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.
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!
Be Mindful, Be Kind
Beautiful Beats
Regional Superstars You Should Know
Rockin’ Rhythms
Unique Musical Stylings
Visiting with Old Friends
With a Little Help From My Friends
Stacey Peasley’s fifth album for families, Make It Happen!, is a wonderfully refreshing thirty minutes of music. Backed by popping melodies, each of the ten original songs in this collection tells a story packed with details that children can easily relate to. The first three tracks – “Make It Happen,” “Boo Boo,” and “What Girls Do” – employ lyrics that empower listeners with messages that acknowledge that even though being a kid is hard, they are resilient and are here to do amazing things. With spring and summer sports beginning again, listeners will get all revved up for game day with the anthem “Play the Game,” while “Swimming Pool” will be a good track to share with children who might be nervous about taking swimming lessons for the first time. If you’re looking for new songs to use during storytime, “Choo Choo” is a great fast paced tune to use during a dance break, while “At the Parade” is interactive from beginning to end, inviting listeners to be the instruments, marchers and cheering audience at the parade. Make it Happen! is a joy from beginning to end.