The “Jingle Bells” plaque on 19 High St. in Medford does list a “Mrs. Otis Waterman” as a witness to Pierpont’s purported writing of the song in Simpson Tavern.

Jingle Bells is a cheery festive tune that always raises spirits at this time of year. But, little you may know, it was never actually meant to be a Christmas song. Comments. News.

Here’s the truth about Jingle Bells. It’s not a Christmas song — it’s a Thanksgiving song. It’s not a jolly family song — it’s a drinking song. It’s at the centre of a nasty ...