5 Christmas carols with actions to teach your kids

Get your little ones into the Christmas spirit this December with some fun Christmas carols and easy to follow actions! Print them off and pin them up in the house for them to practise whenever they want. Then complete the activity to enhance and develop your children’s learning.

Away in a manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. (Cradle imaginary baby)
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, (Point up to the stars)
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. (Place hands together to create pillow and rest head on them)
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, (Rub eyes as if waking up)
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky (Place hand above eyes as if looking into distance)
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. (Make heart shape with hands and then place hands together in praying symbol)
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Activity: Use household supplies to re-create the nativity scene with your children – such as old shoe boxes, toilet rolls and toy animals - and encourage your children to count and name the animals as they place them in the nativity.

Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star

Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star, (Stretch arms out and open and close hands to resemble a twinkle)
Way up high is where you are. (Stretch and point to the sky)
Shining bright for all to see, (Stretch arms above head and down to sides)
On the top of our tree. (Pretend to put the star on the Christmas tree)
Twinkle Twinkle Christmas star, (Stretch arms out and open and close hands to resemble a twinkle)
Way up high is where you are. (Stretch and point to the sky)

Activity: Sing this song as you put the Christmas tree up and ask your children to count the baubles and name the colours as they place them on the tree.

Jolly Santa Claus

Santa Claus is big and fat (Pat belly as if it is big and fat)
He wears black boots and a big red hat (Pretend to pull on boots and point to hat)
His nose is red, just like a rose; (Point to nose)
And he is jolly from his head to his toes (Put hands on head and point to toes)

Activity: Get some red card and some arts and crafts and ask your children to listen to the song and then create a Father Christmas based on the words in the song.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (Create antler ears with fingers and place on head)
Had a very shiny nose, (Point to nose)
And if you ever saw it (Use hands to create the shape of glasses)
You would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer (Point to all other reindeer)
Used to laugh and call him names. (Hold belly and make laughing motion)
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say (Act as Santa Claus talking to Rudolph)
Rudolph with your nose so bright, (Point to nose again)
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? (Pretend you’re sitting in Santa’s sleigh ready to go)
Then all the reindeer loved him,
And they shouted out with glee (Bring hands up to your mouth and pretend to shout)
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You’ll go down in history! (Make one big excited jump to end the song)

Action: Teach your children to count and learn the names of Santa’s reindeers.

When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney

When Santa got stuck up the chimney, (Pretend you are pushing down to try and get out of the chimney)
He began to shout, (Use your hands to make it look like you’re shouting)
You girls and boys, (Point to the different girls and boys)
Won’t get any toys, (Move your finger from side to side)
If you don’t pull me out.
There’s soot on my back, (Dust yourself down from the soot)
And my beard is all black, (Touch your beard that’s dusted with soot)
My nose is tickling too! (Rub and crinkle your nose)
When Santa got stuck up the chimney,
Achoo, Achoo, Achoo. (Make three big sneezing motions)

Action: Encourage your children to suggest three ways Santa could be helped out of the chimney – this will help develop their problem solving skills.

For more Christmas activities and nursery rhymes, parenting tips and more, visit our Family Resources page. Or learn more about Bright Horizons! Open day is just around the corner. Come explore our nurturing environment, meet our dedicated caregivers, and discover why we're the perfect fit for your little one. Mark your calendar and join us for a fun-filled experience! Click the button below for more information.