This holiday season, I’m filled with a special kind of excitement—one rooted in the power of music. My mom, who lives with aphasia after her stroke, struggles to speak. But something magical happens when we sing: her words come back. Singing engages a different part of the brain than speaking does, allowing her to express herself in ways she otherwise cannot. And what better time to embrace this than during Christmas, when the air is filled with the melodies of beloved carols?
Understanding the Brain’s Role in Singing vs. Speaking
The brain’s two hemispheres play distinct roles in communication. The left hemisphere, often referred to as the logical side, is responsible for language processing, speech production, and analytical thinking. Aphasia, a condition that often follows a stroke, typically affects this part of the brain, making speaking difficult or even impossible.
The right hemisphere, however, is associated with creativity, music, and emotional expression. Research shows that singing taps into this creative side, bypassing the damaged areas responsible for speech. A 2010 study published in Brain and Language revealed that music-based therapy significantly improved communication abilities in stroke survivors with aphasia. Singing helps unlock words and emotions, offering a path for self-expression and connection that feels almost miraculous.
For my mom, singing Christmas songs is more than just a holiday activity—it’s a way for us to reconnect.
A Playlist of Timeless Christmas Carols
This year, we’re diving into the classics. These songs are not only beautiful but also easy to sing along with, making them perfect for someone with aphasia. Here’s our list of favorites:
- “Silent Night” – A calming and gentle melody that’s easy to follow.
- “Jingle Bells” – The repetitive lyrics and cheerful rhythm make it a fun and engaging choice.
- “O Holy Night” – A powerful and emotional carol that resonates deeply.
- “Deck the Halls” – The repetitive “fa la la” is a great confidence booster for non-verbal singers.
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Its playful nature adds a bit of laughter to the holiday season.
- “The First Noel” – A classic that’s both soulful and heartwarming.
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – A lively and simple tune to close out our caroling sessions.
These songs, with their familiar tunes and repetition, help my mom feel confident and connected.
The Science Behind Singing and Aphasia
Research supports the benefits of singing for individuals with aphasia. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2018 highlights how music therapy, including singing, activates brain regions outside the damaged areas, particularly in the right hemisphere. This process is known as melodic intonation therapy (MIT) and is widely used to improve verbal communication in stroke survivors.
Even if the words don’t come easily in conversation, singing activates neural pathways that allow words to flow. It’s like watching her find her voice all over again, one note at a time.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
This Christmas, our living room will be filled with music, laughter, and probably a few off-key moments—but that’s part of the charm. Each carol we sing together is a reminder that, even in the face of challenges, we can find joy, connection, and hope.
For caregivers like me, these moments are priceless. They’re a reminder that recovery and love aren’t always linear—they’re sometimes as simple as singing “Jingle Bells” together on a December evening.
If you or a loved one is navigating aphasia, consider embracing music this holiday season. Whether it’s traditional Christmas carols or another genre of music, the act of singing together can be incredibly therapeutic and uplifting.
This holiday season, I’m not just singing for tradition; I’m singing for connection, for healing, and for the simple joy of seeing my mom smile.
Sources Cited:
- Schlaug, G., Norton, A., Marchina, S., Zipse, L., & Wan, C. Y. (2010). From Singing to Speaking: Facilitating Recovery from Nonfluent Aphasia. Brain and Language.
- Tomaino, C. M. (2018). Music Therapy and Aphasia Rehabilitation: Musical Intonation and Beyond. Frontiers in Psychology.
Beyond Stroke Survival 
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