In my version of the little drummer boy, the young shephard is about to give his drum as a gift, but joseph as a fast thinking father, suggests he just play a short piece for the babe, instead of joseph having to hear jesus banging on the drum as he learns...
Mary nods because she totally agrees that a gift of a drum is never a good idea for new parents’ children...
The young shephard keeps his drum, and later, when herod’s men are searching for jesus, the drummer boy distracts them by playing his drum... Sadly he is killed by the soldiers.. Pa rumpapum pum.
I remember a version when I was very young where arab looking dudes storm his home and murder his family. He was so angry they had to paint a smile on him.