"Jingle Bells," now a popular Christmas song, originally may have been written with Thanksgiving travel in mind.
The American Music Preservation web site reports James Pierpont may have written the 1850 song "for his father's Sunday school class for Thanksgiving and it proved so popular that it was sung again at Christmas time."
Thanksgiving travel this year is unlikely to include "a one horse open sleigh."
And if travelers are not inclined to be "laughing all the way," the Missouri Highway Patrol advises them, at least, to be patient, attentive and sober.
To that end, the patrol will participate in special enforcement programs during the holiday counting period, which spans from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.
Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) assigns all available troopers to the roadways to enforce traffic laws, especially those related to drunk driving, speeding and seat belt/child restraint use.
During 20-Mile Trooper operations, officers will be assigned to patrol specified 20-mile segments along interstates and U.S. highways in Missouri.
In addition to enforcing traffic laws, troopers will be assisting travelers, as needed. Motorists are reminded they may request emergency assistance or report crimes and crashes by calling 1-800-525-5555, or *55 on a cell phone.
The patrol reminds travelers that traffic patterns will change as people travel for Thanksgiving, enjoy an extended holiday or begin Christmas shopping.
Last year's holiday traffic toll included 11 deaths and 455 injuries in 1,195 traffic crashes.
To encourage safe travel, Col. Ron Replogle, patrol superintendent advised: "Please obey all traffic laws, wear your seat belt, and pay attention to the job of driving - that text or cell phone call can wait. If alcohol is part of your plan, don't drink and drive."
Whether the roads you travel during the holiday take you "o'er the fields" or "through the snow," have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.