Have you heard? A movie that tells the true story of why and how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is playing at a theater near you!

Here’s a mini-synopsis told by Edward Hermann below, with music by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

If I were feeling ambitious, I would show the video above to a bunch of children who have a love of learning, and we would then make a bell ornament like over here (easy) or here (not as easy). Since I’m not feeling ambitious in that way, I’ll just admire the efforts of those of you who are.

I love learning about the stories behind Christmas carols and traditions. I hope you do too! A review of the movie is over here. If you want to read the backstory of the carol, go here.