The first thought that comes to mind when you hear the words "sleigh bells" may be that of Santa's reindeer plowing through the snow with their bells ringing a magical tune. The joy of Christmas or the holidays may slowly creep in.

As children, we have always been amused by the sound of tiny bells ringing. Even babies are intrigued by the sound. For those in the Arctic region, the sound often means the return of a family member from a hunting trip or the delivery of goods expected for weeks or months.

Sleigh bells have adorned horses and other farm animals since the ancient times. Whether they were meant to add to the festive mood of victory parades or to keep the farmer aware of his animal?s whereabouts, sleigh bells have long served their purposes.

Nowadays, sleigh bells are crafted more for their decorous usage. And, they can be ordered over the Internet. Customers can choose from a variety of designs and may even order them customized. The bells usually come in brass, chrome, or tin and are strapped on hand-tooled leather.

Beautifully crafted sleigh bells can give parade horses a more endearing look. But you can also buy loose bells or individual sleigh bells for your pets; cats, dogs, ponies. Not only will you double their cuteness factor, you will always know where they are. Or, wrap those sleigh bells as perfect birthday or anniversary gifts. They can also adorn your home or that of a friend's. In ancient times, bells were believed to attract good tidings and ward off evil and harm. You may not be that superstitious, but those quaint bells are unmistakably good conversation pieces for your guests.

Share those warm thoughts that come from hearing sleigh bells with your friends and family; every once in awhile, we need to be reminded of good memories.