(Sample) Week #51 WINTER HOLIDAY SONGS (Part 1)

Author

Lisa Peterson
December 14, 2025

Week #51

Winter Holiday Songs (Part 1)

This is week 51 of the year and we will be celebrating Winter Holiday Songs, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • All Through the Night

  • Deck the Halls

  • Dreidel Song, The

  • Hanukkah O Hanukkah

  • I’ve Got Peace Like a River

  • Jingle Bells

  • Over the River and Through the Wood

  • Simple Gifts

  • This Little Light of Mine

SING ALONG

Featured Song

JINGLE BELLS

“Jingle Bells” is a secular Christmas carol written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. Although it was originally intended to be sung around Thanksgiving, the song eventually became associated with Christmas. The song has been performed by numerous artists and has several famous parody versions including “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells.” Another popular parody is Halloween themed called “Pumpkin Bells.”

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

Jingle Bells Here is Dolly Parton’s version. I hope you enjoy it!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

🎶 1. Build a “Mood Reset” Playlist Just for You

Choose 5–7 songs that help you shift your emotional state. They could be:

  • Calming (to unwind)

  • Uplifting (to re-energize)

  • Hopeful (to encourage you)

Keep it ready for moments when you feel overwhelmed or drained.
Even 5 minutes of listening intentionally can reset your nervous system.

🌿 2. Use One Song as a Mini Break

Pick a song that feels comforting or grounding.
When stress rises, say to yourself: “I get one song’s worth of peace.”
Sit, breathe, sip water, close your eyes — no multitasking.
A short musical pause is often more realistic than a long break.

✨ 3. Let Music Express Your Feelings

Caregiving holds so many emotions — love, fatigue, frustration, gratitude.
Listening to music that reflects your feelings can help you process them.
You might:

  • Journal after a song

  • Sing along in the car

  • Cry if you need to

  • Smile when a lyric hits home

Music gives your heart a safe place to “let out” what you carry.

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