This Christmas

by Donny Hathaway

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Lyrics

(Fmaj7)Pres ents and cards are here.

(Dm9)My world is filled with cheer and (Ebmaj9)you, ter

(Ebmaj7)this (Dm7)Christ (C13sus)mas.

(Fmaj7)And as I look a round (Dm9)your much eyes out shine the town; they (Ebmaj9)do, er

(Ebmaj7)this (Dm7)Christ (C13sus)mas.

The (Am7)fi re side is blaz ing bright.

We’re (Gm7)car ol in’ through the night

and this (F)Christ mas

will (Bbmaj7)be a (Eb9)ver y spe cial (Am7)Christ mas

for (B)me.

(Fmaj7)Hang all the mis tle toe.

(Dm9)I’m gon na get to know you (Ebmaj9)bet ter

(Ebmaj7)this (Dm7)Christ (C13sus)mas.

(Fmaj7)And as we trim the tree, (Dm9)how much fun it’s gon na be to (Ebmaj9)geth er

(Ebmaj7)this (Dm7)Christ (C13sus)mas.

The (Am7)fi re side is blaz ing bright.

We’re (Gm7)car ol in’ through the night

and this (F)Christ mas

will (Bbmaj7)be a (Eb9)ver y spe cial (Am7)Christ mas

for (B)me.

Mer ry Christ mas.

Shake your hand, shake your hand (Bbmaj7)now.

Wish your broth er mer ry Christ mas

all o ver the land (Ebmaj7)now.

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Bb at 100 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "This Christmas" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "This Christmas"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "This Christmas" use?
Just 18 chords: Abmaj9, Am, Am7, B7, Bbmaj7, Bm7, C7, Cdom, +10 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Donny Hathaway songs work for kids?
Try "THE GHETTO", "SOMEDAY WE'LL ALL BE FREE", "This Christmas". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.