3 December - Jingle all the way

A perennial favourite of the Christmas season is the world renowned 'Jingle Bells' - originally called 'One Horse Open Sleigh' - but did you know that the song is over 150 years old?

It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) in 1857 and, at the time, it had a different chorus melody, which was more classical in character. The 1857 lyrics also differed slightly from those we know today.

The song has been translated into many languages and was also the first song broadcast from outer space, in a Christmas-themed prank by Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra, on December 16, 1965.

On the side of a building in the center of Medford Square in Medford, Massachusetts, USA, there is a plaque commemorating the birthplace of 'Jingle Bells'. However, in Savannah, Georgia, there is a marker commemorating the composition of 'Jingle Bells' in a church there where Pierpont served as music director.

And here, for your delectation, is Crazy Frog's version of 'Jingle Bells' with some more of those crazy Christmas lights so beloved of this blog. Enjoy!