Daniel O'Donnell - Blue Christmas | The Late Late Show | RTÉ One

About the Song

Daniel O’Donnell – C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S: A Sweet Celebration of the Season, Letter by Letter

With his gentle voice and sincere heart, Daniel O’Donnell has become a beloved voice of comfort, tradition, and faith for fans around the world. And in his rendition of “C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S,” he brings all of those qualities together in a song that spells out the true meaning of Christmas—one letter at a time.

Originally popularized in the 1940s by Eddy Arnold, “C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S” is a simple yet deeply touching song. It moves through each letter of the word Christmas, assigning it a value rooted in Christian faith and small-town warmth. From “C is for the Christ Child” to “S means shepherds came that night,” the lyrics unfold like a storybook, reminding us of the spiritual foundation beneath all the glitter and wrapping.

Daniel’s version is beautifully understated. With soft country-gospel accompaniment—gentle guitar, light piano, and warm strings—he delivers each line with heartfelt reverence. There’s no rush, no theatrics, just genuine devotion and a desire to share the message. His voice, so often described as “kind,” feels like it’s coming straight from a fireside gathering or a small chapel on Christmas Eve.

What makes this version stand out is Daniel’s ability to make even the simplest lyrics feel deeply personal. You can hear the respect in his tone, the joy in his phrasing, and the quiet awe that Christmas brings to so many. It’s a song not just for listening, but for remembering—of childhood nativity plays, handwritten cards, and family traditions passed down through generations.

“C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S” may spell out the holiday, but in Daniel O’Donnell’s voice, it spells out something more: faith, love, and the timeless beauty of the season.

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