Happy Thanksgiving

 

Over the river, and through the woods,
to Grandfather's house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

 

Over the river, and through the woods,
to Grandfather's house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for 'tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the woods
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
as over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the woods
with a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark and the children hark,
as we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the woods,
to have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, "Ting a ling ding!"
Hurray for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the woods
no matter for winds that blow;
Or if we get the sleigh upset
into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the woods,
to see little John and Ann;
We will kiss them all, and play snowball
and stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the woods,
trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound!
For 'tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the woods
and straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow-
it is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the woods
Old Jowler hears our bells;
He shakes his paw with a loud bow-wow,
and thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the woods
when Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, "O, dear, the children are here,
bring pie for everyone."

Over the river, and through the woods
now Grandmothers cap I spy!
Hurray for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurray for the pumpkin pie!

Lydia Maria Child  1844