All across eastern Connecticut, people are getting ready for the holidays earlier than usual. In Bozrah, the community is planning to join folks worldwide by ringing bells at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Bozrah resident Stephanie Swindell wanted to inspire and motivate her community to join in.

“Things are not as they used to be,” Swindell said. “Christmas, like holiday cheer, seems to brighten people’s spirits no matter what. I feel like there’s more urgency for people to start celebrating or decorating early because it’s making them feel good.”

When Swindell and her family moved to Bozrah in July, they didn’t expect such a warm welcome, especially in the middle of a pandemic. People went out of their way to greet them: Neighbors delivered freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, welcome notes, and offered a friendly knock on the door to introduce themselves and to be there if the family ever needed anything.

“These small acts certainly warmed my heart and made our family feel wonderful and right at home,” Swindell said. “The stressors of moving subsided by their kind and welcoming gestures.”

Swindell joined the town’s Facebook group, Bozrah Community Forum. In early November, she saw something posted in another community group about connecting people during the holidays. It was a meme announcing that on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m, everyone should ring a bell outside for two minutes to “spread Christmas spirit and to help Santa fly that sleigh. After a tough year, it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities. End 2020 with a bit of magic, hope, and togetherness.”

Swindell thought if her Bozrah community joined the bell ringing, it would be a way for all of them to connect while they’re apart. Swindell thought about those who don’t celebrate Christmas; however she figured the bell ringing would bring a sense of comfort and togetherness to everyone regardless of faith. She shared the idea on the Bozrah Community Facebook group and received a lot of support.

Community members decided to go all out with outrageous holiday decorating outside their homes and put candles in their windows. They also plan to support their elderly neighbors and offer to safely add décor to their yards and lift their spirits. The project is called Light Up Bozrah, and the town plans to go all out.

Residents have already begun to put up their Christmas trees. Swindell said many people are homebound, some have compromised immune systems, and they can’t get out into the public. The holidays provide them with something to focus on and bring everyone together.

As a child growing up, Swindell would go for car rides with her family and listen to Christmas music, going from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for holiday decorations. Swindell continued that tradition with her children. She envisions Bozrah as one of those magical and welcoming towns decked out in holiday cheer.

“Bozrah is a perfect reflection of hospitality, and I look forward to helping to give back to this amazing little community,” Swindell said. “I have a really good feeling about the joy this operation will bring.”

Everyone, regardless of their town, is welcome to go outside at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and ring bells for two minutes. The magic may be heard for miles.

Bozrah residents interested in learning more can email stephanieswindell1980@gmail.com.