Family Christmas Concerts

Ready for a blast from my past? Since we’ve been gone all weekend on a fun family outing to An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City, I decided to post a piece of mine that appeared years ago in a Family Time ideas department of HomeLife magazine. Even though our kids are older now and the tradition has had to change somewhat in our family, I thought you might be inspired to try something similar with your families this Christmas. Let me know if you decide to give it a whirl!

Family Christmas Concerts

One tradition that enriches our Christmas Day festivities is our family Christmas concerts. Music has been part of our family for as long as I can remember, but several years ago we began a Christmas concert time that has become a yearly event.

My parents, sisters, and all of our families gather near the piano to enjoy special numbers being played or sung by various family members. Cameras flash all around, making it a real Kodak moment. As our children have grown older, the concerts have changed from simple melodies being pounded out by little fingers to more difficult arrangements being shared after much practice. I’m looking forward to this cycle repeating itself, though, as the youngest children are just now beginning to participate.

The concerts also include some singing. With my daughter Kristin accompanying me, I am the only one who has braved a solo, but we have had some impromptu group sing-a-longs that sound surprisingly good and put contented smiles on everyone’s faces. Most importantly, everyone is a part of this tradition, whether it’s through playing piano, singing, taking pictures, or keeping little ones occupied. It’s truly a family effort.

Even preparing for the concerts promotes family communication and togetherness. My girls and I begin discussing possible selections for the concerts by early December and spend time practicing together if accompaniment is needed or duets are performed. Duets are fun and provide a sense of joint accomplishment. Sometimes parents perform with their children, but it’s always a treat to see the kids play together. Even though Kristin and my nephew Adam live hundreds of miles apart, they have worked up parts separately and then put them together for the concerts.

Many unforgettable memories have been made during these family concerts. Some are quite touching and worshipful, and others are just plain fun. When my younger daughter, Kelli, performed “Frosty the Snowman’ at age 5, she played with one hand and covered her eyes with the other just to prove she was really playing by ear!

A few tears are usually shed during the concerts, too. My parents are especially sentimental about their kids and grandkids, and their tears easily set off a chain reaction.

Above all, a spirit of worship is created year after year as we listen to the timeless music that proclaims the birth of our Savior. Our Christmas concerts join us together in spiritual moments that solidify and continue our family’s Christian heritage.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 KJV

*Flickr photo by nightthree, Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. What a wonderful tradition! When I was young we used to go caroling through the neighborhood. I wonder if people still carol?

    Annette

  2. What a wonderful tradition! What will you be singing this year? Perhaps you should post a video…

    peace~elaine

  3. Well, Elaine, our tradition has changed somewhat over the years. My daughter/accompanist has not been able to come to my folks with us for Christmas Day dinner since she got married a couple of years ago (gotta split their time now) so if anything, we do more sing-alongs now (my mom plays piano too) and sometimes we read something special. I don’t have the equipment or know-how for video stuff yet — and not sure I’d post one of me singing if I did! :) Thanks for asking though :)

  4. This sounds like a wonderful tradition! Thank you for sharing it with us. We don’t have many Christmas traditions, but my hubby and I are discussing how to change that. Great idea!

    Sonya

  5. I really love this! We’ve never done anything like it, except for sing-a-longs, years ago, with some sweet loved ones who are now singing with the angels.

    I’m not sure I could get my girls to do this now, but I’ll tuck it away for if and when I have grandkids (heavy emphasis on the “when”!) :o)

  6. What a wonderful tradition! Music touches the heart, soothes the soul, and brings the family together.

    Have a wonderuful Christams.

    Jean

  7. I love your family tradition of singing! We are not a music family as a whole, but our children are. Our annual Christmas tradition now comes from their holiday choral and instrumental concerts. I get choked up at every concert. Maybe I can lend you my kids for your performances!

    BTW, I loved reading about Silver Dollar City (did I get that right?). It sounds like an awesome family outing. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Kelli

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