Dear Editor,

A Scottish mom has started a new Christmas tradition after she was asked by her children if Santa would be able to deliver presents given the worldwide pandemic.

This mom thought quickly and told her children that Santa is an essential worker and so is permitted to visit homes around the world. But their question gave her the idea to show Santa and other essential workers how much their spirit is appreciated during this pandemic. So she is asking everyone to step outside their home at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve (local time) and ring a bell for a couple of minutes.

Now hundreds of thousands of people around the world will be ringing on Dec 24 as a way to unite us all at a beautiful holiday during a very long and difficult year. As Scottish Mom Lauren Sinclair said, “COVID took from a lot of people this year, and we’re trying to basically show the virus that it’s not winning.”

So Christmas Eve at 6 p.m., grab any bell you might have around the house, step outside and ring away. And if you don’t have a bell, sing your favorite carol.

Jane Carpenter

Boothbay Harbor