The holidays are close — twinkly lights, cookies in the oven, and… the inevitable moment when someone says, “You should sing something for us!”
If the thought of sharing your voice in front of family, friends, or strangers makes your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned performers feel that little jolt of stage fright before they open their mouths. But here’s the thing — holiday singing doesn’t have to be about pressure, perfection, or proving anything.
It can be low-pressure, high-reward fun.
Whether you’re thinking about singing at a holiday gathering, testing the waters at a local open mic, or posting a festive video online for loved ones, there’s a way to do it that feels empowering instead of terrifying.
Let’s break it down...
1. Start Small and Familiar.
The holidays are not the time to debut that power ballad you’ve never been able to nail past the first chorus. Choose something you love, something you can sing comfortably even if you’re distracted by your aunt asking if you’ve tried the spinach dip.
The best choices:
- Songs you’ve sung for years in the car or shower
- Tunes that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside
- Pieces you can hum in your sleep without breaking a sweat
Your comfort with the song will do 90% of the work in calming your nerves. Plus, it lets your personality shine instead of you being locked in a mental battle with high notes.
2. Rehearse… But Keep It Fun.
This is not your audition for Broadway. Practice enough so the song feels like second nature, but keep the vibe light.
Ideas to make rehearsal fun:
- Sing while baking cookies (bonus points for dramatic stirring during the chorus)
- Record a silly practice video just for yourself
- Try singing it in different “holiday voices” — think “Elf,” “Santa,” or “dramatic snow queen”
The point isn’t perfection. The point is to build muscle memory so your voice knows what to do even if your brain is screaming, “What are you doing?!”
3. Set the Scene for Success.
Your “stage” doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, the more you set things up for comfort, the better you’ll feel.
- At a family gathering: Position yourself where you can see friendly faces. Avoid standing directly under bright overhead lights that make you feel like you’re on trial.
- At an open mic: Bring a friend who cheers loudly for you (this makes strangers cheer, too).
- For a video: Pick a cozy spot you love — your holiday tree in the background, a mug of cocoa in hand.
These little details tell your nervous system, “This is safe. We’re good here.”
4. Rethink the Goal.
Here’s the secret: your performance is not about impressing anyone. It’s about connecting.
When you sing, you’re giving people a memory.
Maybe you’re reminding your grandma of a song she loved as a child. Maybe your niece will always remember that one Christmas when Aunt Judy sang her favorite tune.
Even posting a holiday song video online is less about “likes” and more about sharing a piece of joy that lives on long after the moment passes.
5. Breathe, Smile, and Go for It.
The last few seconds before you start singing are the scariest. That’s when the “what if I mess up?” gremlins show up.
Here’s your counterattack:
- Breathe in slowly for four counts, out for six counts (this signals your body to chill out)
- Smile — it relaxes your jaw and instantly helps your tone
- Remember: Your only job is to enjoy this. Not to be flawless. Not to sound like the record.
Most people are not listening for mistakes; they’re soaking in the moment. And if you do mess up? Laugh, keep going — that’s part of what makes live music so human and lovable.
6. Celebrate After.
When you finish, don’t just brush it off and say, “Oh, it was nothing.” It was something.
- Soak in the smiles and applause (or the flood of “love this!” comments if it’s online).
- Treat yourself — yes, even if you think you could have done better.
- Acknowledge the courage it took to step up.
Confidence grows when you recognize your own bravery.
Final Thought:
The holidays are about connection, tradition, and joy — all things that music delivers beautifully. Sharing your voice is one of the most generous and memorable gifts you can give the people in your life.
So this season, whether you’re crooning by the fireplace, belting out “Jingle Bell Rock” at an open mic, or sending a heartfelt video across the miles, remember: you’re not just singing a song...
You’re giving a piece of yourself. And that’s worth celebrating.
