Giving Thanks

The holidays have hundreds of songs. I mean, hundreds! I bet you recognize dozens of Billboard’s Top 100 Holiday Songs from last year’s holiday season.  But what about poor, lonely, and music-less Thanksgiving? We take the time around Thanksgiving to sing songs (of course) of gratitude, and to celebrate the short, crisp fall days and colorful leaves that surround our homes. One of our favorite is Raffi’s classic Thanks A Lot. Many of Matej’s younger and beginning students get to learn this one during the month of November. I love the calm and mellow pacing and the focus on the gifts of nature. Another great Thanksgiving tradition is to say grace. Regardless of spiritual practice, families can enjoy a moment of reflection and gratitude by learning a verse, prayer, or song to start off a meal, including before the big Thanksgiving spread. Lots of Waldorf teachers have taken to Youtube and other non-Waldorf-approved internet locations to sing mealtime gratitudes. Check out Sarah (owner of Bella Luna Toys) singing a Waldorf pre-meal classic.  

Whatever your tradition, we hope you find ways to enrich it with music. And we are so very grateful for your support and your contribution to our little Violin Tree community. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Violin Tree families!

-Claire