The holiday season is full steam ahead, bringing with it sparkling silver bells, holiday imagery and of course seasonal advertising. It almost seems as though snowflakes come pre-loaded with cherished memories and iconic movie moments that have shaped how we see the holidays, and smart marketers know just how to tap into that nostalgia.
Take A Christmas Story and the infamous leg lamp as an example.
It isn’t just a quirky movie set prop, it’s become a pop-culture icon that shows up everywhere, including in Wayfair’s holiday ad this year. And get this, the actor who played 9-year-old Ralphie Parker even appears in the ad! Suddenly, we’re transported back to cozy Christmas mornings, unwrapping gifts by the tree, and perhaps even daring each other to stick our tongues to frozen flagpoles.
Then there’s Home Alone, where Kevin McCallister peaked our imaginations.
What fun it is to watch him defending his home with creativity, determination, and a heart filled dose of holiday spirit. It’s no wonder brands still reference his booby-trap antics decades later. The mischievous satisfaction of outsmarting the bad guys never gets old.
Even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, that beloved holiday classic.
This household name owes its existence to a clever marketing campaign. Did you know Rudolph was originally created by a graphic designer for a department store promotion in 1939? Talk about branding brilliance that stood the test of time.
These memories create a common ground for fun conversation across all generations.
It’s funny how something as simple as a familiar movie scene or beloved character can spark such warm feelings. Nostalgia is powerful, and when brands tap into it authentically, they create emotional connections that last far beyond the holiday season.
So, as you wrap up this year (pun intended), take some time to enjoy one of those timeless holiday films that still make you smile. Cheers to a season filled with joy, warmth, and maybe even a leg lamp or two.