Away In A Manger by Ruth Kenward - 5 to 9 yrs - KS 1   (2m 22s)
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Theme – classic Christmas carol, the humble birthplace of Jesus.

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Content - The classic song for an infant nativity, Away In A Manger sets the scene of Jesus's birth in a stable, with only a manger for his bed. Sweet and gentle, this is a perennial favourite for the crib scene.
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Song from the musical 'A Way In A Manger'

Bells Ring Out by Gavin Reid - 7 to 12 yrs - KS2  (3m 12s)

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Theme - Christmas, celebration, Nativity, praise

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Content - The title number of a 10-song cantata, 'Bells Ring Out' is a lively, joyful number to include in a Christmas concert. The simple harmony and couterpoint parts make this song a valuable addition to school choir repertoire.

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'Bells Ring Out' from the cantata 'Bells Ring Out'

Bumpety, Bumpety, Bump   by John and Ruth Kenward  -  3 to 7 yrs  
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Theme – The journey of the magi, riding camels to Bethlehem, following a star, Nativity

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Content – a very endearing song that depicts the three wise men making their way to Bethlehem, each riding on a camel’s ‘humpety, humpety, hump’!  Younger children love this irresistible song, as it’s very easy to learn, being so clearly structured and right on their wavelength.

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Dancing About In The Straw by Peter Fardell - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 54s)

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Theme - Christmas, Nativity, Manger song

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Content - All the animals in the stable at Bethlehem are dancing with excitement to see the baby boy in the manger: cows, donkeys and chickens are all dancing like they've never danced before.  Lively and full of character, with some nice animal sound effects!  Ideal for inclusion in a DIY nativity.

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Dancing About In The Straw from the musical 'A Wriggly Nativity'

Everything You Give by Ruth Kenward - 6 to 9 yrs - KS1, KS2  (1m 47s)

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Theme - Christmas, Jesus, nativity, giving

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Content -   A song that reflects upon the baby in the manger: ‘Everything you give with love, you give to Him.  Everything you do with love, you do for Him - ’cos He is love.’  If you're looking for a gentle Christmas song for this age group that offers a fresh approach, 'Everything You Give' may be the simple, beautiful and unusual song you need!

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'Everything You Give' features in the nativity musical 'Babushka'

Adrian Pearson - Age 5 to 9 yrs - KS2  (2m 50s)

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Theme - The journey to Bethlehem, nativity

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Content - Five little angels, four sleepy shepherds, three very wise men, and two more (Mary and Joseph) are all on the way to Bethlehem.  When they get there, one little baby (Jesus!) is born!  An easy counting song for Christmas, with the option of building up into three parts in each verse making this ideal for infant or lower junior choir. 

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This song features in the songbook 'Here Comes Christmas'

'Glory To God' by Gerry Page & Ruth Kenward   5-7 years   (2m 12s)

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Theme - Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, joy, praise

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Content - This song is ideal for the shepherds’ scene in a nativity, as the angels bring the news. Hallelujah!  The song is easy to learn and - with its rousing gospel feel - children find it very uplifting to sing.  One of our singers described it as making her feel ‘bubbly inside’! 

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This song features in the musical 'Noisy Nativity'

If You Don't Know The Way by John Gleadall - age 7 to 13 yrs - KS2, KS3  (3m 16s)

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Theme - Christmas, Jesus, Nativity, spiritual journey

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Content - The story of the nativity told in a fresh, original way that points people towards Jesus now.  ‘If you feel lost at Christmas time … follow the shining star!’  Ideal for young choirs and carol concerts, with very simple harmony and counterpoint.

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'If You Don't Know The Way' features in songbook 'Come On Christmas'

Magical Christmas Journey   by Sarah Baker  -  5 to 9 yrs  

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Theme – Nativity, following the star, Christmas

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Content –  Who’s coming with us to find out where the star will lead us?  A very catchy song, full of energy, about setting off on a journey of discovery. 

