This Christmas, we’re inviting you to join us in celebrating the power of music with Sing It Forward: Rewrite the Classics. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, creating moments of joy and reflection, and offering a sense of connection when we need it most.

Through this interactive campaign, we invite you to share your story of hope or gratitude by rewriting a few lines of a Christmas classic. Whether you’re reflecting on a cherished memory, a moment of gratitude, or a hope for the year ahead, this is your chance to let music help express what words alone cannot.

Let’s come together this festive season to celebrate the power of song and the connections it creates.

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A Look Back: How It All Began

Two years ago, our community came together to create a meaningful group song, On A Cold December Night, showcasing the therapeutic power of music. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can bring us closer, even during challenging times. This year, we’re building on that spirit of connection by inviting everyone to participate in Sing It Forward.

How to Get Involved

1) Choose a Song
Pick a Christmas song that holds special meaning for you. Rewrite a few lines (a verse or chorus) to reflect your gratitude for this year or a hope for the year ahead. Don’t worry if songwriting feels daunting—this is all about expressing yourself, and we’ll share tips to help you get started!

2) Record Your Verse
Once you've rewritten your lyrics, record your version—whether it’s a video or audio, whatever feels comfortable for you.

3) Share and Sing It Forward
Post your creation on social media with the hashtag #SingItForward (tag is so we can see) and tag someone to pass it on! Together, we’ll create a chain of songs that reminds us of the power of music in fostering connection and hope.

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Need Inspiration? Try This:

For example, with White Christmas, you could rewrite:
“I’m dreaming of [your hope]
Just like [a cherished memory]
Where the [special moment] glisten
And [people] listen
To hear [something meaningful].”

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Songwriting Tips from Our Music Therapists

Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or trying this for the first time, here are some tips to get started:

1. Find Your Space
   Choose an environment where you feel comfortable and inspired—this could be a quiet room, a bustling coffee shop, or even out in nature.
2. Capture Inspiration
   When an idea strikes, jot it down or record it as a voice memo. Even fleeting thoughts can evolve into something profound.
3. Start Small
   Don’t feel pressured to rewrite the entire song. Start with a section that speaks to you most, like the chorus or a key verse, and build from there.

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Share Your Journey

We can’t wait to see your creativity and hear your stories through music. Whether you’re reflecting on a moment of gratitude or expressing hope for the future, your voice can inspire others to do the same.

Let’s rewrite the classics together this Christmas and Sing It Forward!

If you'd like to learn more about our online or in-person community music groups and the different ways they can support you, visit https://www.chilternmusictherapy.co.uk/community-groups

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A little note about our content in the lead up to Christmas We know that not everyone celebrates Christmas and for some it can be a difficult time. That’s why this year we will only be posting Christmas content on Facebook and Instagram and a limited amount on our emails unless you sign up for it. This means that Threads and LinkedIn will be Christmas-free and we will be sharing our usual music therapy content