[For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
The Christmas season has come around again this year.
Familiar winter songs are perfect for heartwarming moments with older adults.
Hymns and traditional songs that gently resonate on quiet winter nights bring back fond memories and soothe the heart.
Why not hum along with someone special and let cherished stories blossom? This time, we’re introducing well-known pieces suited to the Christmas season that even people in their 90s can enjoy.
In addition to nostalgic hymns and school songs, we’ve gathered classic Christmas tunes that everyone has heard at least once.
Please make use of these during the Christmas season.
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- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 90s: a collection of moving masterpieces
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[For Seniors in Their 90s] Recommended Christmas Songs: From Nostalgic School Songs and Hymns to Classics (21–30)
Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto
This is a classic song in which Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle singing voice resonates with the heart.
It celebrates the beauty of the glittering stars in the night sky and carries a message that offers people hope and comfort.
Released in 1963, it won the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.
It is also known as a musical number, with Kyu Sakamoto himself starring.
It’s recommended listening on Christmas night while gazing at the starry sky from your window.
Why not make a wish upon the stars and hum along with someone special?
Winter Constellationsong
This is a heartwarming song inspired by constellations shining in the winter night sky.
It delicately portrays the beauty of the stars spread across a quiet winter night and the emotions of those who gaze up at them.
The lyrics find hope even in the cold, gently embracing listeners and offering comfort.
It’s a piece that lets you savor the feel of winter while letting your thoughts drift to the sparkle of the constellations—a song for spending peaceful moments.
How about listening to it on Christmas night with your family or someone special? It might also spark conversations and shared memories as you look up at the starry sky.
winter scenerysong
It is a school song that richly evokes winter scenes in Japan.
With poetic language—such as a harbor where the fog lifts and the raging force of a storm—it conveys a vivid sense of the season.
Its graceful, gentle triple meter is a hallmark, expressing the quiet and comfort felt alongside winter’s harsh natural world.
Since its debut in 1913, it has long been cherished in school education.
In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” a testament to its universally recognized appeal.
How about humming it together with older adults? It might bring back fond memories.
Kantarō the North Wind Kid
This is a classic song that playfully depicts the chill of winter.
It features Kantaro, a north wind spirit, who humorously expresses the harshness of the season.
When it was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1974, it was sung by Masakazu Sakai.
Since then, many artists, including Saburo Kitajima, have covered it, and it’s been loved across generations.
Yu Takahashi’s cover also drew attention.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stay upbeat despite the cold.
Listening to it around Christmas makes the seasonal mood even richer.
On a chilly day, how about warming up with a hot drink while enjoying this song?
Light of the fireflysong
A classic Japanese song beloved for many years.
The lyrics, which depict studying by the light of fireflies or snow, are imbued with the sentiments of diligence and farewell.
It’s a nostalgic, heartwarming piece for older listeners as well, so why not sing it at a Christmas gathering? If everyone raises their voices together, it might spark a flurry of reminiscences.
You can sing it at a relaxed tempo, and adding piano accompaniment is also recommended.
Winter nightsong
A heartwarming piece that conveys the warmth of family amid the winter cold.
The lyrics, depicting a family gathered around a hearth, evoke traditional Japanese winter scenes.
Released in 1912 as a song by the Ministry of Education, it has long been beloved by many Japanese people.
It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and continues to be cherished across generations.
Why not hum it together with your family or friends on a quiet winter night? It’s sure to stir nostalgic memories and create a shared moment of warmth.
Amazing Grace
This piece is distinguished by its crystal-clear, beautiful melody and an elegant, delicate atmosphere.
Beloved in the United States as a “second national anthem,” it’s also a tune often heard in Japanese TV dramas and film commercials.
Its gentle character makes it perfect for a leisurely Christmas.
The lyrics were written by the English clergyman John Newton.
Originally a hymn, it’s now known through performances by many different artists.
Not only is the song moving, but it pairs wonderfully with the piano’s luminous, transparent tone.
How about enjoying it by listening together with seniors or singing it slowly at a relaxed pace?