Music has always been a huge part of my family’s Christmas celebration.  Every year we get together on Christmas Eve, have a huge dinner, eat some tasty desserts, then gather around the piano to sing Christmas carols.  Everyone has their own little book so no one can get out of singing by not knowing the words!  Even when I had just started taking piano lessons, I was encouraged to play a song or two while everyone sang along.  The first couple of years, the singing was a little touch-and-go as I tried to find the right keys (“Jingle… Bells, Jin-Jin-Jingle bells, Jingle… all… the…. (pause)  Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells”).
But nowadays, I usually just give myself an hour before festivities start to sight read through everything.  It always make me so proud to play for everyone, and plus, making music with others is extremely fun!

So whether you’re a seasoned ivory-tickler or still playing one note at a time, consider making playing and singing a part of your family gatherings.  It may start a new tradition that will bring you joy for years to come.