Nothing makes Christmas more Christmassy than Christmas carols. Alright, snow is nice (depending on where you are!), holiday cookies and eggnog are great too, the ugly sweater thing is a touch of fun and family coming in and out just makes everything better. Now, take all these good things, add in the singing of a few carols, and you’ve got yourself a real Christmas! These songs have been passed down for generations and they still sound good! We love this seasonal music so much that when it’s that time of year, the radio stations play carols 24/7! It’s the cherry on top of the yule log if you ask me!
Here’s another hit done by the tiny sensation Claire Ryann and her dad, Dave. This father-daughter duo is no stranger to taking the Internet by storm, and here they are singing my favorite carol. I know we’re smack dab in the middle of summer right now, but there’s nothing like sharing a good rendition when you hear one, right?
Originally written as a poem by a French wine merchant and poet, known as “Minuit Chretiens,” the prose was re-done and transformed into the carol we know today as “O Holy Night,” by Adolphe Adam, in 1847. Its haunting, flowy, well-known melody is a favorite among many and has been sung in so many different ways – in a big, regal choir or as a pop tune, and today, as a little girl’s big debut.
The video opens to Dave and Claire seated on stage on stools in front of an eager crowd. Dave introduces their performance by saying, “This is one she’s been working super, super hard on…” to which she cuts in and says, “O Holy Night..” Everyone hushes and the piano starts playing.
Her little voice turns on and it’s enough to make everyone hang on to her every note. She sings with joy, and confidence as dad chimes in on the guitar. Her voice is slow and deliberate as she recalls the words. The 5-year-old makes the song her own, her little foibles, and imperfections adding dimension and a whole new layer of cuteness to a gorgeously heavy carol. She’s conquered this classic for sure!
Even at the end, when the song reaches a high point, she sits up straight and nails it! Finishing up, you can feel her slowing down and ending perfectly. The moment she’s done, she looks up to dad for approval and he mouths the words, “That was amazing!” with a big smile. Another job well done. Claire makes me love this song even more!
Click below to watch this father-daughter duo come together to deliver an impactful performance.
