Hey Hasbeen,

I found this info for you.
http://network.land.com/lifestyle/culture/one-horse-open-sleigh-a-history-of-jingle-bells/

"The jingling bells now forever remembered in Pierport’s catchy chorus describe the bells that lined leather harnesses or sleigh shafts of the time. It was custom—and in some cases local law—to drive with bells as a precautionary measure. Sled runners glided smoothly over the ground and snow muffled the sounds of horses’ hooves, making horse-drawn sleighs a nearly silent form of transportation. As such, clinking bells helped drivers avoid collisions at intersections and alerted passersby to a sled’s approach."

Hassie, here's another one for you:

http://billingsfarm.orge/machine-of-the-month-sleigh-bells/#

Oooops. Here 'tis again:

http://billingsfarm.org/machine-of-the-month-sleigh-bells/#

Thanks for all the answers.

Hope you all have a jingly new year.