American Reacts to Sainsbury's 2014 Christmas Ad

[@450martini]

I was also in this production. I'm wearing a fur coat and carrying a box in the background. It was filmed 1st-6th of September 2014 just outside of Ipswich under the working title of "Project 14". The filming was done over a series of long hot days. Many of the specialist military extras had previously worked on the Hovis advert and some would later appear in the 2018 production of "Journey's End" which was filmed on the same location. Sadly the director Ringan Ledwidge passed away in 2021. A great deal of research went into making the advert and it is a good representation of the events of Christmas day 1914 at Wulverghem amongst men of the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, C Company 1/6th Cheshire Regiment and the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@450martini thank you so much for sharing that additional context! What a special project to be a part of ❤️

[@neilgayleard3842]

It still resonates with a lot of British people because we had living relatives who went through those times. It did happen once up and down the lines not just in one place.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Such an incredible event, that needs to be always remembered! And so symbolic of how we all need to take a break and step over our differences with forgiving hearts in our own personal "wars"... that's me getting all philosophical!

[@neilgayleard3842]

There's no need for any of that. Because British families never forget. It's part of who we are.

[@thadgb2485]

@@neilgayleard3842 Based response mate & true. But She's right also. No surrender

[@joshua.910]

Ww1? Living relatives?

[@adventussaxonum448]

@@joshua.910 Yes! I'm not at retirement age yet and my granddad served all through WW1. Mind you, he did start in 1914 as a 14 year-old Boy Seaman, and fought at Jutland as a 16 year-old. His misfortune was that this made him young enough to go through the Second World War on Artic duty and finish with minesweeping for the Normandy D-Day approaches. OK, he obviously isn't alive now, but I was an adult before he died. (Note the original post said "had" living relatives, not "has") My great uncle was wounded in the lung on the First day of The Somme, lived to a very old age, and I was 35 when he died. So yes, many of us can remember family members who went through it, and their suffering (my great uncle always teared up when he saw poppies because he lay in a ditch with his dead and wounded mates, surrounded by the flowers).

[@johnnybeer3770]

This advert affected me the same as when I first saw it . Tears , for wasted young lives .🇬🇧

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Same here. War is hell... and WW1 especially in Britain just wiped out the lives of so many young men who disappeared from villages and small towns, totally changing the course of history for their families and towns.

[@welshboy8277]

Hi,according to the historian Dan Snow there is no documentary evidence that the British and German troops played a game of football in ‘no man’s land ‘ on that day. Photos only show the soldiers fraternising. Weather records for Xmas eve and Xmas day 1914 tell us that the weather along the western front was cold and frosty but not snowy.

[@davebrown9707]

@@welshboy8277 if someone has a football they definitely had a kick about

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@welshboy8277 as they say, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story” 😂. On a completely different topic, have you watched any of my Wales videos? ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

for some reason I always think of all the innocent young Irish men the British executed not long after this.

[@evanlavery9788]

Lest we forget. God bless you boys

[@rickhudson7929]

So pleased you found this advert. In England we learn about this in school and it is a tradition in many British churches on Christmas Eve when Silent Night is sung to sing the last verse in German in remembrance of this event.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I was pleased to learn it existed! I have also sung Silent Night in German as a child, but I didn't know the story. In our church we have a Christmas Devotional every year and the final song is ALWAYS Silent Night. I love that tradition. Happy Christmas, and cheers for your comment! Dara

[@gerrymccartney3561]

As you said, one of the greatest adverts for Christmas and for all time.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Totally!

[@gerrymccartney3561]

@@MagentaOtterTravels You aren't the only one with a tear in their eye.

[@UltimateLegandGaming]

At our 6th form we had a memorial to young lads our age who were sent to die in this war, the way they play football and set up the goals with their jumpers as if they were still at school always gets me

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for that context. So powerful to connect the humanity of this historical event.

