As the winter holidays approach, I want to share some of the music that I use in my dance movement therapy groups which will encourage not just singing along, but also enlivening through movement and dance for people with significant dementia.
If I want to use a short playlist, these are my must play for a holiday theme:
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 2:06 Brenda Lee
Snow 2:45 Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney
A Marshmallow World 2:40 Dean Martin
Jingle Bells 2:11 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
Feliz Navidad 3:02 José Feliciano Feliz Navidad
Ocho Kandelikas 2:17 Pink Martini
Auld Lang Syne 1:50 Mitch Miller Holiday Sing Along With Mitch
I am very particular about the version I use, because some orchestrations are more likely than others to evoke the finger and toe tapping upon which I can then expand upon.
If I want a longer program about the holiday, these are additional songs that I will use:
Christmas Song 3:12 Nat King Cole
Winter Wonderland 2:11 Aretha Franklin
Blue Christmas 2:07 Elvis Presley
Sleigh Ride 2:58 Johnny Mathis
It's Beginning to Be a Lot like Christmas 2:22 Dionne Warwick
Santa Baby 3:24 Eartha Kitt
Have Yourself a Very Merry Xmas 2:38 Judy Garland
Let It Snow 2:04 Bing Crosby
Winter Wonderland 2:24 Bing Crosby
Frosty the Snowman 2:13 Bing Crosby
I Wish You a Merry Christmas 1:53 Bing Crosby
White Christmas 3:04 Ella Fitzgerald
My Favorite Things 3:19 Tony Bennett
All I Want for Christmas 2:32 Nat King Cole
Jingle Bells 2:24 Dean Martin
Winter Wonderland 1:56 Peggy Lee
Baby It's Cold Outside 2:51 J Mercer & Margaret Whiting
I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm 3:14 Mills Brothers
There was another Guy Lombardo song that I used to use that he would play on New Years Eve rather than Jingle Bells, but I must have had it on tape and can't remember what it was. I also found a hip hop version of a Chanukah song that my residents used to love, surprisingly, but I can't seem to find that.
Some props that I use include - holiday-colored bows, which have adhesive backs. As I put one on each person, I ask them why (or they ask me) I am putting the bows on them. The idea, of course, is that each one of us is a gift, with our unique contributions, whether they be our thoughts, our movements, our voices, our smiles, or expression of genuine feelings.
I use holiday garlands, silver colored and/or green and red. I usually buy holiday-themed props at iParty just after a holiday so that I can get them on sale. I string the garlands through people's hands so that we can be the holiday decoration. Of course, I simply follow their lead, suggesting that we move as they are already moving by the time I get back to my seat. I will either give each person jingle-type bells to play or loop them over the legs of an Octaband for us to shake along with several versions of jingle bells. I will likely have some red and green crepe streamers stapled together to extend the movement of their arms and hands.
I think that's it for the holiday themed props. Although, as I think about it, I wish I had some antlers. That would probably stimulate some giggling and singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
My wish for you for this holiday season is that you bring great love, joy and compassion to the people with dementia and Alzheimer's in your life.
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