This Christmas, we wanted our teenage youth to look beyond the commercial side of Christmas and focus on gratitude and giving. This theme took root and became the message behind the entire “Counting Christmas Blessings” album, released in 2024, which includes “My Favorite Things,” “When the River Meets the Sea,” “O Holy Night,” and more.

The Backstory

Danny Kaye was a fixture in my home growing up, so naturally, “White Christmas” was a family favorite. When Laura Osnes and Lyceum first had the opportunity to make music together at a series of Christmas concerts in 2022, we commissioned this beautiful lullaby version of the Irving Berlin classic “Count Your Blessings” for our Christmas concerts. It was arranged by one of our very own Lyceum Alum — David Stillman.

Chris Meek came up with the concept of using mementos to help Laura and the student musicians show what they were grateful for this holiday. There were so many more than we could highlight. It’s amazing how, when you start counting your blessings, they really add up!

As President Russell M. Nelson said, “I have concluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription.”

One incredible blessing was how the Ashton family stepped in at the last minute to provide this amazing filming location and how the weather perfectly cooperated with the video shoot. All of the shots you see were taken in and around that beautiful property.

Credits
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Arranged by David Stillman
Performed by Lyceum Philharmonic at American Heritage School, directed by Kayson Brown.
Audio Recording Engineers: Dan Morgan, David Stillman
Edited, Mixed, and Mastered by Al van der Beek, David Stillman, and in:ciite Studios.
Videography by RJ Idos & Chris Meek
Hair and Makeup by Janna Larsen
Produced by Kayson Brown, Laura Osnes, and Chris Meek