[For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics

At the end of the wildernessNEW!Hymn

[Praise] In the bleak midwinter (Gloria ~ Angels We Have Heard on High)

Among Christmas hymns, this piece is particularly festive and filled with joy.

Its origins lie in a carol sung in France around 1805, and it became widely known in English in 1862.

In Japan, it is familiar as Hymn No.

106.

Beginning with a quiet scene of the sun setting over the wilderness, the lyrics depict angels’ voices echoing through the mountains, calling to mind the biblical account of the birth of Jesus.

The chorus, with its beautiful “Gloria,” continues to be sung in church Christmas services and choirs today.

With its gentle tempo, it is easy to sing and well loved by older generations.

It’s a perfect choice for those who wish to savor the true meaning of Christmas quietly and spend the time with a calm heart.

Shepherds, keeping their flocksNEW!Hymn

Hymn No. 103: “The Shepherds Watching Their Sheep”

This is a hymn that sings of the biblical scene where, on Christmas night, angels descend to shepherds watching over their flocks in the fields and announce the birth of the Savior.

It is a carol passed down orally in Cornwall, in the west of England, and the melody printed in 1833 is still sung today.

In Japan, it was included in the 1954 edition of the hymnal and has long been cherished in churches and choirs.

Its calm and majestic melody calls to mind the light of stars shining on a cold winter night and the Magi journeying in search of the Savior.

With its relaxed tempo, it is easy to sing and perfect for Christmas services or concerts at care facilities.

Many people may remember singing it in church long ago.

As you bask in those nostalgic memories, hum along and let your heart be at peace!

We Wish You A Merry ChristmasNEW!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas | Holiday Song for Kids! | Super Simple Songs

This is a heartwarming traditional English carol that has been sung since around the 16th century.

Unusually, it celebrates both Christmas and the New Year at the same time, and the lyrics include a touch of humor.

It became widely known through Arthur Warrell’s four-part choral arrangement.

Since then, many artists such as Ray Conniff and the Everly Brothers have covered it, and it has also been used in Disney films.

Its bright, lively melody is easy to remember, and if everyone hums along together, happy Christmas memories are sure to come flooding back.

It’s perfect for Christmas parties at care facilities and for cozy family gatherings alike!

Radiantly the stars shimmerNEW!Hymn

[Praise] Brightly the stars are shining (O Holy Night)

This hymn beautifully depicts the scene of a star shining in the Christmas night sky.

Since its premiere in France in December 1847, it has been sung around the world.

Filled with the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and a sense of sacred prayer, its grand melody is perfect for a quiet Christmas night.

Included as Hymn Second Collection No.

219, it has long been cherished in church worship and choral settings.

Older listeners may even remember singing it at church or school in their youth.

Why not settle your heart with its gentle tempo and feel the stillness of the holy night? Enjoy a peaceful moment on Christmas Eve, along with fond memories.

All ye faithful, make hasteHymn

All people, join together (Hymn No. 112)

This is a hymn essential to the Christmas season.

Its lyrics, rejoicing in and praising the long-awaited coming of the Lord, truly resonate with the heart.

It was included in a hymnal edited by the Hymn Committee of the United Church of Christ in Japan in 1954 and has been cherished for many years.

With its beautiful melody and heartwarming words, it is beloved by many people.

It’s also familiar to older adults, so why not hum along together? You’re sure to spend a lovely, healing time.

The Son of God, this very nightHymn

Hymn No. 111: “God’s Only Son This Holy Night”

Among hymns, this piece is especially popular.

Its divine yet warm melody beautifully captures the solemn atmosphere of Christmas.

A relaxed tempo works well, but singing it energetically is also recommended.

Since its Japanese translation was published in 1954, it has continued to be loved by many.

Older listeners likely grew up with it, too.

Along with a sense of nostalgia, it may bring back heartwarming memories of Christmas.

Realm of the StarsHymn

The Starry Realm (Traditional Children’s Song)

This piece carries a solemn atmosphere while still feeling friendly and approachable.

Released in 1910 as a Ministry of Education school song, it has continued to be loved across generations.

Its lyrics beautifully depict the stars in the night sky, centered on themes of finding hope and ideals, and resonate deeply with listeners.

Blending Western musical elements with Japanese sensibility, it has a unique charm and is frequently performed at school events and community choirs.

It’s lovely to hum while gazing at the stars on a quiet night, and also recommended to sing together with someone special.

Why not spend a heartwarming moment with it?