrated time of year, we are called to open up so that we become even greater versions of ourselves. Maybe the twinkling lights, Nutcracker music, and holly berries summon us to check ourselves in how willing we are to offer the simplest of gifts. Joy shared is priceless. That and a few quarters placed in a red bucket may be enough to change someone’s day. Little acts of kindness are not only infectious, but they are like the string of lights which encircle a Christmas tree. In isolation, one light may go unnoticed. In succession, the result can leave you in awe. Despite the frustrations and effort, maybe holiday cheer is something to buy into after all. Best news? It might only cost you a quarter. Just ask my granddaughter.