Songs we want children to listen to! Recommended Christmas songs and nursery rhymes

Merry Tottoko ChristmasHam-Hams, Sunflower Class (Hamtaro, Ribbon-chan, Oxnard)

[Hamtaro] Merry Tottoko Christmas

Merrily Hamtaro Christmas is sung by Hamtaro, Ribbon-chan, and Oxnard from the Sunflower Group in the anime Hamtaro.

The song expresses how the hamsters feel with Christmas just around the corner, depicting their adorable antics as they run around and decorate the tree.

Set to a four-on-the-floor dance beat, the bright strings and synth tones convey a sense of excitement, making it a true anime song.

Be sure to listen to this Christmas tune filled with their cute vocals.

Santa Claus is mysterious.Lyrics by Hachirō Satō / Music by Yoshinao Nakata

Santa Claus Is Mysterious — Song: Yuko (Tomoko Nishikawa, Tomoko Yoshida)

For small children, Santa Claus is such a mysterious figure! Here’s a fun song about that wonderfully mysterious Santa.

There are parts where the same lyrics are repeated many times, but if you sing those with expressive emotion, the kids are sure to love it! The words used in the lyrics aren’t difficult, so it’s also great for singing along together.

Forest ChristmasLyrics and Composition: Hiroko Masuda

Forest Christmas: Keropons Panel Theater

Masuda Yuko’s “Forest Christmas,” which she wrote and composed, is also hugely popular with children as a Keropons/Yuko Masuda music panel! If your child goes to daycare or kindergarten, they’ve probably watched or sung it at least once during the Christmas season.

In this song, the animals living in the forest receive presents from Santa.

It’s a wonderful Christmas song that nurtures children’s imaginations.

A Letter to SantaLyrics and composition: Takashi Deguchi

[Christmas Song] "A Letter to Santa" [Takashi's Finger Play & Children's Songs] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs, Christmas Song

When it comes to songs that make you excited for Christmas and Santa’s arrival, “A Letter to Santa” is a perfect pick.

Sparkling melodies ring out alongside strings that evoke the coming of winter.

Many children will relate to the lyrics, packed with heartfelt feelings for Santa.

Perform a dance with the song to liven up your family and friends’ Christmas party.

It’s also fun to use items you have at home, like tambourines or castanets.

Try singing this Christmas tune with your child—one that will make the time before bedtime something to look forward to.

A merry, merry Christmas

A merry, merry Christmas

“Ureshii Ureshii Christmas” is a Christmas song based on a hymn! A gentle, unhurried tempo works nicely, but for lively children we recommend an up-tempo, rhythmic rendition.

With lyrics that evoke the Christmas world seen in picture books—like the jingle of bells on Santa’s sleigh and the peal of church bells—it might heighten children’s excitement for the holiday! How about including a round of this song as one number at your Christmas party?

The Snow Lay on the Ground

Children’s Chorus of Washington “The Snow Lay on the Ground”

It’s a Christmas carol that has been passed down since around the 19th century, known in Japan as “Yuki wa Tsumori.” The song celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ amid falling, accumulating snow—perfect for a white Christmas.

Be sure to listen to it with your children.

Silent Night

Silent Night, Silent Night, A Song of Memories 04

It is a Christmas carol composed in Germany.

This Christmas song is known in Japan as the classic “Kiyoshi Kono Yoru” (Silent Night).

The English lyrics are relatively simple, so it might be a good idea to practice singing it to become more familiar with English.