New Use for Turkey Bells!

Shortly after our last post about Turkeys and Bells, we had a customer call in to tell use what she and her coworkers use the turkey bells for.

Working in a nursing home, the employees needed a way to tell where patients with wheelchairs and/or walkers are, so they attached the turkey bells to the wheelchair handles and to the walkers. Also having a bell on their wheelchair or walker enables the residents to ring when they need help or assistance with something.

The patients like the bells because it allows them a little bit more freedom and so they don't have to worry if they are not near the nurse's call button, they still have a way to communicate where they are and that they need assistance. These bells have been a great help in the nursing home setting.

These bells would also work in a home setting for the same uses. It is amazing how many different uses each and every bell has.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

"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."

This carol has been a favorite of many for years. It is a beautiful song that really embodies the idea of Christmas bells. (See the History of Christmas Bells.)  This song was originally a poem that was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow after his oldest son was severely wounded in the civil war and after his wife had passed away. He penned these words on Christmas day of 1864.

In many ways, even after a tragedy, people find peace in the sound of bells and have been doing so for over 3000 years.

DIY Christmas Ornaments with Jingle Bells

Jingle bells are so easy for Christmas. They make great additions to wreaths, look pretty just setting in an ornate bowl on the coffee table, or can be easily strung onto the tree with some pretty thin ribbon. With the paints for metals they can also be painted to suit any decor. Or for a simple effect leave them in their original silver or gold colors.

For a very simple, easy on the wallet ornament, buy some jingle bells and tie on a bit of ribbon to put on your Christmas tree.

You can also add a little pizazz by painting the bells and tying several together for an ornament, red gives the look of berries hanging on your tree. 

While jingle bells are the standard for the Holidays it seems. Any small craft bell can be used in the same way for decor.