“Jingle Bells,” one of the most common Christmas songs, was written in 1850 by James Lord Pierpont in Medford, Mass. According to Jennifer Miller Hammel, for Classical California KUSC, legend has it Pierpont was an organist and wrote the song to commemorate the town’s annual sleigh races around Thanksgiving. There is a plaque in the Medford town square saluting his achievement.

The song was published in 1857 but titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.” It was first recorded in 1889 on an Edison cylinder.

This year, I have updated the words to this classic song for your enjoyment. Please sing along to the tune “Jingle Bells.”

Verse 1

Driving through the traffic,

With patience all but lost,

Looking for more gifts,

How much will this trip cost?

Just need a few more things,

To finish off the list,

Then home to sort and wrap and tag,

And hope nothing was missed.

Chorus

Oh! I’m not stressed; It’s all good,

Things will all work out.

Amazon’s on strike right now,

No need to cry and pout.

They say my things will be here soon,

Who am I to say?

Perhaps my gifts can hitch a ride,

On Santa’s special sleigh.

Verse 2

I lost my dad this year,

So I’m a little sad.

If you’re missing someone too,

Remember good times had.

I’ll celebrate the birth,

Of Jesus at an inn,

And think about my dad with love,

And wear a special grin.

Chorus

Oh! I’m not stressed; It’s all good,

Things will all work out.

Amazon’s on strike right now,

No need to cry and pout.

They say my things will be here soon,

Who am I to say?

Wait, there’s been an update,

One item – a delay.

Verse 3

It’s all about the children,

Seeing Christmas through their eyes,

Santa and the reindeer,

Flying through the skies.

Make sure you leave some food,

For Santa and his friends.

They count on cookies, milk and carrots,

Before their trip will end.

Chorus

Oh! I’m not stressed; It’s all good,

Things will all work out.

Amazon’s on strike right now,

No need to cry and pout.

They say my things will be here soon,

Who am I to say?

Wait, there’s been another update,

That item by Christmas? No way.

Verse 4

Some do’s and don’ts for Christmas,

Don’t talk about your vote.

Religion’s off the table,

Do praise this jingle I wrote!

Enjoy each other’s company,

And cherish memories made.

It may be crazy, full of chaos,

But this family, I wouldn’t trade.

Chorus

Oh! I’m not stressed; It’s all good,

Things will all work out.

Amazon’s on strike right now,

No need to cry and pout.

They say my things will be here soon,

Who am I to say?

I’ll wrap a picture of the gift,

And say it’s on its way.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Debbie Galbraith is editor of the East Penn Press and Salisbury Press.