Are you hearing bells?
Things change with time. We all know it and accept it. I do hold tight to some things. Certain traditions shouldn't change. Why? My response is "Just Because". It used to be Christmas was a time for peace on Earth and "Goodwill". Now I'm told on TV that it's the time for BARGAIN GIFT SHOPPING, also shopping from the convenience of your living room or office wearing only a Santa hat while sipping cocoa -- Okay I can warn you about the dangers of that from experience. I have nightmares of Santa's sleigh being pulled by 8 members of Overeaters Annonymous. (I'll never eat spicy Mexican food right before bed again.) With the holidays come time-honored traditions. For example, the Salvation Army Bell Ringers are already out in force. I've been surprised that the ones I've happened in to have not been ringing the bells. Oh, they said thank you for dropping money in the kettle but no bell ringing. WHAT'S THAT? I do expect a little Ding-a-Ling for my Ching-a-Ling. (Don't insert some Kevin Spacey joke here. I take sexual harassment seriously.) The ringing of the bells gives a feel a Christmas. Not having bells makes Salvation Army like every other Tom, Dick or Harry outfit that hits us up for money. The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization, so get to ringing those bells. My holiday saying is "No Ding-a-ling, No Ching-a-Ling." Why would they not ring the bells? Are there those who can't handle loud noises? Are some Salvation Army employees misinformed and think Bells-Palsey is caused by excessive bell ringing? Perhaps some ringers believe if they play that old Disco Song "Ring my Bell", it takes the place of having to physically ring a bell? I want to give, but not unless you get busy with that bell. Heck, my kids can put five dollars in the video game at the pizza shop before we even get in our order. I got money for you Salvation Army, but I will not reward laziness. Other charities are begging for donations. What about the American National Cattlewomen Foundation, or how about a local Donkey Shelter. Let's not forget the "Helping Hands Monkey Helpers". That's a group that trains monkeys to be service animals. You ever saw someone with a Seeing Eye Monkey? Probably not because they need more money to buy and train more monkeys and they've got mini cymbals - or so I imagine. I want to give you money, don't give me an excuse not to. In the spirit of the holidays, don't be like my wife, when I mentioned that I should run out and get some mistletoe to hang in our home? Her response was "I know how your mind works. You'll have better luck hanging a No Pest Strip". Salvation Army please go back to ringing, some of us are old-fashioned.
