Sometimes life gets way too serious. Solemnity is one thing but when it turns grim it’s time to ease up a little, or maybe, a lot.

Here’s today’s senryu: National Ding-A-Ling Day

Shake it off, relax,

don’t be so serious man –

take a break and sing!

http://www.babyonline.com.hk/funny-phone-a-goofy-gabby-game-of-giggles-learning-resources

National Ding-A-Ling Day is one of those uniquely American inventions. It’s sort of a two-fer holiday where you touch base (preferably by phone — hence the playful reference to “ding-a-ling”) with friends or family you may have lost track of during the year. You also get a free pass to be just a little bit weird for the day. 

(Initiated in 1971) the idea for National Ding-A-Ling Day evolved during a group conversation about people being friendlier and staying connected with loved ones. Somehow the term “ding-a-ling” came up — defined as “one who hears bells in his head.” Soon, millions of people were touching base on December 12 (or “ding-a-linging” because iPhones weren’t invented yet) with contacts they hadn’t spoken to throughout the year.” https://nationaltoday.com/national-ding-a-ling-day/

Here’s a fun variation of the Ding-a-Ling song by Sha Na Na