"WE USED TO KNOW..." In uncertain times, it's natural to yearn for simpler days and comforting traditions. This year, the holiday season has an added dimension of nostalgia. Recent events have created a yearning to gather family and friends closer than ever before. I think the coming season offers the perfect opportunity to blend an old-fashioned custom with this nation's renewed desire for connection. Let me explain. Turn back the clock to a few decades ago, where a bunch of high-energy nursing students have gathered inside a hospital lobby to celebrate the beginning of Christmas break with some impromptu caroling. They mill around in last minute costumes made from red, green and gold garland, silver tinsel as well as assorted other decorations that, only moments before, had hung on the walls of their dorm. The group strolled through hospital hallways, singing carols and delighting hospital staff, patients and visitors with their unbridled enthusiasm and outrageous garb. When the flock of "human Christmas trees" reached a patient floor dedicated to long-term illnesses, they paused, unsure if their presence would disrupt the especially sedate atmosphere. After encouragement from the staff, the group walked down the hall singing a softened version of Jingle Bells, trying to be as inconspicuous as one can be with red Christmas balls hanging from one's ears. Almost immediately, a visitor beckoned the carolers to follow her inside a dimly lit patient room. The glittery group squeezed around the bed, next to family members keeping vigil over their father who'd been unresponsive for weeks. "Sing for him please," one daughter asked gently. Out of respect, the carolers agreed and chose the only tranquil tune they had in their limited repertoire’ White Christmas. They started out tentatively, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas..." After a few bars, the family joined in. "Just like the ones I used to know..." In the soft glow of a single bedside lamp, this odd assortment became united in song for a silent audience of one. "Where tree tops glisten and children listen’ to hear, sleigh bells in the snow..." At the start of the second verse, a Christmas miracle unfolded. The gray haired man lying in bed began to mouth the words along with the carolers. "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas..." The family stopped singing. And for a split second, so did the nursing students. After encouraging nods from the family, the students continued -- as did the patient. "May your days be merry and bright’ and may all your Christmases be white..." The song trailed off, lost in a flood of tears. The family cried. The student Christmas trees cried. Somehow, this Christmas carol, buried deep within the fabric of our country, struck a chord of familiarity in the patient's mind. The family thanked the carolers profusely, then hurried down to the nurse's station to notify the staff. Outside in the hall, the group of school friends stood forever changed by the experience. The simple act of caroling caused a profound transformation in that patient and created a connection where one hadn't been before. Who really knows how such miracles happen. What's more important is -- Miracles do happen! Cause a miracle in your neighborhood. Reach out to one another this holiday season, whether it's by reviving the tradition of caroling, or finding another way to connect. Three years ago, I invited my neighbors to come out for an evening of caroling. Nearly twenty people showed up, sporting gloves and hats, on the chosen night. Sadly, we had to explain to the young children what caroling was, but before long they were leading the group to "one more house", seemingly oblivious to the frosty air. Throughout the night, we met neighbors who opened doors and sang along. A few ran to get other family members, or grab a plate of cookies to offer us. A timid few peeked through curtains, too scared to open their doors -- but it didn't matter, we understood and sang anyway. Caroling has now become a fond annual tradition for many families on our block. Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, find a way to connect. As we know from the September events, all we have is this moment. But who knows, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, some song sheets and a few well-meaning voices lifted in song, you might get back a bit of the holidays gone by. Take it from a former "student Christmas tree" -- caroling is a miraculous way to bring back the spirit of the holidays -- "just like the ones we used to know..." -- Teri Goggin O * O *O * O O * * O <º)(((((~((((((>>>< * <º)((((~((((>< missi