Best Meaningful Holiday Commercials and Tips to Do Your Own!

‘Twas the night before….

Determining the "best" meaningful holiday videos is subjective and can depend on individual preferences and the specific causes that resonate with viewers. However, several charity videos have gained recognition for their emotional impact, storytelling, and ability to raise awareness for important issues.

1. Timeless Values: Explore timeless values such as love, compassion, empathy, and the importance of coming together as a community.

Silent Night (2023)  The Salvation Army: This holiday season, families across the country are facing eviction and need a safe place to sleep. You can help. Bring someone peace as a volunteer bell ringer for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. This organization is well-known for its iconic red kettles during the holiday season. Their commercials often highlight the impact of donations on helping those in need.

2. Real Stories: Share real stories of individuals or families who have faced challenges and overcome them, emphasizing the spirit of resilience and hope during the holidays. 

I Am The Future | Save the Children TV Advert  (2019)

Look at me. What do you see?
A child bride? A refugee? Look closer.
See a child capable of anything. See a better world is possible.

This organization focuses on promoting children's rights and well-being. Their holiday video campaigns typically highlight the impact of donations on children's lives. Videos are the most powerful marketing tool to reach our emotions.  Check out other Save the Children commercials to have that heart tugged! 

3.  Animal Bonds: Focus on the warmth and joy of time with your pet, emphasizing the importance of time with your pet during the holiday season.

“Make Merry Memories” PetSmart Holiday Commercial (Full-Length) (2023)

Just released, this video celebrates the magic behind every door in this PetSmart holiday campaign. Whether this is your pet’s first time celebrating or their favorite time of year, PetSmart is here to help you and your family make merry memories you’ll cherish forever. The video production is very big budget!

4. Nature and Environment: Emphasize the beauty of nature during the holiday season, promoting eco-friendly practices and highlighting the importance of sustainability.

Love It or Lose It: The Cycle–Ocean  (2021) 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) creates  commercials to raise awareness about environmental issues and wildlife conservation around the holidays. This video shares on our relationship with the ocean is interconnected. This precious resource feeds, shelters, protects, inspires and connects us. Take a journey through this chain of life. If one link of the chain is broken, everything is at risk.  We all need love to thrive and the ocean is no different. Time is running out to protect the ocean and the resources it provides. It’s our choice: Love it or lose it.  This video is a series of videos under the Love it or Lose it campaign.I have to share this 2017 commercial that shares the view  of an elephant.  WWF elephants Christmas advert 2017 | WWF

5. Acts of Kindness: Feature acts of kindness and generosity, encouraging viewers to spread joy and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

UNICEF the C stands for Children (2022)

UNICEF often creates touching TV commercials to raise awareness about children in need around the world during the holiday season.

6. Local Heroes: Showcase everyday heroes, such as frontline workers, volunteers, or individuals contributing to their communities, to highlight the importance of gratitude and giving back. If you don’t have the big budget like PetSmart, this video production approach is more realistic and still touching.  

Have More in Memphis with Shine Schattgen  For more of a local recruit video, Shine Schattgen, Senior Associate Counsel in the Office of Legal Services shares how trading her hometown of Boston for Memphis has allowed for more family time, community enjoyment and countless opportunities for her kids to explore. Shine finds Memphis to be a place of convenience and family friendly.  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital  is known for its emotional commercials, especially during the holiday season, showcasing the videos of children fighting cancer and the importance of support.

7. Cultural Diversity: Celebrate cultural diversity by incorporating traditions and customs from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding.
   

We Accept | Airbnb When you are thinking about where to stay for the holidays (such as Bend, Oregon), this video could influence your decision when seeing this commercial.  The video is simple and could be done affordably, it is all in the idea: Acceptance starts with all of us.  Airbnb took it a step further by providing housing for evacuees of disasters and housing during 54 global disasters. 

8. Children and Innocence: Showcase the magic of the holiday season through the eyes of children, emphasizing innocence, wonder, and the joy of giving.

Season of Giving Back | Kia’s Accelerate the Good Program | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®️  A non-profit can partner with a business to expand their charity effort.  During this holiday season, Kia is continuing the tradition of helping others by once again supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through our "Accelerate the Good" program. 

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Creating a meaningful holiday commercial involves connecting with your audience emotionally, sharing a relatable and inspiring message, and often highlighting values such as love, compassion, generosity, and togetherness. 

Remember to tailor the commercial to align with the values and mission of your brand or organization. Authenticity is key when delivering a meaningful message that resonates with your audience during the holiday season.

…if  you are dreaming of your next commercial, we’d love to hear your idea!

Happy Holidays!