(This is my favorite Christmas story. Take 2 minutes to read the entire thing, 'tis the season!)
Once there was a store that sold lots of jingle bells- and only jingle bells. As the customers came in, and picked the jingle bells up, the bells would jingle their best, hoping that they would be taken to a nice warm loving home.
The littlest jingle bell had many problems. Customers would pick it up, and it would ring for them with all it's might. "Jingle Jingle," it would say. Then the customers would set it back down, and say, "This little jingle bell won't do," and they would walk on, and pick up other jingle bells.
As the season went on, there became fewer and fewer bells. At last, Christmas Eve finally came. All of the bells had been taken except the littlest jingle bell on the shelf towards the back.
As the storekeeper was about to close down for Christmas, a man with black snow covered boots walked in and said to the storekeeper, "I have been in my sleigh. One of the jingle bells has broken off, and I need a replacement before I can leave." The little jingle bell raised its head high as it looked toward the man. It was Santa Claus! The bell became very excited.
The storekeeper said, "Well, I have one last jingle bell, and I can show it to you if you want, but it's probably too small for your sleigh."
Santa replied: "Now, see here. Jingle bells are one of the most important things I need. They help my reindeer know where to go. They serve as a warning when I touch down on people's rooftops. They remind people that I am coming. They help keep my elves awake and alert in the long hours of the night. And most importantly, they spread Christmas Spirit whenever people hear them ring. It doesn't matter how big or loud any jingle bell is. The important thing is that it tries its best, it tries its hardest, to jingle and spread this Christmas Cheer. Show me this jingle bell that you think is too small."
The store keeper led Santa to the back of the store, picked up the little bell, and gave it to him. Santa held it up in his hand, close to its ear, and gave it a little shake. The bell, realizing its opportunity and brimming with inspiration, gave its best little "Jingle jingle" that it had left in him.
Santa replied to the shopkeeper, "You're right, it's too small" and left.
