I'll never forget the year my toddler, who could barely articulate, started pointing to the tree decorations while we counted them together. Her eyes got brighter with each number.

That's what integrating music with holiday pleasure c an do: it makes lessons become memories that last a lifetime. If you're sick of hearing the same Christmas carols over and again, I've made a list of five fun counting songs that will not only help your youngster with math but also become a favorite part of your family's holiday ritual.

🎯 Why Counting Songs + Music Work for Early Learning — (Science-backed)

Before you dive into the songs, here’s a quick look at why music + counting + movement can deeply help children’s development:

Music strengthens memory & cognitive connections. Research shows that musical training and exposure can stimulate brain development in areas related to memory, language and learning.

Multisensory learning helps kids engage more deeply. When children hear a song, see visuals (or imagine objects), and maybe move or count with their fingers or props — they engage multiple senses (auditory, visual, kinesthetic). This kind of multisensory input is widely recognised as an effective learning method for early childhood.

Songs build routine, rhythm, and attention. Repetition and rhythmic structure help retention — children often learn better when patterns repeat (counts, rhymes, melody). Music offers rhythm and predictability, which supports focus and retention.

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Emotional and social development. Singing and learning together can make counting and numbers more meaningful — children enjoy music, feel secure when learning with caregivers, and often develop social-emotional skills alongside cognitive ones.

Because of these benefits, festive counting songs are more than “holiday fun”: they’re valuable learning tools when used intentionally.

Here are five festive songs and more detailed instructions on how to use them to learn more:

1. Five Little Bells

   Why it's great for learning: This song is a festive twist on the classic "Five Little Ducks" or "Five Little Monkeys" format. The melody is simple, and the repetitive counting both down from five and back up to five is excellent for number retention.

   
   

   How to make it a learning activity:

This visual + tactile + auditory combination strengthens understanding of addition/subtraction in a concrete, hands-on way — harnessing the multisensory learning benefit.

2. The Twelve Days of Christmas

   Why it's great for learning: While it might seem complex, this cumulative song is a fantastic memory builder for older preschoolers and early school aged. The repetition helps them remember each gift, and it reinforces numbers sequencing all the way to twelve.

   

   
   

   How to use effectively: How to turn it into a learning game How to turn it into a learning game Break it down into more manageable pieces. Instead of tacking all twelve days at once, focus on just the first three or four verses with a younger child. Once they've mastered those, you can add more. For a fun family tradition, assign a verse to each person and have them sing their line in a dramatic voice!

   
   

3. Ten Little Elvis.

   Why it's great for learning: This is a festive version of "Ten in Bed" it's a great way to practice counting down from ten to one, and the lyrics about "rolling over" add a fun, interactive movement element.

   
   

   How to turn into a learning game: We love using this song for quiet time. We lie on the floor together and pretend to be the elves, rolling over one by one. It's a calming activity that still offers a valuable learning opportunity. You can also create ten little elf puppets with popsicle sticks to make the storytelling more engaging.

   
   

4. Christmas Counting Song ( Dream English)

   
   

   Why it's great for learning: This song is a straightforward and energetic way to count from one to five, associating each number with a festive object like a Christmas hat, boots, or presents. The actions are simple and memorable.

   
   

   Extended Activity Ideas: We once made a poster with pictures of each item mentioned in the song, As we sang, we would point to the pictures. My daughter loved being able to visually connect the number, the word, and the image, It was great reinforcement of early literacy skills alongside the math concepts.

   
   

5. Counting Snowflakes

   
   

   Why it's great for learning: This is a gentle, observational song that can be sung while watching the snow fall outside, or even just looking at pictures of snowflakes. It's an excellent way to practice counting to twenty in a low pressure, calming environment.

   
   

   Learning & mindfulness twist:

   • If it's snowing, go outside (or sit by a window) and count falling snowflakes together. If no snow — use paper snowflake cut-outs or draw snowflakes, then count. This ties learning to a sensory, real-world experience — reinforcing counting in context.

   • Combine with arts & crafts: have your child cut out 20 snowflakes and count them, or decorate them with stickers — combines fine-motor skills, counting, and creativity.

   
   

   My absolute favorite moment was when it first started to snow. We were cozied up with hot chocolate, and I started humming this tune , counting the "flakes" as they landed on the window. It taught my kids that they can study anywhere and that even a cold winter day can full of music and new things to see.

   
   

6. Christmas counting songs for kids

   These Christmas counting songs for kids are more than simply a means to practice numbers; they bring people together, make then laugh, and help them remember happy holiday times. When you sing together, use props, and act ridiculous, that's when the real magic happens. I hope these tunes make your Christmas countdown more fun.

🧠 Development Tips: How to Get the Most from Music-Based Counting Activities.

• Repeat but vary: Sing the same song over several days but vary the activity (use blocks, drawings, puppets, posters, real-world objects). Variation helps reinforce concepts without monotony — and helps different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).

• Integrate writing/drawing: After a countdown or counting song, encourage your child to draw or write the numbers, or represent the counted items. This helps connect numeracy with literacy and fine-motor skill development — supporting overall cognitive growth.

• Extend beyond numbers: Use counting songs as a bridge — after counting, talk about simple addition/subtraction (“we had five bells, two rang — how many left?”), or grouping (“if we have 10 snowflakes and we group them in 5 and 5…”). Use song-based counting as proof of concept for early math ideas.

• Encourage conversation & reflection: Ask questions during/after songs: “Which number did you like best? Why? Can you find 7 bells around the room?” Talking about what they counted helps reinforce number sense and vocabulary.

• Combine with routines and daily life: Use song-based counting to count steps, snacks, toys — reinforce that counting and numbers are part of everyday life. This supports deeper learning and contextual understanding.

Don't forget to download your Free Printable Pack with lyrics and activity ideas ready to go!

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What your family's favorite holiday song to sing together? Share it in the comments below!