Over the last couple of holiday seasons many of us have been forced to stray away from our typical family gatherings and traditions due to Covid. Family and traditions have a way of bringing us together to create a feeling of joy and belonging, especially during the holidays. Many of us may have missed this and may have even spent last holiday season alone or without our typical activities and traditions. This year we hope to be able to rekindle those traditions, and especially bring back the music and performances that go along with them.
Music can bring back fond memories and connect generations through traditional songs. What traditions do you have with your family? Take time to talk with family members about their most fond Thanksgiving traditions. What does Thanksgiving look and sound like at YOUR house?
Our own family traditions are so important because it bonds us with our family and friends. We often have unique ways of celebrating. Just like us many families all over the world have unique music embedded into their holiday traditions as well. Take time to enjoy some holiday songs from other parts of the world and learn about the traditions of others!
No matter what you end up doing for the holidays this year, we encourage you to include music into your celebrations! Here are some ideas on how to incorporate more music into your family holiday traditions:
- go caroling in your neighborhood
- sing along to holiday favorites together while on a road trip or putting up decorations
- attending your school or church’s holiday concert
- ask your parents or grandparents to play their favorites from their childhood
- play name that tune (holiday edition!)
- let family members play guitar, piano, or another instrument to have a group sing along!
As music teachers we want to instill the love of music into our students and show them that you don’t need to be a professional musician to enjoy it! Music plays such as important part in our cultures and everyday lives, and is part of the human experience all over the world. As we gear up for the holidays, now is the perfect time to rekindle those musical traditions that may have taken a back seat over the last couple of years due to Covid.
Wishing you and your family a very musical holiday season!
Pages created by (HCEMEC) Hillsborough County Elementary Music Educators Council Advocacy, HCPS K-5 Music. We support positive views of Music Education and encourage active participation in local, state & national legislative issues related to arts education.
We provide training and continuing education to HCPS K-5 music educators to ensure that we give opportunities for success in music for all of our elementary students.
See you next time!
Hillsborough County Elementary Music Advocacy 