“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” has been my favourite preschool Christmas song to teach my class for several years. Why? There are many reasons.
- The words and tune are simple and repetitive, enabling children to catch on faster.
- Children aged 2-4 years old enjoy this song.
- The actions are full-body motions to get kids moving.
- The simple actions enable younger children and children with developmental delays to join in.
- It is a good song for giving the children bells to ring.
Another reason this song is a go-to for me is that it can be used in Christian or secular programs. When I worked in a Christian preschool, we sang this song along with songs about baby Jesus. It fit well. At the same time, in some 
secular programs, this song is acceptable. It does not teach about Jesus or Santa Claus, leaving parents the freedom to choose what they teach their children about Christmas. In secular settings, I sing this song alongside Jingle Bells, which is another song traditionally sung around Christmas time, but without any mention of Jesus or Santa.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas, filled with deep joy that leaves you singing a cheery song like this one!
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Let’s All Do A Little Clapping)
By: Unknown
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
And a happy New Year!
Let’s all do a little clapping,
Let’s all do a little clapping,
Let’s all do a little clapping,
To bring Christmas cheer!
Let’s all do a little stomping,
Let’s all do a little stomping,
Let’s all do a little stomping,
To bring Christmas cheer!
Additional verses:
Let’s all do a little jumping…
Let’s all do a little turning…
Let’s all do a little dancing…
Looking for other fun Christmas songs for your preschooler? I recommend:
Judy E. Williams says:
11/11/21
Just curious, what is your favorite “faith-based” Christmas song?
Mine is “In a Little Stable” from “Little Ones Sing Praise” (p. 81, Concordia Publishing House, 1989).
When I share the story of The Wise Men” I add a verse “Wise men came to see Him, following the star; bowed down low before Him, Lord and God of all.”
When I share the story of “The Presentation” I add a verse “Simeon held the baby, Anna saw Him, too; knew He was the Savior, God sent for me and you.”
S. J. Little says:
I’m not familiar with “In a Little Stable”. Thanks for sharing. It sounds neat. I love the verses you add to it!
To answer your question, I typically prefer songs that are simple enough that a 2-3 year old can learn all the words and (more or less) sing it by themself, yet have value in the words. I found it tricky to find a Christian Christmas song along those lines for ages 2-3 so I made up my own to a familiar tune: https://sjlittle.ca/preschool/Baby-Jesus-Welcome-Lord/