Victoria

 by TPSMTS Team

Create Your Own Holiday Song – A Fun Activity for the Festive Season

By: Victoria Chan

The holiday season is about joy and creativity, so why not write your own holiday song? Whether you’re musically gifted or just love caroling, crafting a unique tune can make the season extra special.

Here are two different options to create your own holiday song!

 

OPTION 1: USE A FAMILIAR TUNE

Step 1: Pick A Song
Pick a song that you like to sing during the holidays!
Example: All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)

 

Step 2: Choose a Section
Choose a verse or chorus that fits what you want to write about.

For example, you can write about something you hope to get for Christmas:

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth,
My two front teeth, see, my two front teeth,
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

 

Step 3: Change Up The Lyrics
Now, let’s change up the lyrics to sing about what you want for Christmas:

All I want for Christmas is a __________,
A __________, oh a __________,
Gee, if I could only have a __________,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

You could even repeat this multiple times to make a whole wishlist!

See our example below for our wishlist of instruments:

All I want for Christmas is a piano,
A piano, oh a piano,
Gee, if I could only have a piano,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas is a ukulele,
A ukulele, oh a ukulele,
Gee, if I could only have a ukulele,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas are some maracas,
Maracas, oh some maracas,
Gee, if I could only have some maracas,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

 

Step 4: Perform And Share!
– Record and Share: Send it to friends and family instead of sending a written list!

 

 

 

OPTION 2: CREATE A SONG FROM SCRATCH

Step 1: Pick A Theme
Start with a theme that resonates with you. Is it about family traditions, a funny holiday mishap, or the magic of the season?
Examples:
– Grandma’s Famous Hot Cocoa
– The Year the Cookies Went Missing

 

Step 2: Decide The Style
Choose the mood of your song:
– Upbeat: For a lively beat, Jingle Bell Rock.
– Sentimental: A reflective ballad, Winter Dreams.
– Quirky: Add humor with a theme like Oops, We Forgot the Tree Again.

 

Step 3: Write The Lyrics
Stick to a simple structure:
1. Verse: Introduce your theme.
2. Chorus: Make it catchy.
3. Bridge: Add a twist or heartfelt moment.

See our sample song below:

Verse:
The snow is falling, the fire’s aglow,
We’re baking treats while the candles show.

Chorus:
Oh, it’s the season for laughter and cheer,
Our favorite time of the whole bright year!

 

Step 4: Create The Melody
Don’t stress about being a pro — try humming a tune or using simple chords like C, G, Am, and F. Apps like GarageBand can help if you need a boost.

 

Step 5: Add Personal Touches
You can include details unique to your family, like traditions, local landmarks, or inside jokes.

 

Step 6: Perform And Share!
– Record it: Use your phone for a quick keepsake.
– Perform live: Share it at a family gathering or party.
– Post online: Spread holiday cheer with friends and followers.

 

 

Creating your own holiday song is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate. Whether it’s silly or sentimental, your tune will become a cherished memory. So grab some cocoa and get started! 🎵✨

in Music Lessons / Victoria 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

4 ways music can support your child’s daily activities

Written by Victoria Chan

Transitioning from one activity to the next can be challenging for many children. Music can be a great support and motivator, whether moving from a preferred activity to something less preferred or just getting ready for bed.

The following methods can be used alone or in combination with a visual schedule:

 

1. Using a musical timer

This musical timer can be used when wrapping up an activity. The audio and visual cues provide a concrete ending to an activity when it stops.

 

Check out this 1-minute musical timer:

2. Singing a song about the task

When building a routine, having consistent and predictable steps helps provide structure. Singing a song along to the specific task helps reinforce the structure and make it fun for children!

 

Check out this song about brushing teeth:

3. Using a transition song

Just like the musical timer, a transition song signifies the end or change of activity. These songs are short, catchy, and customizable!

 

For example: What’s next? What’s next? We’re going to (name of next activity). Let’s tidy up so we can (name of next activity).

 

Check out this video that outlines how to use transition songs at home:

4. Creating a playlist of preferred songs for non-preferred tasks

Trying to have your child stay on task? Use music as the motivator!

 

For example, create a short playlist of your child’s favourite songs. While it plays, your child can work on a task, such as cleaning their room. Once the playlist is over, they can stop cleaning.

 

Check out this playlist of songs for various daily tasks:

 

Perseverance is key – don’t forget to celebrate the little wins! Even if something doesn’t work the first time, try again. With time, these daily tasks will become part of a seamless routine!

in Music Lessons / Music Therapy / Victoria 0 comments