“Silver bells, silver bells…”

And those silver bells? Those bells ringing in the song were inspired by the imagery of Salvation Army bell-ringers standing outside department stores during the Christmas season.

“Silver Bells” was introduced by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in a motion picture called The Lemon Drop Kid in 1951. The first recorded version was by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards in 1952, which also became a hit in late 1952.

Bell ringing by hosts of Salvation Army Christmas Kettles has been a tradition for more than 100 years. This year, in Toronto, The Salvation Army introduced a new and improved Christmas bell. The sleigh bell, that produces a soft ambient jingle, represents the subtle voice of those in need at Christmas and is a friendly reminder that the spirit of the season is giving.