For a few reasons (program timing, inclination, community) I don’t sing a lot of Christmas songs in my library. But if you do, this one is a fun cumulative, call and response that can also be extended with a felt story.
The songwriters are Hal Moore and Bill Fredericks, and it was first recorded in 1960, although if you’re a storytimer you’re probably more familiar with Raffi’s recording. This is a slightly simplified version (no bridge, fewer transitions), and I’ve transposed it into an easy ukulele key. If you like to sing/play in G, try it as G/D/C.
Must Be Santa
C G7
Who's got a beard that's long and white?
C
Santa's got a beard that's long and white
G7
Who comes around on a special night
C
Santa comes around on a special night
C
Special night, beard that's white
F C
Must be Santa, must be Santa,
G7 C
Must be Santa, Santa Claus
Verses
Who wears boots and a suit of red / long cap on his head...
Who's got a big red cherry nose / laughs this way HO HO HO...
Who very soon will come our way / eight little reindeer pull his sleigh...
Felt Story Extension
Here are a couple photos of my version (complete Santa, and component pieces). I used clip-art for the sleigh, and my colleague Linda’s reindeer pattern, but otherwise it’s original. The base Santa is adapted from a paper doll pattern.
This week’s Flannel Friday is hosted at What Happens in Storytime, so check them out for more winter and holiday ideas.
