10 Essential Children Christmas Songs
10. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
Spike Jones and his City Slicker orchestra were known for their wildly imaginative song parodies. They recorded this song, written by a school teacher. It has been recorded by many artists, including Nat King Cole.
9. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
The 1966 television special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" generated this truly fun song. The lyrics were written by Dr. Seuss himself and performed by singer Thurl Ravenscroft. How can anybody not smile at lines like "I wouldn't touch you with a...thirty-nine and a half foot pole!"
8. Little Drummer Boy
This Christmas song is a much beloved classic. Originally written in 1951, it helps children experience the birth of Christ through the eyes of a child. It also memorably repeats the phrase "pa rum pum pum pup" mimicking the sound of a drum.
7. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)
Originally a simple comedy group, the Chipmunks rocketed to stardom on top of this classic hit from 1958. Featuring the charismatic Alvin, the bespectacled Simon and lovable Theodore, they sing a song about which toys they want that Christmas.
6. The 12 Days of Christmas
This classic song remains a favorite. Children love trying to memorize all of the gifts. Countless parodies of this song have been performed over the years but the original remains the classic.
5. Jingle Bells
Play the first five notes of this song on the piano and watch almost any child immediately start singing. Many adaptations have been created, including "Jingle Bell Rock" but nothing really compares to the original.
4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is a fun song for children because it acknowledges a secret that many of them half expect: Santa might not be real. It was a big hit for country singer Jimmy Boyd in 1952.
A simple melody, genial lyrics: a masterpiece. Who didn't try to recreate their own Frosty after hearing this song, especially after the 1969 Rankin Bass TV special? A magical song.
2. Away in a Manger
This beautiful religious song remains one of the first songs children learn at Sunday School. It has a simple but memorable and moving melody that perfect fits with the lyrics. Great lyrics include "the cattle are lowing."
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The 1939 book was adapted into a song which has become synonymous with Christmas. The Gene Autry recording of the song was the second best selling single of all time until the 80's and it was adapted into a TV special.
Of course, there are many songs you may prefer. But there are plenty to chose from so burn a CD with your child's favorite Christmas songs and watch them sing in delight.
Photo credits: EUCOM strengthens friendships, explores future project sites with visit by USACE Europe District/flickr; Christmas Tree by Steve Wilson/flickr
Mary Thomas is the mother of four, and loves the music of the holidays most of all. She uses this Christmas music site as a great source of lyrics for all the
best Christmas songs, from hymns to children's favorites.
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