If they can, have the students read the rhythms. You will also be preparing students to learn do re mi. Teach the melody by rote and play the game.

The game “Ho, Ho, Ho!” is played in a single circle. Each student faces a partner. On the first measure they point fingers at their partner. On the second measure they point a finger with the other hand. On the third measure, join hands and change places with their partner. On the last measure they each jump half a turn to face a new partner and the game repeats.

Teach this song by rote. Choose instruments to make the sounds in the song. Use the song “The Bells on the Sleigh” to introduce families of unpitched instruments.

Sort the instruments into families of unpitched.

Have the students choose unpitched rhythm instruments to accompany the song. Choose instruments for each sound.

For example:
"The bells on the sleigh go ding, ding, ding ..." - sleighbells
"The reindeer hooves go tap, tap, tap ..." - woodblocks
"Down the chimney comes Santa Claus ..." - downward glissando on a glockenspiel
"Santa Claus says, 'Ho Ho Ho' ..." - say, "Ho Ho Ho," with hands on hips

Have the students create rhythm patterns and play them on the unpitched instruments. You could divide the students into two groups. Have one group play rhythms created by students. Have another group play an ostinato with a contrasting instrument.

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Use the instruments to sort, create and play Holiday Rhythms.

Do this as a class activity first. Have the rhythm pages in front of you. Clap and say all the picture words. Then place them on the correct rhythm page.

If you like to set up centers for students, this is a great center.
Copy and cut out all the picture word cards.
Then have the students sort them by rhythm.

The pdf can be found in supporting resources of this lesson.

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Teach the song by rote.

Play with hands or paper plates along with "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."

You could also cut circles out of paper to use instead of paper plates.

Watch the story of The Nutcracker.

Ask the children to tell you their favorite songs, games or activities that they've done during the school year. List the songs/games/activities on the board, then have the student vote for their favorites. Conduct the votes with their eyes closed. As you work through the list of games/songs/activities, review the concepts that were taught in the activity. I'm often surprised at the activities that are the children's favorites!

Sing "The Music Time is Over."