5 Holiday Commercials That Still Give You Chills 30 Years Later

Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and the scent of gingerbread fill the air. But let’s be honest—what really gets us into the holiday spirit? Those unforgettable commercials that’ve become a part of our collective memory. You know the ones I’m talking about: the ads that tug at your heartstrings or make you tear up just a little. Even after all these years, they can still send chills down your spine. Here are five holiday commercials that have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with us three decades later.

1. Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” (1980)

Photo by Bekky Bekks

First up, we have the iconic Coca-Cola ad featuring the legendary football player Mean Joe Greene. If you haven’t seen it, let me set the scene for you: a young boy offers Greene a Coke after a tough game, and in return, he gets a smile and a jersey from the big guy himself. It’s pure magic! This heartwarming moment captures the essence of kindness and the spirit of giving, which is what the holidays are all about. You can’t help but feel a little choked up when you remember how a simple act of generosity can turn someone’s day around. Plus, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? This ad is a classic for a reason.

2. John Lewis’ “The Long Wait” (2011)

Okay, let’s jump ahead a bit—this one’s from the UK, but it’s a holiday gem that crossed borders. John Lewis delivered a punch with “The Long Wait,” featuring a young boy who’s eagerly counting down the days until Christmas. You think he’s excited for his own presents, but spoiler alert: he’s actually looking forward to giving a gift to his parents. The twist at the end hits you right in the feels! It’s a beautiful reminder that the act of giving can bring just as much joy as receiving. Honestly, I dare you to watch it without getting a little misty-eyed. Just when you think you’re safe, those holiday vibes sneak up on you!

3. Apple’s “Misunderstood” (2013)

Ah, Apple. They’ve got a knack for creating ads that tug at your heartstrings, don’t they? “Misunderstood” follows a teenage boy who seems detached from his family during the holiday festivities, glued to his phone and shooting videos. Everyone assumes he’s just a typical teenager too busy for family bonding. But in a delightful twist, we discover he’s been capturing precious moments throughout the holiday season to create a touching video for his family. It’s a fantastic reminder that sometimes, the things we think are alienating can actually bring us closer together. Also, it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling about family and tech, which is kind of rare. Who knew a tech commercial could make you feel so… human?

4. M&M’s “Christmas” (1996)

Let’s lighten the mood a bit with M&M’s classic holiday ad featuring the red and yellow candies. Picture this: they’re at a Christmas party, and things get hilariously chaotic. Red decides to dress up as Santa, but things don’t go quite as planned. The ad is packed with humor, nostalgia, and those unforgettable M&M characters we all know and love. It’s the perfect blend of lighthearted fun and holiday spirit that reminds us that while the holidays can be serious business, they should also be filled with laughter. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good chuckle while cramming their face with holiday treats?

5. Budweiser’s “Whassup?” (1999)

Finally, we can’t forget Budweiser’s “Whassup?” ads, which became a cultural phenomenon. While the original aired earlier, the holiday version, featuring a group of friends catching up over the phone during the festive season, is still a riot. It captures that feeling of camaraderie, laughter, and, let’s be honest, a little too much holiday cheer. It’s a reminder that while the holidays can get a bit chaotic, they’re also about connecting with friends and family over a good time. And let’s face it; who doesn’t love a good “Whassup?” moment during the holiday season? It’s the perfect way to remind us that joy comes from sharing those silly, memorable moments with each other.

Vinyl and Velvet