Jingle Bells: A Thanksgiving Tune That Sleighed Its Way to Christmas Fame
The festive chimes of “Jingle Bells” are synonymous with the holiday season, but did you know that this iconic melody was originally composed for Thanksgiving, not Christmas? According to NBC, the 19th-century classic, penned by James Lord Pierpont, may have had its roots in a Thanksgiving church service, rather than the yuletide celebrations we associate it with today.
The story behind “Jingle Bells” takes us back to Medford, Massachusetts, in the 1800s. Pierpont, drawing inspiration from the exhilarating sleigh races that were a winter staple in Medford, composed the catchy tune that would become a holiday anthem for generations to come. The song’s spirited melody captured the joyous atmosphere of the races, where horse-drawn sleighs adorned with bells dashed through the snowy landscape.
However, the song’s origin isn’t without controversy. A dispute has emerged between Medford and Savannah, Georgia, both claiming to be the true birthplace of “Jingle Bells.” While Medford boasts its historical sleigh races as the primary inspiration, Savannah contends that Pierpont composed the song during a Thanksgiving church service in their city. The debate adds an intriguing layer to the song’s history, leaving enthusiasts to ponder the true genesis of this beloved holiday melody.
Regardless of its birthplace, “Jingle Bells” made a seamless transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, becoming a timeless seasonal anthem. The cheerful jingle of bells and the infectious chorus have come to symbolize the festive spirit that permeates the holiday season. The song’s versatility is evident in the countless renditions by artists across genres, ensuring its continued relevance in the modern era.
As we gather around the holiday hearth and revel in the magic of the season, let’s not forget the humble beginnings of “Jingle Bells.” Originally a tribute to the joy of Thanksgiving, this classic tune has managed to sleigh its way into the hearts of Christmas enthusiasts worldwide, embodying the enduring spirit of celebration and merriment that defines the holiday season.
4 Types Of People You Will Find At Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
The Costume Runner
Here is the spectacle runner, who is decked out in a giant turkey costume. They can’t breathe let alone run, but they certainly can waddle. If this person finishes actually runs and finishes the race, it is usually by Christmas time. Nonetheless, you must respect the fact that lots of thought and deliberation went into this decision. It may even take longer for the person to get properly fitted in the morning to get ready for the trot than it does for the actual turkey to cook.
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The I Need To Win And Beat The Best Time Ever Runner
With all due respect, this runner is there an hour early stretching, even though they already completely stretched at home prior to eating a full protein breakfast. This participant is fully rested, fully hydrated, and plans to smoke you like you are the turkey. Furthermore, while you are trucking through the first mile, gasping for breath, this runner is going to pass, but going the other direction. That is because this person finished the race already and is simply running back to the starting line as their “cool down.” We get it, your cross-country skills are superhuman, and you now own the Turkey Trot best time. Just don’t be the person that beats the day’s honoree.
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The Still Awake From Last Night "Runner"
It’s common knowledge that the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights on the planet. It’s a special occasion where people come out of the woodwork and return to their hometown. The local pubs may make their annual quota based on Thanksgiving Eve sales. It’s great fun for sure, as long you have a responsible ride home. For some though, they have not even been home yet. It’s much more convenient to walk two blocks to the left to the downtown starting line at sunrise than it is to trek a half of a mile down Main Street to sleep it off for a few hours. This person looks and smells like the party. If there are woods adjacent to the 5k running route, you will usually find this runner in there immediately.
The Socialite Runner
Many towns that host Thanksgiving races are deep with tradition and local history. The families that call this place home often go back generations. Somehow, your grandmother had the same 4th grade teacher that your daughter currently has. The socialite is there to talk to everyone. They are in full-blown campaign mode, yet they are not running for anything. They simply love everything that has to do with their hometown and their mission for Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, is to see literally everyone, and spread some spirit. You have to respect that.
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