It was published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh" in September 1857. It has been claimed that it was originally written to be sung by a Sunday school choir for Thanksgiving, or as a drinking song.

Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters Bing Crosby's rendition of “Jingle Bells” with the Andrews Sisters from the 1945 album White Christmas is so upbeat and fun that, nearly eight decades later, it's still one of the most recognizable versions.

'Jingle Bells' was not intended to be a Christmas song. Some historical accounts report that the tune was first performed for a Thanksgiving service at the church of either Pierpont's father or brother, but the lyrics might have been too risqué for an ecclesiastical audience.

“Jingle Bells” depicts a snow day's excitement, the 1800s equivalent of a hot date, and ends in a tumble on the icy ground. In other words, the formula for a very, merry Christmas. However, the meaning behind the iconic Christmas tune has no original ties to the yuletide holiday at all.