Christmas is about giving (Roman Kosolapov / Shutterstock.com)
The holiday season is all about coming together, showing loved ones how much we care, and making memories to be treasured for years to come. It’s also about giving - gifts, time and love, alike. This selection of bright, musical clips all touch on these pure, wholesome values, to get you in the spirit for the flood of parties, meals and gatherings of the season.
Happy holidays to all - whatever and wherever you’re celebrating!
1. WESTJET’S SPIRIT OF GIVING
WestJet have done it again - another feel-good Christmas video, packed to the brim with good doing. Following their holiday efforts in 2012 and 2013, the Canadian airline teamed up with Live Different to help the community of Nuevo Renacer, near Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. After a high tech blue santa’s sleigh gathers Christmas wishes from the locals - young and old - the WestJetters organize an unforgettable party, at which all of the guests receive their gifts. And it’s not just dolls and skateboards - though there are plenty of those, too; presents included a crib and a washing machine for families in need and a new engine for a taxi driver to help support his children, to name just a few. The joy as the children and adults receive their gifts is truly palpable, and a pleasure to watch.
2. EPIC CHRISTMAS CAROLLING
There are few things as quintessentially Christmas as carolling - and this epic frontyard performance takes the proverbial cake! In this enjoyable clip, the talented prank artists from Improv Everywhere surprise a random family with a 13-member choir, a 20-person brass band and a crew of santas, to boot. While the musical spectacle is a pleasure to watch, the looks on the faces of the children watching on with their parents is the icing on top!
3. CHICAGO’S MAGICAL PIANO
Chicago's Union station and Amtrak had a holiday surprise in store for their passengers last year: Just in time for the Christmas, passersby were greeted by a beautiful piano decked out with festive holly. This was no ordinary piano - instead, the magical instrument reacts to its environment in real-time, and has quite a sense of humor. Watch on as people react with joy and confusion, and be sure to watch till the end when Santa himself makes a cameo.
4. APPLE’S CHRISTMAS SONG
In just a minute-and-a-half, this clip from Apple tells a moving story of holiday giving. In it, a girl discovers an old record and some photos belonging to her grandmother, and combines them with her musical talent to make an emotional gift. The final seconds show how the thoughtful gesture touched her grandmother - a beautiful connection that transcends generations.
5. MONTY’S CHRISTMAS
To wrap up the collection, this charming advertisement for UK-based department store John Lewis tells the story of a little boy called Sam and his very best friend, Monty the Penguin. It follows the two in their day-to-day life, as Sam starts to work out exactly what his feathered friend wants for Christmas. He makes sure to get it ready and wrapped to make Monty’s day - and that he does. Without spoiling the story, it’s super cute.
