It’s not that I am a Scrooge or anything but I hate Christmas music. I didn’t always feel this way, mind you, but somehow over the years I have developed this loathing for Jingle Bells and all other manner of holiday musical cheer. Seems to me that immediately the day after Thanksgiving– out comes the Christmas music.
Today while shopping, Christmas music filled the air. I thought I was going to hurl. I tried to be patient but it was driving me batty. I actually walked out of KB Toys to avoid another verse of, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.”
I can’t pinpoint the exact year it started but I can say it’s been going on for at least seven or eight years. For me it’s like It’s a Wonderful Life, you know the way they keep playing it over and over again each year. To me it’s overkill.
So imagine my surprise when I read that listening to the sounds of the season can actually promote learning, physical fitness and family bonding, according to the Parents as Teachers National Center. Hum…intrigued, I read on and this is what the organization recommends:
(1) Play holiday music in your car and sing along with your child. Also, share stories about holiday songs that are special to you.
(2) Play holiday music at home and let the sounds fill your whole house.
(3) To help your kids develop a sense of rhythm and order, encourage them to get up and move to the beat of the music.
(4) Give your kids scarves, ribbons or bells that they can shake or twirl while dancing.
(5) When parents get up and dance, act silly and have fun with their kids, emotional bonding is strengthened.
(6) Using music in your home creates a positive atmosphere which in turn helps learning.
Who knew? Am I going to run out and buy The 5 Million Greatest Holiday Tunes CD? Nope, but I was glad to read about the benefits of listening to holiday music and maybe the next time I hear the familiar pa-rum-pa-pum-pum sounds of holiday cheer, I’ll actully join in the chorus!
See also:
Christmas Music and Motivation
Fun Traditions- Peppermint Pig