The 10 Best Christmas Songs for Kids
It’s that time of year again. Time to break out the holiday music and get everyone in the festive spirit. Those of us parents know how important it is to set some family traditions while we can, and holiday music is one! The holidays are a time of year for families to sing together, feel the holiday spirit together, and to have fun. While there are so many amazing Christmas songs to choose from, there are some songs that are better for kids than others, and they are the songs that kids love to hear during the holiday season.
10. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
This classic song was written by Johnny Marks in 1958 for Eartha Kitt to perform on “The Johnny Carson Show.” Since then, it’s been performed by various artists over the years, but most notably by Brenda Lee back in 1960. It’s a simple and fun song that kids will love to sing and dance along to, and parents can appreciate its nostalgic value.
9. Jingle Bells
“Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Pierpont back in 1857 as a Thanksgiving song. Since then, it has been adapted as a holiday song and is now one of the most well-known worldwide! The jaunty tune is great for kids as they learn about different sounds that drums can make. If you have toy drums or xylophones lying around at home, have your little ones bang away at them while singing this song together. And don’t worry if they’re not exactly “in time”…most kids won’t even realize that they’re off-key.
8. The 12 Days of Christmas
This song was initially written in English in 1780 after some church organists wrote a song based on the original French carol. It has since been recorded and performed by numerous artists, but we think it’s best sung around the holidays at home. Kids love to guess what each gift will be, and parents can appreciate how it teaches their children about an essential part of history (16th century France).
7. Let It Snow
Even if you live in a warm climate, chances are you’ve probably heard this one before…even if only on the radio or in a commercial. The most popular version of the song was recorded by Dean Martin in 1949 with lyrics and music by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. It’s a fun, light-hearted tune that will get both kids and parents tapping their toes. And when you’re done singing it together, be sure to grab some hot chocolate and curl up next to the fireplace.
6. Little Drummer Boy
This song comes from a poem written in 1941 by Katherine K. Davis called “The Huron Carol.” After being adapted into a song in 1959, it gained immense popularity around the world…and for a good reason. This instrumental carol is excellent for teaching young children about rhythm while encouraging them to make noise with things they have lying around at home. You can even use everyday items to produce different sounds! Don’t have any pots and pans? Give your little one a wooden spoon and let them tap away at things around the house.
5. It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Edward Pola and George Wyle wrote this 1963 classic, but perhaps most famously performed by Andy Williams. It’s another great tune to help you start some holiday traditions with your kids. Enjoy it as you decorate your home together or cuddle up next to a fire for some hot cocoa. Your kids will love singing along to this one, especially when they come across that infectious “fa-la-la” part towards the end.
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
This classic tune was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the film “Meet Me in St. Louis” back in 1944, but it wasn’t recorded or released until 1945 when Judy Garland sang it on her radio show. Since then, it’s been performed by countless artists of all kinds…even the Jackson 5. This is another one that you can share with your kids as you decorate the house together! It’ll remind them of happier times while spending quality time with their parents before heading off to college or living on their own.
3. All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
Written by Don Gardner and Dee Finch back in 1948, this song has since become a holiday favorite worldwide. The jaunty rhythm makes it an excellent tune for young kids to sing while working on their pearly whites! And who knows, maybe your little one will get inspired to write some silly new lyrics of their own.
2. Frosty The Snowman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVthDne3lWc
This popular Christmas song was written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson back in 1950 and later adapted into a children’s book in 1953 by Robert May. Since then, it has been performed and recorded countless times worldwide by artists both young and old. It’s another fun one that’s sure to get everyone involved as you enjoy some family time together…and maybe even go out for a snowball fight afterward.
1. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The 1930s and 1940s were a great time for Christmas songs, and this tune is one of the most notable. It was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie back in 1934, but it didn’t gain immense popularity until it was recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1984. This song will help both parents and kids alike get excited about Santa’s impending visit on Christmas Eve. Be sure to make a nice plate of cookies before he comes…who knows what kind of hungry elves are going to be on his trail.