The Grandpa Who Stole Christmas
Each year as the holidays roll around, companies and organizations have a new chance to make a lasting Christmas campaign that will stick with us for years.
Everybody knows the Campbell’s Soup ad with the snowman that turns out to be a cold little boy, or the Hershey’s Kisses ad where the holiday-themed chocolates play “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” like a bell choir. But this year, it would seem, one company tried to make things a little darker.
Source: YouTube @EDEKA
Start the slideshow below to see the commercial and learn why it’s become a controversial viral hit in just days! Then SHARE and let us know if you think it made its point!
Alone for Christmas
Source: YouTube @EDEKA
Posted on YouTube by the German supermarket company Edeka on November 28, the smash video has already garnered over 26.8 million views.
Being called an “emotional roller coaster” and “emotionally manipulative,” the commercial combines the sorrows and joys of the Christmas season with a powerful, if unexpected, message that leaves the viewer speechless after watching.
Ghost of Christmas Present
Source: YouTube @EDEKA
We all know the feeling: being too caught up in our busy lives to take the time for each and every person, even during the holiday season. The commercial begins with a cute old grandpa listening to his answering machine only to find that his family won’t be able to make it for Christmas…again.
The commercial takes a turn for the worst when the old man’s adult children begin receiving calls, and based on their tearful reactions, we can only assume the worst. Unfortunately, it would seem that only tragedy could bring this family together for Christmas.
That’s when the commercial throws a real curveball…
A Christmas Miracle
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Now watch the commercial for yourself and decide: did grandpa do what he did in the name of Christmas?
Some reviews are calling the commercial “cruelly manipulative” considering how it perverts the true nature of family, especially at this time of year. I think the bigger question is why did a supermarket choose this as a theme? I guess there’s some cleverly introduced food towards the end, not to mention the creepy uncle rubbing his hands (freaks me out every time).
Really, this isn’t too different from the British Christmas commercial that fans complained ruined Christmas a few weeks back. Europe sure does love keeping the holiday dark!
Still, the message rings true: come home for Christmas, folks. What are your plans for the holiday?