The initial words of a popular Christmas song, Winter Wonderland [“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?”], written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernard Smith, have a dual message. They refer to the comforting sound of bells in harmony while also alerting those close by to the presence of an approaching sleigh. The jingle of bells, joy of Christmas carols and sentiments expressed by them should also be accompanied by truly listening to what is going on around us.
Shoppers, pedestrians and others glued to small screens and input through earbuds are a common sight these days. Often indifferent, detached and removed from surroundings, their ability to respond to demands of a physical environment is limited, even if potentially dangerous to themselves or others. The comfort of the “sleigh bells” of virtual voice or visual stimulation can lull them into an alternate reality that, while offering many benefits, can misdirect and distort reality. The bells can also serve as a warning to pay attention to the world outside electronic media.
This holiday season, many sounds, sights and thoughts are focused on cheerful goodwill and charity. To make this more than a seasonal and superficial effort, we can extend our festive mood to defer rigid judgement and criticism of others, especially in the political arena.
Through listening and understanding different points of view, common goals rather than differences, can be accentuated. We then will hear the harmony and clarity of the bells of humanity.
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
-Henry Wadswroth Longfellow
