Alternative Christmas Carols for an Alternative Christmas Day
Every year we sing Christmas carols that seem just a little bit outdated.
Gone are the days of children who are seen but not heard and mothers who stay at home all day to cook and clean.
So I decided to update a few of our favourites for a modern take on the classic carol.
I hope they bring you a little added joy this holiday season!
Feel free to sing along (In fact, I encourage it).
(Looking for a tangible way to actually create a meltdown-free Christmas? Click here to read my how-to post.)
Away With Your Meltdowns (Away in a Manger)
Away with your meltdowns
No need for them here
The oil diffuser
Fills the air with citrus Cheer
The oils in the air calms
Grown-ups and kids
Even wise men knew
To bring Myrrh and Frankincense.
No bellies go hungry
While dinner still bakes
Just tide them over with
Sugar-free cakes
Joyous children are peaceful
No meltdowns in sight
We’ll have GAPS-friendly dinner
Now that evening is nigh
The children sleep soundly
All happy and full.
From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas and Yule.
Here’s a Christmas carol the kids will enjoy singing along with you:
Jingle Bells
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Natural all the way
Oh, what fun
It is to live
The sugar-free way – hey!
Dashing through the day
Like demon spawn at play
Is no way to spend
A family Christmas day
Sugar-laden sweets
Make children misbehave
All the tears and screams
Drive Mum and Dad insane
Oh!
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Natural all the way
Oh, what fun
It is to live
The sugar-free way – hey!
Now the day is done
The kids are all tucked in
No tantrums have they thrown
A blessed parenting win
The stockings are hung with care
And Santa’s drawing near
His bag is full of goodies
For children who were good all year
Oh!
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Natural all the way
Oh, what fun
It is to eat
The sugar-free way – hey!
And finally, here’s one just for the grown-ups
We wish you a Peaceful Christmas
We wish you a peaceful Christmas
We wish you a peaceful Christmas
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a quiet new year
GAPS recipes we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a quiet new year
Oh, bring us some lavender
Oh, bring us some lavender
Oh, bring us some lavender
For the diffuser right here
GAPS recipes we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a quiet new year
We can’t cope until you calm down
We can’t cope until you calm down
We can’t cope until you calm down
So bring lavender here
GAPS recipes we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a quiet new year
We all like happy children
We all like happy children
We all like happy children
Without meltdown tears
GAPS recipes we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a quiet new year
We wish you a peaceful Christmas
We wish you a peaceful Christmas
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a fun-filled new year
Ok Great, But HOW Can I Create A Calm Christmas Without Kids Going Crazy?
I have two kids with PANDAS and one with Autism so often the excitement of Christmas can be just too much for them to cope with.
That’s why we always have essential oils in the diffuser to help them control their emotions (and it also helps us adults control ours). Lavender is my favorite all-purpose soothing scent. If you want something more personalised reach out and I can offer something more specific.
We also stick to a GAPS-friendly diet as much as possible during the Christmas and other holiday periods. It’s very tempting to allow ourselves a sugary treat or two but when you remind yourself that the consequences are going to be tears and tantrums, the temptation quickly vanishes.
And trust me, having a calm Christmas doesn’t mean we miss out on the fun and excitement! There are plenty of GAPS-friendly alternatives for Christmas dinner that we can enjoy including drinks and desserts.
Best of all, our kids still love Christmas. They get to be excited without being manic and have fun without experiencing the terrible lows that often come after too much stimulus. That’s how I know I’m doing good as a parent. My kids are happy and don’t groan when we serve dinner or feel like there’s anything they can’t do with the rest of their friends.
From my family to yours, have a wonderful Christmas (if you celebrate it) and a prosperous new year!
