Residents at Jo-Lin Health Center got a special treat on Thursday to ring in the Christmas season.

The bell choir from Ironton’s Open Door School paid a visit to the facility and performed Christmas songs.

The elementary age children arrived by bus and, with color coded bells, played songs such as “Silent Night,” while they were conducted by a series of flash cards instructing them when to ring.

About 30 residents enjoyed the show, organized by Melissa Garris, the center’s activities director.

She said the bell choir has visited the residents every year for at least 20 years and is a welcome tradition.

“It’s very popular,” she said. “We always look forward to having them.”

Garris said she works to plan activities for the residents at the nursing home, with help from her team of Wendy Wilson and Kayla Carpenter.

“I don’t know what I’d do without them,” she said.

The Open Door School, located at 421 Lorain St., serves children with developmental disabilities. The bell choir performs throughout the holiday season at a number of locations in the region.