What makes it really feel like the holidays for you? Seeing lights pop up on roofs around your neighborhood? Big Christmas trees downtown? To me, it’s seeing my favorite holiday ads return to TV.

Really, holiday ads are when I’m reminded, “Oh, it’s that time of year,” more than any Christmas lights or Black Friday crowd ever could. I’ve been seeing them since I was a kid and watching them re-run takes me back to being a kid just a little bit. And since the season is about giving, here are a few of my favorites to share with you.

1) M&M’s – They DO Exist

Starting with this one due to my vivid memory as a small child and thinking every single character in this was real. This is really THE ad for me that has me thinking, “It’s the holidays!” I love that nothing about it is visibly dated, I love that the M&M’s guys haven’t changed at all, and I love that I get red and green M&M’s in my stocking to this day! 

Also, has anyone else noticed the genuinely strange trend of Santa Claus getting hurt or worse in Christmas media? I think someone has something to unpack but that’ll be a different list.

2) Hershey’s Kisses –  Christmas Bells

Another ad that is older than me, but a goodie. An example of the power of simplicity. No one has to say “Hey, have you ever thought about how Hershey’s kisses look like little bells?” the music starts playing, and that’s all we need. You watch this ad, you smile, and you might crave a kiss, chocolate or otherwise. 

This ad has been touched up a few times over the years, check out the evolution video to see. Which version is your favorite?

3) Coca-Cola – Holidays Are Coming

Coca-Cola has had Santa Claus in their ads since the 1920s, so they had to make this list. While I’m personally partial to the Polar Bear adverts, you can’t deny the staying power of Kris Kringle holding a Coke.

4) Campell’s Soup – Melting Snowman

And I return you back into the 90s with the Snowman Kid commercial. It’s an ad I’ve seen since I was born, and I could probably quote it word for word, but it sure does help me get into the spirit of things! Also, it always makes me very hungry.

Not sure what was up with the 90s and anthropomorphic snowmen, but at least we got some good nostalgia out of it!

5) Spain 2015 Christmas Lottery – Justino

Cheating just a little bit here at the end, but you’re reading my list and I follow my own rules. Given that this ad is from 2015 and out of Spain, I’m not sure how nostalgic it would be for most people my age. But I don’t care. This ad is touching and helps us to take a moment to appreciate the hard-working people in our lives that we might take for granted. Plus, this ad is already doing the impossible by making a short story about a man working the night shift at a creepy MANNEQUIN FACTORY actually very sweet, and it deserves recognition for that. 

If you haven’t seen this little short film, take the three minutes out of your day to give it a go. You might have a “Christmas Cry,” but I think we all need one of those after the past couple years. 

So, did I miss your favorites? Tell me what holiday ads you love to see!

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By: Madison Aeling