“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: