Maybe it was how we were brought up, but maybe it wasn’t.
Growing up (in Indonesia), Christmas was never a big thing. Plus we didn’t come from a Christian family who would celebrate the holiday in all its glory. But every year, we decorated our Christmas tree and even created our own little nativity scene out of boxes and newspapers. Christmas was always filled with music; tunes from the fancy fairy lights and carols sung on karaoke. Christmas was always all kinds of wonderful.
Now that we’ve grown up, I would’ve thought Christmas would’ve lost its magic. (I’m talking here about the commercialised Christmas, not the actual meaning of Christmas, in which case I will always be forever amazed and in awe of God’s love for us.)
But you know what?! Each year, when the time comes for us to celebrate this holiday season, I really do feel the magic in the air.
I mean, of course, there are Christmas display windows (I’m looking at you Myer). And there are those Christmas decorations throughout town (Melbourne, you always disappoint though). And the beautiful lit trees every where we go. And carols, yup, I’m a sucker for Christmas songs. In fact, I’m a sucker for anything Christmas-related (yes, I’m like that with celebrations and festive seasons and events).
But one thing that gets me this year seems to be the advertisements on TV. Yes, it’s early November, but just a few weeks ago (October, that is), I saw the first Christmas ad on TV and it made me smile.
Find Wonderful is Myer’s Christmas campaign. And how beautifully scripted (and made) it was!
“Ever wonder where wonderful went? When we were small, wonderful was everywhere… And then we all got serious. Why?! When there’s so much to feel wonderful about.”
I don’t know about you, but it surely reminded me of my childhood, of early Decembers when we would unpack the Christmas tree and decorate it with all the ornaments and lights we could find… It’s a beautiful message to remind us of the magic in the little things. I love it.
And it didn’t stop there. Last night, my sister posted her excitement for Christmas (it runs in the family) with a John Lewis ad that was equally wonderful…
“Give someone the Christmas they’ve been dreaming of” featuring a very cute penguin and an adorable kid. This one focuses on love and giving. Well, seriously though, if you think about it, that’s what Christmas is all about, isn’t it?!
As if these two weren’t enough to get me gushing, David Jones also came up with a gorgeous short cinematic ad for Christmas…
“The Things We Do For Love” is another heart warming Christmas ad that makes us want to just rush to the stores and purchase all our Christmas gifts right away… Or, just do a DIY personalised gift to show someone how much we love them. Smart move either way, DJ.
I freaking love these 3 ads and I can’t wait for more beautifully created Christmas campaigns from others that will move me, make me smile, or remind me of the good ol’ days…