The “Jingle Bells” problem

I recently found out there’s a difference of opinion over the meaning of the first line of the song “Jingle Bells,” which is not the original title by the way. Are we describing the kind of bells when we sing the song, or are we telling the bells what to do? The second line leaves no room for interpretation. We want those bells to “jingle all the way.” I don’t care either way, but I am facing a jingle bell decision of my own. Do I have enough jingle bell penguin ornaments for a whole tree? Maybe there are enough for a small one. Imagine what it will sound like when you shake it.

Two TJ’s Christmas elongated jingle bells, one with white belly and Santa hat, the other with silver belly and tree hat

Acquired: June 30, 2011, Trinkets & Treasures, Durango, Col.

Number: 0918 0919

Size: 3 and 3.5 inches tall

Price: $6.95 each

Piggyback rider

I was beginning to think my penguin collecting days were over. The year was half gone and I only had a handful of new ornaments. Then I found these sledders that look like they’re carved in wood. The ornament is actually some kind of plaster with metal runners on the sled. It was a welcome sight and a long overdue addition to My Penguin Tree.

TJ's Christmas penguin parent and piggybacking chick on a sled

Acquired: June 30, 2011, Trinkets & Treasures, Durango, Col.

Number: 0917

Size: 4 inches long

Price: $9.95

Cookie dough

This penguin obviously came from Vail, Colo., but it’s hard for me to pin down the exact time I bought it. I have a number of ornaments from Vail, and I feel like this one came later than the others. Vail was the first place I ever skied, when I took a half-day lesson on a hill that was so small, we walked to the top between runs. Then I was lucky enough to have a friend from college who worked there, so I was able to visit frequently without having to spend too much. It was one of the many big mountains I skied with my friend Linda Martelli. Later on, I went to Vail with my brother Drew, who is a ski instructor among other things, on his first ski trip to the Rockies. Whenever I got this ornament, or my other Vail ornaments, they always remind me of the good times I had there through the years.

Cookie dough ornament, Vail, Colorado

Acquired: unknown

Number: 0181

Size: about 4 inches tall