Kids love everything about Christmas, and why wouldn’t they? The lights, the tree, brightly-lit yard decorations and the promise of Santa’s visit make the winter holidays an exciting time. And then, of course, there’s the music.
Christmas songs for kids are fun, lively, and great ways to practice memory. Dancing helps with gross motor skills (and helps burn off some of that holiday excitement), while hand motions and playing instruments improve fine-motor skills. Best of all, all you need are your voices to have a good time.
Best Christmas Songs for Kids
For young kids, the best Christmas songs are those with easy-to-remember, repetitive lyrics. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of such songs at this time of year. Possible choices include:
- Deck the Halls
- Do You Hear What I Hear?
- Frosty the Snowman
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Jingle Bells
- Let it Snow
- Little Drummer Boy
- Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
- Santa Clause is Coming to Town
- Twelve Days of Christmas
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Most of these carols have simple choruses young children will catch onto quickly. Some have lyrics that lend themselves to mimed actions, and the Twelve Days of Christmas even helps kids learn to count (although this is one of the toughest songs on the list to memorize—many adults can’t get through the whole song without stumbling!).
Teaching these songs is easy. Kids are motivated to learn because they want to be part of the holiday celebrations. And even if younger kids can only remember the chorus, they’ll enjoy singing along.
Traditional Caroling
Caroling is a wonderful tradition, and one you can introduce your little songsters to at an early age. Make it a group activity and invite children’s friends and parents to come along. Print out some song lyrics for everyone, staple them together, and have the kids draw a seasonal songbook cover for each.
When you go out, choose well-lit, safe environments. Kids can carry flashlights or glow sticks, while parents can carry candle lanterns if they wish. Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate, some snacks, and a wagon for little ones to ride in if they get tired.
Your caroling group can go to hospitals and nursing homes, reminding children that it is better to give than receive. Just be sure to contact the institution ahead of time to ask permission and arrange the best time to visit.
As for the end of a caroling session, curl up with your tired child, sip the last of the hot chocolate, and read a favorite Christmas book before bed for a special holiday moment.
