The Legacy of Christmas Music: Songs That Have Inspired Joy for Centuries

Christmas music is one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season. For centuries, people around the world have sung, played, and cherished songs that celebrate the spirit of Christmas. But have you ever wondered how this music came to be such an important part of Christmas?

Let’s explore the history of Christmas music, discover some famous composers, hear which instruments are often associated with this season, and try some fun activities to bring Christmas music into your home.

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The Origins of Christmas Music

The tradition of Christmas music dates back hundreds of years, even to the days of early Christianity. In the 4th century, Roman Christians began singing hymns during the Christmas season. These songs were often simple chants or hymns that told the story of the birth of Jesus. Over time, Christmas music spread to other parts of Europe, where people added their own melodies and traditions.

In medieval England, caroling became a popular Christmas activity. Caroling was not always about singing; it originally included dancing! People would go from house to house, singing carols to spread cheer and receive small treats. The tradition of singing to spread Christmas joy continues today with groups gathering to sing songs to neighbors and friends.

Famous Christmas Composers and Songs

Many well-known composers have written Christmas music, some of which is still popular today. Let’s look at a few composers and their famous Christmas works.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is one of the most famous pieces of classical Christmas music. Written in the 1700s, this work tells the story of the birth of Jesus through beautiful music and choral singing. It’s a great example of how classical music can help us feel the wonder of Christmas.

George Frideric Handel: Another famous composer, Handel, wrote Messiah, which includes the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Though Messiah is often performed at Christmas, it tells the story of Jesus’ entire life. Still, the music is so powerful that it has become a favorite during the holiday season.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Tchaikovsky composed the ballet The Nutcracker in the 19th century. Although it’s not strictly a Christmas story, it has become one of the most popular performances during the Christmas season. Songs like “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” are instantly recognizable and are often played in Christmas programs.

Irving Berlin: Moving to the 20th century, Irving Berlin wrote “White Christmas,” one of the best-selling songs of all time. Performed by singer Bing Crosby, it became a favorite song during World War II, as soldiers longed to return home for Christmas.

Leroy Anderson: Known for his cheerful tune “Sleigh Ride,” Anderson created a song that captures the winter season’s joy. Even though it doesn’t mention Christmas directly, “Sleigh Ride” has become a holiday classic.

Instruments of Christmas

Have you ever considered how different instruments have special connections to Christmas music? Let’s look at some of them and think about why they might be associated with this time of year.

Bells: Bells are everywhere during Christmas! Church bells ring to celebrate Christmas morning, and sleigh bells remind us of horse-drawn sleighs in the snow. Songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Silver Bells” feature these familiar sounds.

Organ: The organ is a traditional church instrument that has been used in Christmas services for centuries. Because many Christmas songs are sung in churches, the organ became closely linked to Christmas music.

Harp and Celesta: With its beautiful, angelic sound, the harp is often used in Christmas music to create a peaceful, heavenly atmosphere. The beginning of The Nutcracker‘s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy has the celesta playing which adds to the magic of the story. (Listen to that above.) You’ll also hear the celesta in the Home Alone song “Somewhere in my Memory.”

Trumpet: The bright sound of the trumpet brings a sense of celebration, which is perfect for Christmas! Trumpets are often heard in carols and classical Christmas music, like Handel’s Messiah. (Listen to that above.)

More Christmas Music to Listen To

Here are some must-listen Christmas songs and pieces you can enjoy with your family:

• “Carol of the Bells”: This fast-paced, exciting song has a catchy melody that feels like bells ringing. You’ll notice the way the music builds and creates energy. Here’s a 15-Minute Freebie Music Lesson on “Carol of the Bells.”
• “Mary, Did You Know?”: One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Learn more about it in the 15-Minute Music Lesson on “Mary, Did You Know?”.
• “O Christmas Tree”: Symbols such as the Christmas Tree are also important to Christmas celebrations. Here’s a 15-Minute Music Lesson for “O Christmas Tree”.
• “Silent Night”: This peaceful carol was written in Austria and has been sung for over 200 years. Listen to it and see if you can feel the calmness of that first Christmas night. There is a special story about it in the Music of Christmas online course.

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Hands-On Activities for Christmas Music Fun

Here are some fun ways to bring Christmas music into your homeschool this season:

1. Create Your Own Instrument: Make your own jingle bells by attaching small bells to a strip of ribbon. Then, as you sing “Jingle Bells,” shake your ribbon along with the beat. You can even try playing them to different carols and create your own rhythm patterns. Here are some homemade musical instrument tutorials.
2. Host a Family Christmas Concert: Put on a family concert where each person can sing a favorite Christmas carol or play a simple tune on an instrument. If you have any friends or family who play instruments, invite them to join in! This is a fun way to share the joy of music. Here’s my “The Twelve Days of Christmas” Sing-Along with Fun Printable Pack.
3. Learn a Carol in a Different Language: Songs like “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” are sung worldwide in many languages. Try learning one verse of a carol in a different language, like German, Latin, French, or Spanish, to connect with how other cultures celebrate Christmas. There are several to learn in the Christmas Carols Made Easy online course.
4. Color Your Own Nutcracker: Print or draw a picture of a Nutcracker, and color it in as you listen to The Nutcracker Suite. Imagine you’re watching the ballet and create a story for your Nutcracker character. Here’s a free Nutcracker coloring page.
5. Go to a Christmas Music performance this year: Check churches, schools, colleges, and performance centers around you for concerts and performances available. Pick one and go see it in person this year!
6. Watch a Christmas musical: Last year I created the Christmas Musicals mini-course to help you through enjoying three classic Christmas musicals: A Christmas Carol: the Musical (by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens), Elf: the Musical (by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin), and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Learn more about the mini-course here.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Music

Christmas music has been around for hundreds of years, and each generation has added new songs and sounds. Whether you’re singing carols, listening to an orchestra, or playing along with bells and drums, Christmas music brings people together. It helps us feel joy, remember the story of Christmas, and celebrate with family and friends.

So this Christmas, spend some time with these beautiful songs and activities. See how they bring joy to you and your family, just as they have done for people across the centuries.

Here’s the Christmas Carols Made Easy online course:

See the YouTube Video “Avoid the Christmas Blues with the Power of Festive Tunes”:

Listen to the Podcast Episode 40: “The Legacy of Christmas Music: Songs That Have Inspired Joy for Centuries”:

Listen here or subscribe and follow The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast through your favorite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Read the Podcast Transcript here.

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Related Christmas Music Posts:

• Christmas Caroling in the Victorian Era: A Music Lesson
• Music for Christmas School in Your Homeschool
• Christmas “Lessons & Carols” 15-Minute Music Lesson Freebie
• How to Experience the Music of Christmas in Your Homeschool (even if you have no time)