"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus"

There is never enough time to sing Christmas songs, so dive in!

"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus," p. 36 is a great song to begin with.  The original name was "Christmas in Zarahemla." (see p. 36, footnotes)

This song begins in the minor key and tells the story of Samuel prophesy of Christ's birth.  The children may want to help tell the story.

Sing the first verse a few times with the children then sing or read the words to the second verse.  Sing the second verse a few times.

The chorus is joyous and the major key enhances the message of joy.  Sing it for the children then have them sing it with you.  Sing the entire song a few times.

You can also point out the rhyming words throughout the song.

Thankful Songs

Adding different lyrics to familiar tunes gives new life to the song.  It also makes you think about the words and/or the message a little more.  A Happy Family and When We're Helping, p. 198, can both be used as "thankful" songs with a few word changes.

I thank Mother; she thanks me.
We thank daddy, yes sirree;
He thanks us, and so you see,
We are a thankful family.

You can change to grandpa, grandma, teacher, friends, sister, brother, bishop, neighbor, uncle, etc.  The children may have some more to add.

When we're thankful, we're happy,
And we sing as we go;
And we like to thank mother,
For we all love her so.

Use the words above to substitute for "mother."

No Time to Prepare Singing Time

No time to put together something for singing time?  We've all been there.

November is a gratitude month.  Sing "I Am Glad for Many Things," p. 151.

• How many syllables are in "many things?"  (3)
• Let's think of some foods that we are thankful for that will fit in place of "many things."  (red apples, bananas, pears & grapes)
• How about favorite foods.  (hamburgers, pizza pie, Mac & cheese)
• Desserts.  (apple pie, choc'late cake, ice cream cone)
• Clothes.  (winter coat, fluffy hat, fuzzy gloves, hiking shoes)
• People.  (Mom & Dad, Gramps & Grams, uncles - aunts)
• Thinks to do.  (bicycling, playing games, racking leaves)

The list can go on and on but the key is to only use 3 syllables.  Sometimes you need to force an extra syllable.

You can also use "Fun to Do," p. 253, and come up with ways to serve others.

• Sharing my toys is fun to do . . .
• Racking up leaves is fun to do . . .
• Sharing my lunch is fun to do . . .
• Helping Mom clean is fun to do . . .
• Gardening with Gramps is fun to do . . . 
• Baking some bread is fun to do . . .
• Playing with friends is fun to do . . .
• Mowing the lawn is fun to do . . .
• Shoveling snow is fun to do . . .
• Mopping the floor is fun to do . . .

These are both fun activities for the children and take very little effort on your part.  They are fun, but also help teach thankfulness and service.