Classic Christmas Songs That Resonate with the Hearts of Those in Their 80s
The season when you can hear the jingle of bells has arrived.
December means Christmas—and Christmas songs.
In this article, we introduce Christmas songs we’d love people in their 80s to listen to.
We’ve gathered a variety of pieces, focusing on Christmas nursery rhymes, folk songs, and hymns that everyone has heard at least once.
There are surely senior care facilities that hold Christmas parties and enjoy group singing or karaoke contests.
When you do, please make use of this list and spend a delightful time together.
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[Songs That Resonate with Hearts in Their 80s] A Collection of Classic Christmas Songs (11–20)
Amazing Grace
This piece is distinguished by its crystal-clear, beautiful melody and an elegant, delicate atmosphere.
Beloved in the United States as a “second national anthem,” it’s also a tune often heard in Japanese TV dramas and film commercials.
Its gentle character makes it perfect for a leisurely Christmas.
The lyrics were written by the English clergyman John Newton.
Originally a hymn, it’s now known through performances by many different artists.
Not only is the song moving, but it pairs wonderfully with the piano’s luminous, transparent tone.
How about enjoying it by listening together with seniors or singing it slowly at a relaxed pace?
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
This song, sung in western England in the 16th century, is said to have originally been performed when visiting wealthy households to receive treats.
The lyrics carry wishes for New Year and Christmas happiness, along with a humorous line about not going home until they get plum (fig) pudding.
Combined with its bright, festive melody, its familiarity is part of its charm.
The piece spread around the world and has since been passed down by many singers.
It makes great background music for enjoying Christmas with family and friends, and because its well-known melody is easy for older adults to sing, why not all join in together and liven things up?
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
A nursery rhyme about the twinkling stars in the night sky that everyone hummed as a child.
Reconstructed by rutekia in August 2025 as a contemporary instrumental piece, this work uses electro-classical techniques to express the sparkle of stars in sound.
The original melody traces back to an 18th-century French chanson, with Mozart himself composing variations on it.
Delicate timbres of synthesizer and piano evoke the expanse of the night sky, making it perfect for quiet listening on Christmas night.
How about spending a moment gazing at the stars with older loved ones, reminiscing about memories of the beloved nursery rhyme?
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō
This is a masterpiece of enka that powerfully expresses the deep bond among fisherman brothers and their devotion to family.
Tetsurō Funamura’s grand melody blends with Tetsurō Hoshino’s moving lyrics, while Ichirō Toba’s rugged vocals bring out the work’s full appeal.
Because Ichirō Toba himself has real-life fishing experience, the pride and spirit of men of the sea come through vividly.
Released in August 1982, the song sold over 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 16th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
It has also been performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning strong support from enka fans.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended for karaoke that stirs the heart.