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Candy canes, wise men, and reindeer - oh my! Hurray! The holidays are upon us and there are so many simple ways to jazz up your studio for the season. Let’s dive right in!  Inexpensive Gift Ideas Sheet Music Popsicle Ornament I couldn’t love this more! It’s lovely, easy to make, and sure to produce lots of smiles. This was a hit at my Christmas Camp! Star Music Ornament This will look so pretty on a Christmas tree and best of all - it's super easy to make. It's another great choice for a Christmas Camp. Treble Clef Bookmark These are adorable AND each is individually wrapped in its own box. The cost breaks down to less than $2 per student. What a pretty keepsake! Easy-to-Make Ornaments Check out Sara Campbell's post for the low-down on how to make these. My favorite is the glass globe.  Christmas Games The Shepherd's Adventure is a fantastic resource for just $3. It's for teachers who want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Students answer musical questions as they journey to the manger. Whoever gets to Baby Jesus first wins! The digital download includes 3 different boards, game cards, and even a practice chart. There are cards for all levels and is definitely a hit in my studio! Wise Men Matching Game is another game that celebrates the reason for the season. You can grab is for just $2! Christmas Rhythm Match-Up This would be cute for a group activity. Divide the kids into groups and see who can get them all first Snowman and Reindeer Games Everything Susan Paradis does is adorable. This is no exception. Christmas Pieces Flashcards from Compose Create. See if your students can guess the tunes! Christmas Charades and More by Melody Payne - The Plucky Pianista. Such a creative idea! Nutcracker Bingo by Jennifer Foxx of Music Educator Resources. What a perfect theme for the holidays. Snowman Bingo This has been a hit in my studio! Susan Paradis has several more games on her website, so make sure you check them out. Christmas Music Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! arranged by Glenda Austin. I'll warn you - this one isn't free, but oh my word - it's totally worth the $5. I absolutely LOVE this arrangement! Sleigh Ride Duet (1 Piano/4 Hands) Best arrangement EVER and totally worth the price of 5.99. Three Ships from Teach Piano Today - I LOVE this and it's free! The First Noel This is a unique version by Sally DeFord that you can download for free. You can also listen to it on her website. Jingle Jangle by Danel McFarlane of Supersonics Piano. If you have more advanced students who need a fun challenge - look no more. This will be perfect! Christmas For All Time Book 1 and Book 2 by Faber. Becki Laurent told me about these books last year and I'm SO grateful. The selection is AMAZING! Each book has over 2 dozen songs and the arrangements are lovely. Another nice thing? The books are jam-packed with so many songs that my students are able to use them for 2 years. You definitely get your money's worth here. Christmas Classics Volume 1 and 2 by Jennifer Eklund of Piano Pronto. Each and every one of these arrangements is BEAUTIFUL! Jazzy Jingles is great lovely book from Jennifer Eklund. There's a version 2 out this year! Christmas Jazz, Rags, and Blues by Martha Mier. This is one of my favorite Christmas series of ALL time! (Martha Mier is my hero.) If you like the Jazz, Rags, and Blues series, then make sure you check out the Christmas versions. It’s available at 5 different levels, so you’re sure to find one that works for your students. Premier Piano Course Music 2B by Alfred. This book has a delightful selection of songs and the arrangements are fantastic. Every year I find myself scooping up more to give out. Various Christmas Songs Susan Paradis has several Christmas songs for free. You'll find several different levels, including pre-reading! Boomwackers are a great way for students to play Christmas music together! My kids loved these last year at camp. Jingle Bells and Jolly Old Saint Nick were both a hit!  Practice Incentives and Challenges Free Christmas Practice Charts I created 4 to choose from: Christmas Tree, Candy Canes, Smores, and one that's centered on the "reason for the season." Christmas practice charts from The Practice Shoppe. Several cute ones here. More Free Christmas charts by Meredith Strings. (This year I'm using the Christmas Tree and Catch a Snowflake pictured above.) The Twelve Days of Christmas from Ear Training and Improv. A cute incentive to get your students practicing more and exposing them to new practice techniques. Christmas Worksheets Various Holiday Worksheets by Susan Paradis. The Twelve Days of Christmas Coloring Sheets by Melody Payne - The Plucky Pianista. Coloring is all the rage right now, so this would be perfect for your students. Nutcracker Music Activity Worksheets by Jennifer Foxx of Music Educator Resources. For YOUR Christmas List I love to wear these cute Treble Clef Earrings. They always brings smiles in my studio!  My Favorite Family Christmas books (Full disclosure - these have nothing to do with piano, but I wanted to share what my family enjoys.) Personal Devotion - These are great ways to focus on the true meaning of Christmas! The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper. I'm reading this one this year! Jesus, Light of the World by Candace Crabtree. (She's one of the Upbeat Piano Teachers!)  A Book For the Whole Family (Read about our family tradition here) Jotham Journey Trilogy by Arnold Ytreeide. I can't say enough good things about these books! My son and I have read them for YEARS! It's a series of books for Advent. There are 4 in the series and you basically read one book each year. They’re FULL of adventure and excitement! Your kids will get to focus on the true meaning of Christmas in such a fun way. (My son is well into his teens and STILL loves these books. They’re THAT good!) Here's the order:
The books are broken down into sections of daily readings that lead right up to Christmas. If you want to read this year, you need to start on December 3, so get your book soon. It's available in both paperback and Kindle. One note - I would follow the recommendation of ages 9 and up. Some parts could be frightening for young children. But honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this series. I’m SO grateful that my son still enjoys reading them with me! Christmas is my favorite season! If YOU know of great resources, please tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear! (Note: Some of links in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.)
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Hi there! I'm Tracy Selle. A Christian wife, mom, and author of 101 Piano Practice Tips. I'm also a piano teacher and founder of Upbeat Piano Teachers. Categories
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