[@BackroadExploits]

What a beautifully produced ad. It hit home for me as my father shipped out on Christmas Day 1944 from NYC to board a ship bound for England and Normandy. My father related capturing some Germans in France and the first thing the soldiers did was try to show through wallet photos that they didn't want to die, they had families to live for. WAR needs to be erased from our vocabulary. Thanks for sharing the amazing point in time with us.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I thought I responded to you, but now my comment is gone? I agree that it needs to erased… so heartbreaking 💔 to think of all the lives lost. Thanks for sharing your father’s memory. Cheers! Dara

[@blondkatze3547]

That went straight to your heart when you saw the excerpt from Sainsbury, I also had to cry a little bit as a German woman. That was the miracle of Christmas , the enemies singing to each other at WWI and playing soccer, so beautiful.💕☺🙏🎅

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I have both German and British heritage, and this ad makes me cry too. Wishing for peace on earth today. 🙏 Thank you for your comment! Dara

[@blondkatze3547]

Dear Dara! I wish you a nice advent season and also peace on earth. Lovely Greetings Christina. 🙏💞@@MagentaOtterTravels

[@rgv666]

@@MagentaOtterTravels The poignancy is magnified when you contemplate the common ancestry of the British and German peoples … so very sad - all those lives lost for what

[@iuile]

The full ad is five minutes and while I understand small bits being cut from the official video, the bits that were cut add a lot more to the emotional impact. Jim's hat getting stuck on the fence but he clears it without looking away from the German side. Otto taking longer to leave the trench. The song that plays during the truce is In the Everlasting Arms, instead of the instrumental version of Silent Night. The captains of both sides saluting each other. If you get a chance to watch the full five minute ad, I think it would be worth it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you, I didn't know about it!

[@Paul-hl8yg]

I must have seen that advert a hundred times & like just now, i have tears in my eyes. The most emotional tv advert ever. ❤🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree!

[@primalengland]

This is something that still strikes a chord with us. How futile is war, and how much owe all the young men from all sides.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely! So many lives were lost, especially in this war... just devastated so many small towns and villages. Thanks for your comment. Cheers! Dara

[@BillCameronWC]

This always brings a tear every time I rewatch this ad. So many young lives wasted on all sides 😪.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@le6360]

The fact that it’s true. Beautiful

[@Brummie31]

Tears started to fall watching this advertisement and I have heard of this story before.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Me too! I knew the story, but the portrayal and the music just got me all emotional! Happy Holidays to you and yours, Dara

[@sutty8526]

I worked at Sainsbury's service desk at the time it came out. We saw ot before thr public. I cried in the office

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh my yes! I hope that you got lots of positive feedback from customers! Cheers! Dara

[@ruthgoebel723]

Yes, it had me in tears as well. It speaks volumes; everyone should see this!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is such a poignant ad! Share with a friend ;-)

[@neilgayleard3842]

Paul McCartney wings / pipes of peace. It's about the same thing.

[@ians3586]

Yes, the message is one that really resonates today. It helps to remember that the soldiers fighting in wars are often there at the whim of an autocrat and that we shouldn't dehumanize people just because they happen to be citizens of a country that has evil at its head.

[@Codex7777]

It was made in association with the Royal British Legion (the main veteran organisation). They actually sold that chocolate bar, prominently, in their stores, with all proceeds going to the British Legion. :)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Very interesting! I heard those chocolate bars sold out fast!

[@Chris_GY1]

This advert was filmed at trenches which are used for film and tv. Reanactors from The Khaki Chums were involved in this advert. Money from the selling of the bar of Belgian chocolate went to The Royal British Legion, the bar of chocolate sold out in the Sainsbury’s store I used to work at. The Christmas Truce in December 1914, near Prowse Point Military Cemetery in Belgium is The Khaki Chums Christmas Truce Cross where The Christmas Truce took place. I regularly visit the battlefields of WW1 I was in France 🇫🇷 in late June and early July I laid wreaths at Commemoration ceremonies at Lochnagar Crater and Thiepval Memorial on 1st July in memory of The 10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment The Grimsby Chums (the only pals battalion called chums), I visited lots of cemeteries and memorials in both France 🇫🇷 and Belgium 🇧🇪. On November 13th I completed the hat trick of laying a third wreath in memory of The 10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment The Grimsby Chums at Grimsby Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, wreaths were laid by families of those killed in Afghanistan 🇦🇫and Iraq 🇮🇶 including Sergeant Matthew Telford who was one of five Grenadier Guards murdered by a Afghan policeman.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for sharing that additional detail... makes it even more special! Cheers! Dara

[@carolwilson6948]

I had a great uncle who died over there,According to family members I am sorry and sad to say he had his head blown off, So that advert really hits home with me as it does with many others. R.I.P TO ALL THOSE BRAVE BOYS.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely heartbreaking to think of all the lives lost… so many brave young lads !

