Silver Bells

After battling the cold, slow tourists, and construction, I race down the steps of the Grand Ave Red Line stop. I struggle against the lines, broken turn styles, and sea of shopping bags only to descend further to the subway platform. That's when I hear it: Silver Bells.

My favorite commutes home start with Silver Bells, or other Christmas favorites. I do not know the man singing for his dinner, but I do know his resonant voice. As a train approaches, he trails off, ties the song off with a neat bow, and wishes us a Merry Christmas.

We board the train, sometimes forcing ourselves into strangers and grappling for a hand rest. Instead of the cold, I now curse the heat, the folks taking up two seats, and the music blaring from headphones. Bring back the silver bells.