Arthur Gourounlian's Christmas charity single is the festive feel-good we all need
If there’s one thing guaranteed to make an Irish mum a little emotional while simultaneously bopping along in the kitchen, it’s a Christmas charity single with an all-star lineup and a genuinely lovely story behind it. And this one has both in abundance.
Arthur Gourounlian, choreographer, TV personality and now clearly the man with the most wholesome vision in Irish entertainment, is bringing together some truly iconic Irish voices for a brand-new Christmas charity single. Christmas Twice a Year, performed by Arthur Gourounlian’s Christmas Collective, will feature Daniel O’Donnell, Una Healy, Niamh Kavanagh and Mary Byrne, along with the Newbridge Gospel Choir. It’s set to be available from 1 November 2026, with all proceeds going to LauraLynn and Barretstown.
A Song Born from Fatherhood
The single was written by Karl Brodrick and produced by Arthur Gourounlian and Chris Browne, and the inspiration behind it is genuinely touching. Arthur, who didn’t grow up celebrating Christmas in Armenia, says that becoming a father completely transformed how he sees the season.
“Becoming a father has given Christmas a whole new meaning for me,” Arthur said. “Seeing it through my children’s eyes reminds me that the greatest gifts we can give are love, kindness and time together. I wanted to create something joyful that families could sing along to, while helping children and families who need support.”
That sentiment will hit home for so many of us. There’s something about watching your own children’s faces light up at Christmas that shifts your whole perspective on the season. Suddenly it stops being about the shopping and the stress and becomes something else entirely. That’s the feeling this song is chasing, and with a lineup like this, it might just catch it.
Songwriter Karl Brodrick puts it well: “I wanted to capture that irresistible Christmas feeling. Wishing that excitement and fun could happen more than once a year. At its heart is the idea that the kindness and love we share at Christmas can be shared year-round.”
The Voices Behind the Single
The lineup alone is enough to make this one worth downloading. Una Healy, who is a mum herself, said the message of the song resonated with her on a personal level. “There’s something very special about a Christmas song that makes you smile from the first listen,” she said. “‘Christmas Twice a Year’ has that lovely festive energy, with a message about love and togetherness at its heart. As a mother, that really resonates with me.”
Daniel O’Donnell, whose voice at Christmas is practically a national institution at this point, is equally enthusiastic. “Christmas is a special time for music and for bringing people together. I’m delighted to be part of Arthur’s Christmas Collective and to lend my voice to a song with such a lovely message.”
Mary Byrne, never one to shy away from a big emotion, added: “I love a song with heart, and this one has plenty of it. It’s catchy, it’s joyful, and it celebrates the love we share at Christmas.”
Niamh Kavanagh, whose voice could melt a snowman, called the project a joy. “Music has a wonderful way of lifting spirits and connecting people. This song is full of warmth and fun, and it has been a joy to be part of the collective.”
And the Newbridge Gospel Choir, whose contribution promises to give the whole thing that extra bit of spine-tingling power, are equally proud to be involved. Musical director Lisa Nagle said: “Singing together is all about community, and this project captures that spirit beautifully.”
Two Charities That Do Extraordinary Work
The proceeds from Christmas Twice a Year will be shared between LauraLynn and Barretstown, two charities that need very little introduction to Irish families but whose work is worth saying out loud anyway.
LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice, supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families through some of the most difficult moments imaginable. CEO Kerry McLaverty said: “The song’s celebration of love, kindness and spending time together reflects what matters so much to the children and families we support.”
Barretstown provides life-changing therapeutic programmes for children affected by serious illness. Tim O’Dea said: “There is such joy and warmth in this song, and we hope it inspires people to come together this Christmas.”
The initiative is supported by Hidden Hearing, whose Marketing Director Dolores Madden noted how fitting the partnership feels. “Christmas is full of sounds that bring us closer together, whether it’s music, laughter and the voices of the people we love. At Hidden Hearing, we understand how much those connections matter.”
Christmas Twice a Year will be available to download from 1 November 2026 on Spotify and Apple Music. You can also support the charities directly by donating at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/christmascollective.
Stick it on the playlist. Buy it for the kids. Buy it for yourself. It’s Christmas for a cause, and honestly, we’re already ready for it.