People are only just realising Jingle Bells isn't a Christmas song at all

The festive tune 'Jingle Bells' is a staple during the holiday season, but many might be surprised to learn that it was never intended as a Christmas song. A TikTok video from Daily Dose of Music has shed light on its origins, revealing that it was originally a Thanksgiving song.

The presenter in the video shared: "Did you know Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song? Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving dashing through the snow."

"This timeless tune was penned by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, titled 'One Horse Open Sleigh'. But why the switch to Christmas? Over the years, the melody evolved into a Christmas classic. Isn't it fascinating how traditions shift?"

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Indeed, 'Jingle Bells' was meant for Thanksgiving until it gained popularity at Christmas and was subsequently renamed. Adding to its storied past, on December 16, 1965, it became the first song played in outer space when the crew of Gemini 6 included it in their celestial repertoire using bells and a harmonica.

As we hum along to 'Jingle Bells' this season, it's worth remembering the rich history behind this little song that has become so much more significant than many realise. Its transformation from a Thanksgiving melody to a Christmas anthem has been a topic of surprise and discussion, even sparking conversations on Reddit where users express astonishment at its evolution into a Yuletide tradition, reports the Mirror.

One commented: "It's odd how anything even vaguely wintery inevitably becomes a Christmas thing. I'll bet it's particularly odd for people living in the Southern Hemisphere."

A second person noted: "Huh? I thought that Jingle Bells was a Christmas song until I realised that it was initially a Thanksgiving Day song."

Another added: "Back in the old days when Thanksgiving was a different holiday than Xmas."

Meanwhile, someone else shared their long-held view: "I've been saying for decades that it's not specifically a Christmas song. It's a winter song - no mention of Christmas in it."