Why Music Is Important And Essential During The Holidays!

It is a challenge to go anywhere without hearing the same holiday songs from Thanksgiving to New Year's. But, if you are looking for new songs that are enjoyed worldwide, here they are! Listed below are a few songs from different cultures that add some international flair to your holiday festivities.   

Remember to sit down next to the ones you love during the holiday season and sing a little song together. What matters is the closeness and joy that music brings -- and the happiness that will come naturally because of it!

“PETIT PAPA NOEL” // FRANCE 

“Petit Papa Noel” or “Little Father Christmas” is a Christmas favorite in France. The song is told from the perspective of a child anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

“MI BURRITO SABANERO” // VENEZUELA

A lively and fun song from Venezuela. The burrito in this song refers to a little donkey on its way to Bethlehem ! It’s hard not to smile and feel absolute joy while repeating the words “tuqui, tuqui” over and over again — all sung in Spanish.

“FUM, FUM, FUM” // CATALONIA

The catchy fum, fum, fum sound—meant to mimic the strumming of a stringed instrument like a guitar—never changes. This song was originally written in the Catalan language native to the northeastern region of Spain. So lively and beautiful, this classic song is now sung in many different languages around the globe.

“ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT” // PHILIPPINES 

This Filipino favorite is a great Christmas song to dance to, no matter what part of the world you live in. In addition to its energetic melody, “Ang Paso Ay Sumapit,” or “Christmas Has Arrived,” emphasizes what’s really important around the holidays:

“DORMI, DORMI, BEL BAMBINO” // ITALY 

This is a sweet song sung by a group of children. Beautifully done!! “Dormi, Dormi, Bel Bambino” or “Sleep, Sleep, Beautiful Child” can be sung as a classic Christmas hymn as well as a lovely lullaby.

“BETELEHEMU” // NIGERIA 

This uplifting hymn is performed by choirs across the world during the Christmas season and is accompanied by drumming and choreography. There is a sweet solo in the song that is sung and is quite beautiful. This Yoruba Christmas song was written by the Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji.

“THE WEXFORD CAROL” // IRELAND 

The “Wexford Carol” is a traditional Irish Christmas song dating back to the 12th century. English speakers—with Irish heritage or otherwise—should have little trouble singing along with this ancient folk tune.