From a television special to a live stage, and now its own organization.
Hope for the Holidays was created by Steve James and ResilientYOU to celebrate resilience and promote hope during the season when many people experience difficulty and challenge. It grew into an annual CBS television and streaming event in Utah, pairing festive, heartwarming music from popular recording artists with messages of hope from special guests and stories of everyday heroes.
In 2024, its fifth annual season, the special aired on KUTV, KJZZ and KMYU and was broadcast on the American Forces Network to military families throughout the world. In 2025 the program stepped onto the stage as Hope for the Holidays LIVE, a benefit Christmas concert in Bluffdale, Utah, where admission was a new toy for a family in need.
Today Hope for the Holidays is becoming its own organization, carrying the same mission forward: celebrate the best of humanity, lift those who are struggling, and bring people together at the most festive time of the year.
The goodness in people, through music, stories and recognition.
Those facing a hard season, with messages of hope and practical help.
Families, artists, sponsors and communities around a shared holiday tradition.
The lineups below come from each season’s program. Hope for the Holidays marked its fifth annual season in 2024.
Presented by ResilientYOU and CBS 2 News, the hour-long special aired Saturday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m., with a rebroadcast later in the season. It was preceded by the Hope for the Holidays Executive Luncheon at the Zions Bank Building in Salt Lake City.
Gentri, One Voice Children’s Choir, Alan Osmond, The Bonner Family, The Nashville Tribute Band, David Osmond, the Steve and Lisa James Family and Calee Reed.
Presented by ResilientYOU and CBS 2 News, the special aired Saturday, December 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Gentri, One Voice Children’s Choir, David Osmond, Mat and Savanna Shaw, Ryan Shupe, Nathan Osmond, Christian Guardino, the Steve and Lisa James Family, Doug Osmond and Brandy Vega.
Hosted by David Osmond, the special aired Saturday, December 14 on KUTV, KJZZ and KMYU and was broadcast on the American Forces Network to military families throughout the world, with rebroadcasts on December 22 and Christmas Day.
Gentri, One Voice Children’s Choir, Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four, Eclipse 6, the Lyceum Philharmonic and the James Family.
A benefit Christmas concert presented by The Parent Link on Monday, December 15 at Hidden Valley Middle School in Bluffdale, Utah. Admission was a new toy to help provide Christmas for 150 families in need.
Nathan Osmond, the Steve and Lisa James Family, Yahosh Bonner, the Utah Pipe Band, Days of ’47 Royalty and Ballet Folklórico Quetzalcóatl de Utah, plus the Majestic Elementary 6th Grade Band, Bluffdale Elementary 5th Grade Singers and Summit Academy Singers.
Alongside the music, the program has honored people who epitomize resilience and spread hope in the world.
Steve James is the founder and executive producer of Hope for the Holidays and the founder of ResilientYOU. The Steve and Lisa James Family has performed in every season shown here, and the program has grown from their belief that a song, a story and a little kindness can carry someone through a hard season.
Hope for the Holidays is growing. Join the sponsors, artists and volunteers who make it possible.
