What started as a joke in 2012, has turned into a holiday tradition witnessed by millions.
To the eight Orgill siblings (plus their parents, spouses, nieces and nephews), the annual dance became a way to reconnect in spite of their busy lives.
When the siblings were young their parents "would have us put on funny little plays and then videotape us just for fun. With eight young children, they were always looking for ways to keep us busy," Ammon Orgill said.
Starting with a silly dance to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" in 2012 soon had the family internet famous.
Then in 2013 the family embraced their inner Mariah again, with "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town."
By 2014 they had almost half a million views on their take of Justin Bieber's "Drummer Boy."
Now they have taken it up a notch, and you have to see this year's video!
Five years later the Utah family has grown and so has their annual dances.
"It first started out as just a fun activity for us to do as a family together," Joseph Orgill said. "As the years went on it turned into something we could all look forward to ... people fly from out-of-state and practice for weeks leading up to it."
Joseph calls his brother Ammon Orgill the "mastermind" behind the operation.
"[Ammon] spends months preparing, trying to find a good song and good moves," Joseph said. "After Christmas, he's already thinking about the next one ... Throughout the year, he'll send us videos of things to learn and think about while we prepare."
Once the family reunites for Thanksgiving, it's time for them to start practicing their dance.
"We spend at least two full days of 8-10 hours practicing and rehearing together," explained Joseph.
The family films about 20 single-take versions of the dance, and then selects the best one to share with all of us!
They celebrate their hard work every year with a fondue party, complete with a chocolate fountain.
While getting together and spending that much time with your family, each who have varying personalities and views can be tough, they try to embrace the beauty of their unique views.
"We have always been really close even though we have different beliefs and values," said Joseph. "We take pride in that, the fact that we've put our differences aside and love each other unconditionally."
I know if I tried to do this with my family, it would definitely pose some challenges. The same goes with them.
"It's not something that comes without effort," Joseph continued. "We all have to be aware of our different situations ... We've learned that we can be a support network."
This year's video has been seen over 2.7 million times, and when you watch it, you will see why!
Set to Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me," it includes the eight siblings, mom and dad as well as nieces and nephews.
Family Goals Our family is probably bigger and more extra than yours. 8 siblings 2 parents 3 in-laws 3 nieces 3 dogs Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ammon-Orgill-Videos-875954889185240/ YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcQ49DFYG4Y&feature=youtu.be If you need more Christmas spirit, here are the links to videos from previous years: 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIGXGenTy4E 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igNnmuZXWAg 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTQBW9NMFgI
Posted by Ammon Orgill on Sunday, November 26, 2017
Don't expect to see this family any more than during the holidays, though.
"We're a family that doesn't dance other than at Christmas," said Joseph. "But it's always really special when we finally come together and complete another year of this tradition."
Good for them! I know I couldn't do that with my family.
Source: Today / Country Living