Did you know that December is filled with over a dozen unique holidays? Ever wonder how you can foster inclusivity and ensure that each of your students feels seen and celebrated? Incorporating multicultural holiday songs into your elementary music lessons is a great way to do that. 

During the holiday season, you can reach more students by going beyond Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and exploring diverse traditions from holidays around the globe. By doing so, you not only help students from different backgrounds feel represented, but you also cultivate empathy in your music classroom. In this post, I’ll highlight multicultural holiday songs that you can use to celebrate the spirit and unique world traditions of the holiday season. 

🎅 Saint Nicholas Day (December 6th)

Where it’s celebrated: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and parts of the Middle East.

Saint Nicholas Day, also known as the “Feast of St. Nicholas,” celebrates St. Nicholas’s generosity toward children and sailors. In Germany, children leave a boot or shoe outside their door on December 5th to be filled with small gifts and treats.

Holiday Song Suggestion: Lasst Uns Froh und Munter Sein

German folk song that children traditionally sing on the eve of St. Nicholas Day.

 

• Grade Level: 3-5
• Circle Singing Game – For this game, students sit in a circle and pass a small mystery gift to the beat of the song — simple trinkets from the Dollar Store or Target Dollar Spot work well! When the song ends, the student holding the gift opens it to reveal the surprise. This engaging game reinforces a steady beat while connecting to the tradition of receiving gifts on St. Nicholas Day.

 

🎋 Bodhi Day (December 8th)

Where it’s celebrated: Among Buddhists worldwide, especially in Japan and China.

Bodhi Day commemorates the day Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, achieved wisdom and insight under the Bodhi tree. It is traditionally a time for reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Holiday Song Suggestion: Sittin’ Under That Bodhi Tree

A gentle, call and response song perfect for K-2 elementary music students.

 

• Grade Level: K-2
• Mindfulness Activity: After singing, try a calming belly-breathing exercise using the Relax and Breathe resource available in the Chamber of Freebies. This exercise helps elementary music students practice mindfulness and calm their bodies and minds. You can sign up to access the Chamber of Freebies for free here.

 

🕯 St. Lucia Day (December 13th)

Where it’s celebrated: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.

St. Lucia Day celebrates light and hope during the darkest time of the year. Traditionally, girls wear white dresses with candle-lit wreaths on their heads while boys wear white outfits with cone-shaped hats. They sing songs to bring warmth and cheer.

Holiday Song Suggestion: Goder morgon i denna sal

A Swedish greeting song that means “Good morning in this hall.”

 

• Grade Level: 2-4
• Teaching Tip: Use this multicultural holiday song as a greeting song or to transition students when returning to their seats. This helps reinforce music class routines.

 

❄️ Winter Solstice / Yule (December 21st)

Where it’s celebrated: Various cultures globally, especially in Northern Europe and indigenous traditions.

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the return of longer days. Yule, celebrated by Germanic peoples, focuses on themes of rebirth, renewal, and the beauty of nature during winter.

Holiday Song Suggestion: The Solstice Song by Kathy Reid Naiman

Soothing folk song that celebrates the beauty of the season.

• Grade Level: 2-4
• Teaching Tip: Build a cross-curricular science connection to your elementary music lesson by briefly discussing how Earth’s tilt creates the shortest day and longest night.

 

🎆 Ōmisoka (December 31st)

Where it’s celebrated: Japan

Ōmisoka is the Japanese celebration of New Year’s Eve, focusing on cleansing and preparing for a fresh start. Families clean their homes, settle debts, and enjoy toshikoshi soba (Japanese noodle bowl) for good luck. At midnight, many visit a shrine or temple for Hatsumōde (the first visit of the New Year).

Holiday Song Suggestion: Oshōgatsu

Traditional Japanese New Year song.

• Grade Level: K-3
• Mrs. Martin’s Music Room offers a notated English translation for download.
• Teaching Tip: Use simple elementary percussion instruments like frame drums or rhythm sticks to accompany the song. Discuss the significance of New Year traditions and how students might celebrate within their own families.

 

Bringing It All Together

Incorporating these multicultural holiday songs into your elementary music class not only brings something different but also helps students appreciate diverse traditions and feel more connected to each other. Remember to provide cultural context to your students and encourage them to share! When you have opportunities, you can tie these unique songs into subjects like history, science, and geography, making broader cross-curricular connections. 

By thoughtfully incorporating these songs, you’ll create a magical classroom environment where every student feels seen and celebrated during the season. Who wouldn’t want that?

What are your favorite multicultural holiday songs? Share in the comments! 🎶 

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