What do you think about when you hear bells ringing during the Holiday season? This winter we had the privilege of ringing bells for the Salvation Army outside Big Lots in Mattoon, IL. We had quite the experience! Ringing bells from 6 to 9 PM could get kind of lonely if you’re doing it by yourself. Fortunately, we got to pick partners to ring with. Having the personalities we do, we both decided to enjoy the time spent together. We figured out how to ring the bells to the Jingle Bells tune. We both did have a pretty good time ringing the bells, even though it was chilly outside. We really got in the mood for a while and perfected the Jingle Bells song with our bells, and had a little dance that went along with it. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it was very interesting and helped to pass the time a little bit.
As customer got out of their cars, we asked them if they would guess our song after they were done shopping. Quite a few of them agreed, and the majority guessed correctly and donated their change. Being the outgoing people we both are, we had some kind of conversation with everyone that walked through the Big Lots’ doors, whether it be a “Hi, Happy Holidays” or a ten minute conversation while a lady took out all of the change in the bottom of her purse. Doing this has given me a greater appreciation for what I have and what I have been given.
Many times you walk by a person ringing bells and think that you will maybe give a cent or two whenever you leave the store. Well, after ringing the bells and standing out in the cold to do just that, we both have more respect for the people who do this on a regular basis and not just one time in their lives. Hopefully, next time I walk by a bell ringer, I will decide to give more than just a couple cents to people who have a whole lot less than us.
Kristin and Tori
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