What comes to mind when you hear the sound of bells jingling in December? Do you think reindeer, snowflakes, the funky chicken or a 5K? For me, it’s all of the above and more!
The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis has been part of my holiday celebration for the past 15 years. It is a fun, festive event that truly defines the reason for the season! Runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters gather annually to raise funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation while ringing in the holiday spirit.
Having fun at the same time as supporting a worthy cause is the motivation that keeps me involved year after year. To those in the front of the pack, anticipating the sound of the shot, it’s a race – another chance to compete. For everybody else, it’s a time to wear silly hats, dress in costumes, tie bells to shoes and add t-shirts to holiday collections.
Each year, I look forward to the creativity of new costumes as well as the return of the old. My Jingle Bell Run/Walk would not be the same without seeing the funky chicken wearing a Santa hat as he/she boogies to Christmas tunes (no one has ever seen the person inside of the costume). Or the anticipation of the healthy senior citizens arriving in a group dressed as elves, snowflakes, ornaments or Christmas trees. Whatever theme they choose, the costumes are detailed and their enthusiasm spreads joy along the course.
My involvement with this annual event has been serving on the committee and various jobs on the morning of, including set up, registration, emceeing and co-manning the problem table – the latter becoming my event label.
Over the years, I’ve had the knuckles and joints replaced on my third fingers, causing the need for splints during the recovery periods. In an effort to spread holiday cheer and discourage the questions about what happened to my hand, I’d decorate my splints by attaching a wreath from my tiny village display. As participants approached the problem table with their “complaints” of not having enough jingle bells in the registration bag or the need for more safety pins, I’d greet them with my decorated middle finger in the air, asking with a holiday tone, “What’s your problem?” With light-hearted responses and humor, our table roared with laughter.
The only time I actually participated in the 5K was the year following my knee replacement. Given the trials and challenges before surgery, I wanted to walk the distance and cross the finish line to serve as an accomplishment for myself. I’ll never forget walking past the one-mile marker and hearing the officer shout the times of those passing by. When hearing my time of 17 minutes, 52 seconds, I sarcastically commented about the person leading the race and how they should be afraid of my lightening speed. The time keeper quickly stifled my ego by announcing the first person finished in 13 minutes and was already heading home. By the time I crossed, I’m sure the leader WAS home, but that’s OK because he was not running the same race as me.
Please share your Jingle Bell Run/Walk experiences and traditions in the comment section below.
Leave a Comment