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
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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