Christmas poems for kids are short, fun verses that capture the magic and excitement of the holiday season. These poems often feature Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and other festive themes in simple rhymes that children can easily understand and enjoy.
Popular Christmas Poems for Children
Christmas poems for children come in many styles, from short and silly rhymes to longer narrative poems. Here are some of the most beloved Christmas poems that kids enjoy:
1) ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
This classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is perhaps the most famous Christmas poem of all time. It begins:
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;The poem goes on to describe Santa’s magical Christmas Eve visit in vivid detail. Its rhythmic verses and memorable imagery have delighted children for generations. Many families make reading this poem on Christmas Eve a cherished holiday tradition.
2) A Visit from St. Nicholas
Another popular version of the classic Santa poem begins:
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
This poem paints a cozy picture of a family asleep on Christmas Eve before Santa arrives. It describes Santa’s appearance, his reindeer, and his jolly demeanor as he delivers presents. The poem ends with Santa flying away, wishing “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
3) Five Little Reindeer
This short, simple poem is perfect for young children:
Five little reindeer playing in the snow
The first one said, “Can you see my nose glow?”
The second one said, “Listen to me sing!”
The third one said, “I can hear the bells ring.”
The fourth one said, “Let’s eat the pie!”
The fifth one said, “I’m ready to fly.”
Then clomp went their hooves
And the snow fell white
As the five little reindeer flew out of sight.
Its repetitive structure and rhyming make it easy for kids to memorize and recite. The poem brings Santa’s reindeer to life in a playful way.
4) A Chubby Little Snowman
This humorous poem tells the tale of a snowman who loses his carrot nose:
A chubby little snowman
Had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny,
And what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny
Looking for some lunch,
Grabbed that snowman’s nose,
Nibble, nibble, crunch!
Kids love the silly image of a rabbit eating the snowman’s nose. It’s a fun, lighthearted poem that captures the playful spirit of winter.
5) Christmas Bells
This short poem by Anon celebrates the sounds of Christmas:
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
The poem evokes the joyful atmosphere of Christmas through the imagery of ringing bells and carolers. Its message of peace and goodwill reflects the spirit of the season.
Short Christmas Poems for Young Children
Younger kids often enjoy very short, simple poems with basic rhymes. Here are some examples perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students:
6) Christmas Is Coming
Christmas is coming,
The geese are getting fat,
Please put a penny
In the old man’s hat.
If you haven’t got a penny
A ha’penny will do,
If you haven’t got a ha’penny,
Then God bless you!
This traditional rhyme teaches children about giving to others during the holiday season. Its simple rhythm makes it easy for young kids to remember and recite.
7) Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way!
Don’t you tell a single soul
What I’m going to say:
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you’ll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.
This poem imagines a child whispering their Christmas wishes to Santa. It captures the excitement and anticipation children feel as Christmas approaches.
8) Little Jack Horner
Little Jack Horner
Sat in the corner,
Eating of Christmas pie:
He put in his thumb,
And pulled out a plum,
And said, “What a good boy am I!”
While not explicitly about Christmas, this nursery rhyme is often associated with the holiday due to its mention of Christmas pie. Its short length and simple rhyme scheme make it accessible for very young children.
9) I’ve Been Waiting for Christmas
I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
And it’s almost here.
I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
Santa’s getting near.
Can’t you hear the sleigh bells ringing?
Reindeer up so high.
Can’t you hear the children singing,
As they watch the sky?
This poem expresses the eager anticipation children feel as Christmas approaches. It paints a vivid picture of the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Funny Christmas Poems for Kids
Humorous poems can be especially engaging for children. Here are some funny Christmas poems that are sure to make kids giggle:
10) The Day Before Christmas
We have been helping with the cake,
And licking out the pan,
And wrapping up our packages,
As neatly as we can.
We have hung our stockings up,
Beside the open grate.
And now there’s nothing more to do,
Except to wait and wait.
This poem humorously captures children’s impatience on Christmas Eve. Kids can relate to the feeling of having everything ready and then having to wait for Christmas morning to arrive.
11) Santa’s Lazy Elf
Five more days till Christmas.
Santa and his crew
were working overtime making
children’s dreams come true.Santa’s elves were scurrying
about the workshop floor,
except for Little Ty, who
was napping by the door.”Wake up, Ty!” Santa shouted.
“There’s no time to sleep!
We’ve got millions of toys to make.
Now get up on your feet!”
This poem tells a funny story about an elf who doesn’t want to work. It’s a playful take on the idea of Santa’s workshop and the busy preparations for Christmas.
12) Peppermint Stick
I took a lick
Of a peppermint stick
And oh it tasted yummy!
It used to be
On the Christmas tree
But now it’s in my tummy!
