Classic Kid's Carols

Ah, Christmas - the time for children, candy, stockings, Santa, presents and songs. Christmas is a magical and refreshing time of year. It comes just after thanksgiving and reminding us of what we have gained and what we can give back; a time to remind us of the innocence of childhood. Nothing reminds us more about childhood than Christmas and Christmas carols.

When I was teaching preschool, nothing made me smile more that seeing the kids break into song and dance. And Christmas was that special time of year when their faces would light up practicing for the Parents' Night Christmas/Winter Program. From these years, of caring for and teaching children of all ages, some songs have stuck in my mind. Some of them from my childhood, others from just watching the kids catch on and the rest were introduced and the kids always had a blast.

This experience has formed my choice of the Top 10 Christmas Songs for Kids. This list was hard because just choosing 10 some of the songs were tied for a while. Nevertheless, the 10 best that made the list are:

10 Jingle Bells - always a fun, safe winter holiday classic

9 Santa Claus is Coming to Town - if every child doesn't know it, they learn it

8 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - there is something about this classic story about this Christmas
underdog that saved Christmas Eve one year

7 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - it is just a funny tune that kids laugh at and remember into their
adulthood

6 O Tannenbaum - a Christmas tradition and the lyrics have been changed, rewritten to suit the religious
and secular sides. But it is so rewarding to see the children take such pride in trimming the tree, making
their own ornaments and learning through the songs. Their faced truly light up with joy.

5 Frosty the Snowman - such a jolly soul, kids love snowmen

4 Mele Kalikimaka - Let me explain. It is a favorite of mine and when I introduced it one Christmas,
dressed the kids in grass skirts and leis, well they and their parents were thrilled to see a new twist on the
Christmas season. Christmas was green and bright that year.

3 Susie Snowflake - a real classic, often forgotten about but much loved and enjoyed by the kids. Cute
little tunes, melodies and hand movements to dance and sing to.

2 Marshmallow World - again snow, marshmallows and kids; 'nuff said

1 All I Want for Christmas (is my Two Front Teeth) - from birth to eight it is a funny song, no matter how
you slice it.

Every child goes through the stages of the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Leprechauns and Santa Claus. The seasons of life are ever changing and our children make it all worth while. Music makes things brighter, it sets the mood, and the songs of Christmas seem to strike everyone's generous and merry cord. You remember, I remember and soon our children will reflect on and remember their favorite Christmas songs. Have a very Merry Christmas and holiday season!!