Navajo Christmas Songs

Although Native Americans, including the Navajo, have their own forms of spirituality, Christianity was introduced to Indians in the southwest part of the country during the latter half of the 19th century. Catholic missionaries went onto the lands of the Navajo people from the years of 1869 to 1919 to spread the gospel. Some of the Navajo became believers and adopted Christian customs like celebrating Christmas.

How Christmas is Celebrated

The Navajo Nation celebrates Christmas much the same way as most people around the country celebrate the holiday. The family gathers together, special foods are prepared and gifts are exchanged. They may also attend services and sing traditional Christmas carols, but in their native tongue. Most of the traditional songs of the season, such as “Silent Night,” “O, Holy Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Away in a Manger” are just a few of the Christmas songs that are sung by many Navajo during Christmas celebrations.

Just as other communities around the country, and across the world, do, the Navajo also have their versions of live Nativity scenes depicting the night that the Christ-child was said to have been born. Along with this traditional scene, there maybe Christmas carolers strolling through the community and special church services with children taking part in Christmas plays or other Christmas ceremonies.

Navajo Christmas Songs

Along with the traditional songs that everyone has grown accustomed to for Christmas, there are also unique Navajo songs, many performed in dance style, that have been written by Navajo musicians and singers. One such song is “Grandma’s Navajo Christmas.” This song is on an album of Christmas music performed by the Navajo singing group the Tódí Neesh Zhee Singers. They are also known for performing traditional Navajo dance music.

Another original song on their Christmas album, entitled “Navajo Christmas” is a song performed in dance style called “I’ve Journeyed Far to Dance a Beautiful Dance with You.” Along with these dance style songs and traditional Christmas hymns, children’s Christmas songs have been translated into the Navajo language as well. Kids can sing along to “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Jingle Bells,” among many others.

Along with traditional and original Navajo Christmas songs, many Christmas programs include traditional Navajo dances to celebrate the season as well. Many times they are performed by the children of the community, from the very young to teenagers.