The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

December 21, 2021; Elyse Erdman

In this week before Christmas, all of us at Hope Springs Farm can’t help but hum holiday tunes all day long. Things only get more jolly when Kristyn Beeman of WB Music Therapy comes to lead our groups in music therapy. This Tuesday, I got to sit in and experience the joy that music therapy brings to our Growers.

Kristyn began by asking each of the Growers how they are doing, through song of course. Even our non-verbal Growers were able to express their feelings through facial expressions and sign language. They laughed as Kristyn turned their feelings of the day into musical lyrics. Next, a Grower exclaimed that they had a birthday tomorrow, and the group happily went into the “Happy Birthday” song.

To unwrap some holiday spirit, Kristyn played “Run Rudolph Run” and got the Growers moving their bodies to some favorite dance moves. Then, I experienced a new take on “The 12 Days of Christmas” as Kristyn led the group in “The 12 Instruments of Christmas.” Each Grower was handed an instrument that they would play when it became their turn in the song. They applauded each other as they went and smiled in pure holiday bliss.

Ending the festivities, Kristyn asked the Growers what holiday songs they wanted to sing along to. Surprisingly, the first song suggested was “Blue Christmas.” The Elvis-loving Growers laughed and sang along, and then rejoiced in “Frosty the Snowman.” Kristyn finished by leading “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as the warm-hearted Growers flashed cheery smiles.

If you attended this year’s Holiday Community Sing, none of this musical joy would surprise you. We are so thankful for Kristyn and WB Music Therapy for their transformative work with our Growers and the true delight they bring to the Farm. Lastly, we want to wish all of our friends and supporters a very happy holiday

If you would like more information on music therapy, you can visit WB Music Therapy’s site at www.wbmusictherapy.com or the American Music Therapy Association’s site at https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets. You can donate to support our ability to provide Growers these music therapy sessions at our fundraising site.