jingle all the way

Family bonding through holiday music…

As a beloved holiday song reminds us: 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time…of the year!

Music is a wonderful way to create special memories with your kids, especially at this time of year.  Shared across generations, seasonal music builds bonds that can last a lifetime.

Do you remember singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as a kid—maybe accompanied by, or performing for, your siblings and parents?  Or maybe you associate “White Christmas” with your grandparents because they often played it on a record at their house.  These types of music memories take us back to treasured times.

Have you established any special music traditions with your own children yet?  If not, it’s easy to do—here are a few examples of how you can incorporate festive music around the home.  (And if your personal collection of holiday music is lacking, check out YouTube, Pandora, or an all-Christmas radio station.)

Decorating time: What better soundtrack for trimming the tree or putting up stockings than “Deck the Halls,” “O Christmas Tree,” and other personal-favorite tunes?  Your kids will be requesting them again next year!

Cookie-baking time: Any and all of the songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas would be fantastic to have on in the background during cookie-making time; they’ll get both you and your little ones in the mood for delicious holiday treats and family time.

Playtime: Put on “Frosty the Snowman” or other lively songs during playtime, and let your kids dance their hearts out.  

Naptime: Yes, even naptime can benefit from a holiday-themed soundtrack.  Think: The Nutcracker and other classical gems.  

Enjoy introducing your little ones to the sounds of the season—and memories they’ll love for years to come!