About this time of year you'll probably hear the old favorite "Jingle Bells" more than once. It's a holiday favorite, even though it has nothing to do with Christmas and sleighing here can run into late March.

My mother always has a driving horse and cutter, complete with buffalo skin robes and jingling bells. She has a wonderful set of chimes that mount on the shafts of the cutter and bells on the harness. When I was a kid I remember being tucked under the robe, feeling like I was riding through our own Christmas card, as we trotted through the fields, bells chimming and snow flying from the horse's hooves.

Bells on driving harnesses aren't just there for decoration. They actually had a function back in the days when the only way to get around in winter was by horse drawn vehicle. The bells served as a warning to other drivers as they approached blind corners and negotiated narrow lanes. In fact here in Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act requires that at least two bells be mounted on harness or sleigh to serve as a warning. As sleighs or sledges approached, the owners might be recognized by the tone of their bells.

Sleigh bells come in many different designs, tones and pitches. Rural Heritage describes the basics of sleigh bells.Classic Bells restores and sells sleigh bells and provides information about different styles, sounds, dating antique bells, and caring for your sleigh bells.