With the Smiths: 8 siblings create holiday magic

It’s not an uncommon tradition for families to gather and sing Christmas carols around the holidays. But eight siblings who grew up in Vaughan, are taking it to a whole different level.

Each year, Jeff, Donny, Phil, Dave, Joe, Stephanie, Mary Ann, and Jonathan create well produced videos of the entire clan singing different holiday songs and post them to YouTube. Some play instruments, one plays the drums, but they all sing.

“Music has always been at the core of every family gathering,” said Jeff Smith, the eldest of the siblings.

It started when they were young, inspired by their parents, Cris and Don. “With so many kids, I had to keep them busy,” joked Cris.

Years ago, some of the siblings started a band but as they got older and created families of their own, life got in the way. Then two years ago, all eight of them wanted to start something special.

“We decided to get together and create music,” said Joe, who is also the family’s videographer. “We all were sort of doing it anyway at family gatherings, so we said, why not share it with others.”

On their YouTube page, they have several videos of them performing different holiday songs. This year, they chose “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

“It was just a way for us to get together,” said Stephanie. They then had to come up with a name. They chose “With the Smiths.”

“We thought the name really spoke to inviting others to spend the holidays with the Smiths,” said Donny. “That’s who we are, we welcome all.”

It then became a tradition and they’re not the only ones who look forward to them.

“We’ve had several friends who’ve seen these and they love them!” Mary-Ann said. “The first video we did, we Just loved that family dynamic, the message it gave out and loved being together.”

But there’s more to the Smiths than their songs.

“There’s eight of us here physically but nine of us in spirit,” Jeff said.

Their sister, Sara Elizabeth, passed away at an early age. She was born with Trisomy 13, a rare condition, associated with high mortality, a range of congenital abnormalities, and severe physical and cognitive impairment.

“She only lived for about a month but touched us all,” said Jeff. “We wanted her memory to live on.”

So, Cris, with the help of her husband and all eight kids, created the Sara Elizabeth Centre. It’s located in Vaughan and is a day program for young adults with special needs.

The primary focus is to discover their talent, beauty, and uniqueness through art-based programs. That’s where you will often find the entire Smith family performing and singing along with the clients.

“Sara was only with us a short time, but through this centre, her memory lives on and that is just beautiful,” Donny said.

As for their videos—they’re not looking for fame or fortune. For this family, the goal is clear.
“It’s just something to help us stay closer,” said Mary Ann. “Every year it’s more a gift to us than anything else.”

“We’re going to continue to do this anyways and if there’s people who enjoy it, then cool that’s great!” Stephanie chimed in.

To watch “With the Smiths” sing, click here.
.