Sounds of the Season

As a child, whenever I heard adults use the phrase, “where does the time go?” I always thought, “I don’t know where it goes, but it sure goes slow.” Now, as an adult, I too wonder where the time goes, and why it goes so quickly. It feels like Halloween was just yesterday yet the first day of 2025 is only two weeks away. I had every intention of writing several posts over the course of the past month highlighting various new holiday songs, but alas, best laid plans and all. Instead, here is one bigger post to celebrate the sounds of Christmas. 

graphic of a running gingerbread man cookie

Let’s kick things off with one of my favorite things about the holidays – cookies!! First up is the new song “Gingerbread Man” from Stacey Peasley. This movement song is filled with actions including running, skipping, hopping, and spinning, making it the perfect song to include on Noon Year playlists or to wear out the kids after too many sugary treats. Take a listen to “Gingerbread Man” by clicking on this link.

Next up is the clever “360 Million Cookies,” a new song performed by Suzanne Jamieson about all of the cookies that Santa has to eat in one night as he makes his way around the world. The Mid Century Modern flair of the graphics in this lyric video blend well with the modern pop sound to create a tune that children young and old will enjoy.

Now that we’re full of cookies, let’s celebrate Christmas with some old friends and new. Our first stop is in Canada where Heather Feather shares her beautiful new song “When Santa Comes to Visit Me” in English, French, or a bilingual version. Take a listen at this link.

For another bilingual song, let’s visit Flor Bromley who, along with the cute chicks from Canticos, bring us “Navidad.” This lyrical video is in Spanish and English and features a Latin beat that will have viewers dancing along.

Next up is a quick trip to a tropical island for “Christmas Island Time” written by Freddy Wexler and performed by Teacher Pete to accompany Wexler’s new picture book, Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree.

And finally, a visit to our friend Mr. Jeff and his family. By this point in December, Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” has popped up on every streaming list more times than I can count. But just as I’m getting tired of it, along comes Mr. Jeff and his adorable back-up singers to give the tune a fresh new look and sound. 

Looking for even more holiday music to share during your family gatherings or last minute Christmas events? Check out this playlist curated by Esther Crow. Featuring over 75 contemporary and classic Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs from performers from around the world, this list can’t be beat. Still don’t see your favorite holiday song here? Please add it to the comments. With Christmas (December 24-25), Hanukkah, (December 25-January 2) and Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) all falling within days of one another this year, we want to lift up all of the sounds of the season at this time.

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with love, peace, and joy!

New Holiday Music

The December holidays are upon us! While I had intended to get this out shortly after Thanksgiving, it’s never too late to discover new sounds of the season. By far my favorite new holiday album of 2022 is Oy Vey! Another Christmas Album from Joanie Leeds and Fyütch. Blending Joanie’s lush jazz-infused vocals with Fyütch’s hip-hop stylings and updating the tempos and arrangements, the duo brings a fresh new vibe to songs such as “Winter Wonderland,” I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Little Drummer Boy.” While you might come for the standards, make sure to stay for the originals including the delightful “Decorating the Christmas Tree” which features Joanie’s daughter Joya and Fyütch’s daughter Aura, and the children’s radio hit “Every Day’s a Holiday.” Take a listen to the EP here.

Looking for more holiday music? Try these offerings. 

Another Laurie Berkner Christmas by The Laurie Berkner Band

Christmas Eve” by Suzanne Jamieson

Christmas Time is Here” by Tom Weber

Go to Bed Little Reindeer” by JellyBean Queen

Great Big Holiday” by BenAnna Band

Happy Holidays” by Mr. Pete’s Playhouse

Holiday Lights” by Stacy & Athena

It Must Be Christmas” by Mr. Jon & Friends

It’s Almost Christmas Day” by Fabulous Lemon Drops

La Navidad” by EVT Kids 

Listen for Santa” by You and Us

New Holiday Playlist

I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While it can be filled with lots of special events, extra cars on the road and crabby shoppers, it’s also the only time of the year when I can curl up in my softest, coziest blanket, sip a cup of hot cocoa, turn off all but the twinkly lights and relax while I enjoy some of my all-time favorite music. This year, the folks at Sugar Mountain PR have compiled a free list of new songs and perhaps new-to-you songs from 16 different children’s artists. Click here to take a listen. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite or two!

 

The playlist includes:
“Blankets of Snow” – The Okee Dokee Brothers
“Christmas Time” – Ants, Ants, Ants
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – The Not-Its!
“My Holiday” – Alphabet Rockers and Genevieve Goings
“Baby It’s the Holidays Again” – Kira Willey
“Holiday Jam” – Brady Rymer
“Silver Bells” – Suzi Shelton
“Must Be Santa” – Raffi
“Light” – Lisa Loeb
“Christmas Time is Here” – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
“I Got a Cheese Log” – Trout Fishing in America
“Welcome to Christmaswood” – Ralph’s World
“Snow Day” – Justin Roberts”
“We Are Growing” – Tim Kubart (feat. Woodward Parkway’s Junior Chorus)
“Jingle Bell Rock” – Lucky Diaz
“Bembelé” – 123 Andrés feat. ClaraLuna