This short, silly poem is perfect for young children. Its simple rhyme and humorous ending make it fun to recite.
Christmas Poems About Winter and Nature
Many Christmas poems for children focus on the natural world and the beauty of winter. Here are some examples:
13) Snowball
I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first—it wet the bed!
This humorous poem by Shel Silverstein combines the magic of a snowman with a funny twist ending. It’s a great example of how winter themes can be incorporated into Christmas poetry for kids.
14) The Littlest Christmas Tree
The littlest Christmas tree
lived in a meadow of green
among a family
of tall evergreens.
He learned how to whisper
the evergreen song
with the slightest of wind
that came gently along.
This poem tells the story of a small Christmas tree, celebrating the beauty of nature during the winter season. It’s a gentle, imaginative poem that can help children appreciate the natural world.
15) Winter Time
When icicles hang by the wall,
And Dick the shepherd blows his nail,
And Tom bears logs into the hall,
And milk comes frozen home in pail,
When blood is nipp’d and ways be foul,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
Tu-whit;
Tu-who, a merry note,
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
This poem by William Shakespeare, while not specifically about Christmas, paints a vivid picture of winter. It can help children imagine the sights and sounds of the cold season.
Religious Christmas Poems for Children
While many Christmas poems focus on Santa and winter fun, some explore the religious aspects of the holiday. Here are a few examples of Church christmas poems suitable for children:
16) A Christmas Prayer
Star of wonder in the sky,
Sing your song of joy on high!
Star of beauty, star so bright,
Shine your message of delight.
Tell the world of peace and love,
Brought to earth from God above.
This simple prayer focuses on the star of Bethlehem and its message of peace and love. It’s a gentle way to introduce the religious meaning of Christmas to children.
17) The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother, kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable rude
And the friendly beasts around Him stood,
Jesus our brother, kind and good.”I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
“I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town.”
“I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
This traditional carol tells the story of the animals present at the birth of Jesus. It’s a child-friendly way to explore the nativity story through the perspective of the animals.
Tips for Teaching Christmas Poems to Kids
Teaching Christmas poems to children can be a fun and educational activity.
Here are some tips to make it enjoyable:
- Choose age-appropriate poems: Select poems that match the child’s reading level and attention span.
- Use visual aids: Illustrate the poems or use props to make them more engaging.
- Incorporate movement: Add gestures or actions to go along with the words of the poem.
- Make it interactive: Encourage children to fill in rhyming words or repeat certain lines.
- Set poems to music: Many Christmas poems can be sung as carols, making them easier to remember.
- Practice regularly: Recite the poems often during the holiday season to help children memorize them.
- Explain unfamiliar words: Take time to discuss any vocabulary that might be new to the children.
- Discuss the meaning: Talk about what the poem means and how it relates to Christmas traditions.
- Encourage creativity: Invite children to write their own Christmas poems or create new verses for existing ones.
- Make it a tradition: Reading or reciting certain poems can become a cherished family holiday tradition.
The Benefits of Christmas Poetry for Children
Introducing children to Christmas poetry offers several benefits:
- Improves language skills: Poetry exposes children to rich vocabulary and complex language structures.
- Enhances memory: The rhyme and rhythm of poems make them easier to memorize, improving recall skills.
- Boosts creativity: Poetry encourages imaginative thinking and can inspire children to create their own verses.
- Teaches cultural traditions: Many Christmas poems reflect holiday customs and beliefs, helping children understand cultural heritage.
- Develops appreciation for literature: Early exposure to poetry can foster a lifelong love of reading and writing.
- Improves public speaking: Reciting poems can help children become more confident in speaking in front of others.
- Encourages emotional expression: Poetry can help children understand and express complex emotions associated with the holiday season.
- Promotes family bonding: Sharing poems can be a fun family activity that creates lasting memories.
- Enhances listening skills: Hearing poems read aloud helps children develop active listening abilities.
- Introduces rhythm and meter: Poetry helps children develop an ear for the musicality of language.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most famous Christmas poem for kids?
The most famous Christmas poem for kids is likely “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore, also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” - How can I help my child memorize a Christmas poem?
Regular practice, using visual aids, setting the poem to music, and incorporating movements or gestures can all help children memorize poems more easily. - Are there Christmas poems suitable for very young children?
Yes, there are many short, simple Christmas poems perfect for young children, such as “Christmas Is Coming” and “Little Jack Horner.” - Can Christmas poems be educational?
Absolutely! Christmas poems can help children develop language skills, improve memory, learn about cultural traditions, and enhance creativity. - How can I make learning Christmas poems fun for kids?
Make it interactive by using props, adding movements, or turning it into a game. You can also encourage children to illustrate the poems or create their own verses.
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