A Blast from Christmas Past with a nod to the Present

Our Most Beloved TV Spots from Christmas Past and Present

Even the biggest humbug loves a good holiday commercial. On that merry note, we asked our staff to choose their favorite TV commercials.

 
Kelly’s Pick:

This heart-warmer doesn’t get lost in translation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N2eSsIWtNI&feature=emb_title

 

Chad’s Pick

Short, simple, clever and it never takes you away from the product.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oKY3pnNht0

 

Matt’s Pick:

I don’t see too many commercials and I haven’t paid much attention this year because we are usually streaming a binge-worthy series. But this one is pretty funny, especially since we used to have a dog who loved sticks of any size and shape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lodIf8PeO0s

 

Ginger’s Picks:

This tear-jerker from Kohl’s hits me with all the feel! They captured our relevant predicament and turned it into a heartfelt reason for the season. Pass the Kleenex, please.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqlgWXgOa_c

 

Well, this is the recent past. But it reflects a time when the technology was still newish in a way that feels nostalgic. And it makes me wish this was the kind of socially close holiday we could all share this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v76f6KPSJ2w

 

Shaun’s Pick:

“They do exist!” by M&M. For every kid who wanted to sneak downstairs in the middle of the night and catch Santa Claus in the act. Probably the most creative and hilarious 15-second spot ever. Playing on the mysterious feeling of Christmas Eve and whether Santa Claus really exists. Some creative details are the red M&M burning his finger on the candle and the M&M reflections on the Christmas bulb. The objective was product awareness for red and green M&Ms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMAHqp9FNw

 

Anna’s Picks:

M&M’s – Faint 2: A Very Yellow Sequel. The sequel to the classic M&Ms commercial Shaun picked. This one debuted after 21 years, and wrapped up the story with style. A good example of capitalizing on a marketing hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qHE1Jxf7rI

 

Short and simple:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEhFg6sIOEA&feature=emb_logo

 

Rachel’s Pick:

Sainsbury’s Ad 1914. Wow, this commercial really hits me with how much I have to be thankful for, how many people are not with family and friends or in a tough situation at Christmas time.  However, it shows that no matter what the situation is, one can always make the best of it and be kind.  Plus this is from true-life events, which is even more of a heartwarming story. What a way to celebrate our Savior’s birth by making friends with the enemy.

https://youtu.be/NWF2JBb1bvM

 

Falalalala dR Holiday Music Playlist

In lieu of caroling in person for you this year, we’ve done the next best thing. We’ve put together a playlist of our favorite holiday songs. Feel free to sing along!

 

Kelly’s Picks:

HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER). (Ultimate Mix, 2020) John & Yoko Plastic Ono Band + Harlem Community Choir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kj60DIq2M&list=RDg_kj60DIq2M&start_radio=1&t=0
 
Nat King Cole,Frank Sinatra,Dean Martin,Elvis Presley,Bing Crosby Classics Christmas with Fireplace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4RU–j2gXU
 
Chad’s Picks:

I’m not a huge fan of holiday songs, but there are two that always make me smile for different reasons:

 

This David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet is so amazingly awkward and uncomfortable it’s hilarious. My friend and I have been texting this back and forth once every Christmas for years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ

 

It’s so awkward that
Will Farrell and John C. Reilly recreated it verbatim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJBFD-Wvc7U

 

But my favorite

Christmas song is from the Peanuts Christmas Special from when I was a kid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00gXEn1ehDg

 

Ginger’s Picks:

The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole.

If you don’t love this one, I have a hard time believing that you have a pulse!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKhRnZZ0cJI

 

Hallelujah, Pentatonix.

Okay, so this isn’t really a true Christmas song, but I love it anyhow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ

 

Shaun Pick’s:

“Christmas Canon,” Trans-Siberian Orchestra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg

 

Long December, Counting Crows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D5PtyrewSs

 

Winter Winds, Mumford Sons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmPqIcqGDYk

 

Sweater Weather – The Neighborhood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCdwKhTtNNw

 

Run-Rudolph-Run, Chuck Berry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiadNVhaGwk

 

Anna’s Picks:

Skating, Vince Guaraldi Trio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn4Y3sHyfsg

 

Christmas in Jail, the Youngsters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM38kN4AOys

 

Frosty the Snowman, Harry Connick Jr.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62sgYWRrdU

 

Matt’s Picks:

I’ll second Chad’s pick of the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet. But I don’t think it’s awkward. I think their voices and the two songs blend well together. And I still vividly remember seeing it for the first time back in high school.

 

Little Drummer Boy – Bob Seger. I just think this is a great Christmas song/message, and I love Bob Seger’s version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix_vxfkVyFE

 

Children Go Where I Send Thee – Natalie Merchant. I think this one has a great groove, and Natalie Merchant is from Western New York so that’s a plus:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17pHA9qROtY

 

Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC. Reminds me of when the kids were little, we would play music and have them dance at night to tire them out for bed. At Christmas time, this was a favorite for that purpose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

 

Rachel’s Picks:

My absolute favorite is a toss-up between Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood singing Silent Night and Il Divo’s version of Oh Holy Night. 

 

Silent Night – Kelly, Reba and Trisha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BRVkgaIcaE

 

Oh Holy Night – Il Divo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5j_XuATgRU

 

I have to second Shaun with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Canon – it has always given me the chills when you listen to it on a great sound system!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg

 

Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix – This is a very talented group with all a cappella vocals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc

 

Mary, Did You Know – Pentatonix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

We’ll dR See you again next year!