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Magical Christmas Journey   is taken from the musical ‘Magical Christmas Journey’ 

Miracle Child by John & Ruth Kenward - 7 to 11 yrs - KS2  (2m 29s)

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Theme - Christmas, birth of Jesus, nativity, time passing
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Content - Time moves on but around the world a 2000 year old story remains strong. 'Across the world we remember that time so long ago, when there were angels singing, shepherds praying, kings all kneeling down to honour a child, a miracle child.'  A reflective song with an unusual approach.  A good song for junior choir and carol concerts, as there are simple but effective harmonies (optional).
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Lyrics sample

Time goes so fast, time goes so slow.
Is it really two thousand years ago
A baby lay in a stable
Who still can move us so?
A story begins, a story grows,
For hundreds of lifetimes it flows:
Across the world we remember
That time so long ago when there were:

Angels singing, shepherds praying,
Kings all kneeling down to honour Him,
Angels singing, shepherds praying,
Kings all kneeling down to honour a child,
A miracle child.

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 'Miracle Child' comes from the musical by the same name: 'Miracle Child'

Now It's Time For Christmas  by Helen Mitchell - 7 to 11yrs - KS2  (2m 15s)

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Theme - Christmas, joy, excitement, birth of Jesus

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Content - This deliciously Christmassy ballad that combines the ‘feel’ of a contemporary winter celebration with the recollection of the birth of Jesus thousands of years ago. The first verse focuses upon Christmas decorations, streets full of people doing their Christmas shopping and the sound of carols in the air, but also reminds us to think of that first Christmas in a stable far away.  The second verse reverses the thinking, beginning with the events at Bethlehem, then coming back to the present day, with Christmas trees, Christmas cake, and the conclusion that it's a time to give thanks for all God's blessings.

The lovely harmony parts and Christmassy feel make this song particularly suitable for choir use.

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This song is also featured in the songbook 'Here Comes Christmas'

One Little Boy In The Straw   by John and Ruth Kenward  -  4 to 7 yrs  
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Theme – Nativity, stable scene, Jesus in the manger, Christmas joy, counting

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Content –  A simple cumulative song to gather the whole cast for the finale of a Nativity performance, ending with: five happy angels, four happy shepherds, three happy wise men, two happy parents, one little boy in the straw – and a whole lot of joy!

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One Little Boy In The Straw   is taken from the mini-musical ‘A Little Nativity’ 

Sing The Love  by Simon Donlon, Colm Flanagan & Ruth Kenward - 7 to adult  (2m 33s)
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Theme – celebrating love on Christmas Day, nativity 
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Content - A beautiful two-part song, celebrating Love coming into the world. On a dark and drowsy night, a shining light appears to shepherds as angels tell of peace on Earth.  Although it's not a long song, it really gives young choirs something to get their teeth into, including a rousing Hallelujah section at the end.

This song is from the cantata 'One Night In Bethlehem'

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - (trad.)  Includes two versions, a) the full version and b) a one-verse version.  Age 5 to 12 - KS1, KS2

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Theme - Christmas, New Year.  

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Content - the traditional song with which to extend good wishes at Christmas!  This download contains two versions.  The full version (taken from 'Sing Carols')  is funkier and more suitable for older children, or infants with particular panache!  The shorter version (from  'I - SPY Christmas')  is gentler and more suitable for younger voices.

Whizz! Bang! Fizzy! Crunch!  by Jan Dobbins - 3 to 7 yrs - Early Years, KS1  (1m 11s)

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Theme - bonfire night, fireworks, autumn

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Content - A bouncy, simple song using exciting words to describe the fun of fireworks time. The sound effects really make this song fizz and crackle!  Very popular in this age group.

This song also features in the songbooks 'Zippety Zappy Zee' and 'Songs For All Seasons'

Wonderful Father Christmas by Peter Fardell - 5 to 7 yrs - KS1  (1m 36s)

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Theme - Christmas, Santa Claus, anticipation, excitement

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Content - A cute, feel-good song about anticipating the arrival of Father Christmas, and being unable to sleep on Christmas Eve!  An irresistible, toe-tapping little number, very cute and appealing for this age group.

This song features in the musical 'Christmas Recipe'