[@nativesurfer]

Everyone went crazy for that chocolate when the ad came out. Not so much for the taste but it made you feel good

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I heard from someone who worked at Sainsbury’s that it sold out pretty fast!

[@PeterChelmsford]

Easily the best advert ever made.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is a CLASSIC! So poignant.

[@FeinDining]

We've never seen this one before, and boy, was it a doozy! We're all just people at the end of the day -- totally understand why that ad gets all the kudos now. It's nice to be a puddle of tears sometimes. Team Catharsis all the way 👏 Digging these reactions, of course. Keep 'em coming! And hope y'all are having an awesome holiday ♥

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I am well into the pie-eating celebration of this most important Thanksgiving holiday. And simultaneously celebrating Christmas as well, since my tree has been up since 9 November! Thanks for watching this video. I will not be turning my channel into an "American reacts" channel... but lovely footage like this is a privilege to react to. Such a powerful message which is still relevant today and brings tears yet again. Happy Turkey Day to you Jen and Drew! XX Dara

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Oh my goodness Dara….I wasn’t expecting to cry, had to pause the video. What a beautiful moving commercial thank you for sharing! 💖~Cara

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I cried the whole 3 minutes! It was hard to compose myself enough to "react" in this reaction video!!

[@patricialittle2406]

8 years later and it still gives me goosebumps, I also still have 2 of the ads chocolate bars.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I heard they were really popular! Yes, I do think it's a classic advert. Thanks for watching! Dara

[@martyholtman7654]

Oh my ... I can see why you cry each time! I got all verklempt over this ad - how stunningly beautiful in both production and message. Love the statue in Liverpool...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hiya Marty! Happy Thanksgiving!! Yes, I get verklempt as well! But what a gorgeous ad...

[@JohnRoe-yl4iy]

Hi Dara,.I see the sainsbury advert got to you (emotionally) me too! My grandfather Joe served as a soldier from January 1915 to 1918 later as a tank driver, thanks for playing this remarkable ad john, hartlepool

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@JohnRoe-yl4iy what a wonderful legacy of service you have in your family! Thanks for watching the video and leaving your comment. Wishing you the best for 2025! Dara

[@elainaworsley470]

My favourite Christmas advert. So moving.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree ❤️. Thanks for your comment, and merry Christmas! Dara

[@Cxerdz_]

This advert affected me because my grandads fought for Germany and died. Merry Christmas ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Aw, bless you! It's a tender ad because It reminds us of the horror of war as well as the power of kindness. My father was German and I plan to honour him next year by going to Germany and visiting sites of his ancestry in remembrance of what would have been his 100th birthday. Merry Christmas to you as well! Dara

[@nickgrazier3373]

Don’t you think this needs to be broadcast around the world this Christmas? Cheers Aah kid and a happy Christmas when it finally arrives!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha, it's not even Thanksgiving, but I've already started celebrating Christmas! I put my tree up 9 November! Yes, I wish everyone could see this ad. Such a shame that we are still fighting wars and seeing young soldiers sent into harms way even today...

[@ronaldomadrebien7045]

Thank you for not interrupting………….the gift is seeing it from start to finish without interruption

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I don't do many reaction videos, and they are tricky! I couldn't interrupt this one... I was crying too much and couldn't talk!

[@lyndasinger2033]

My favourite add for Christmas ever

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It’s a powerful one!

[@vaughanwilliams761]

During Christmas 2014 I Cried Every Time It Was On !! Thank You For Bring It Back To Me 😢Merry Christmas 🎄 And A Happy & Healthy 2023 !!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it's an emotional one! Have a safe and happy Christmas and a wonderful new year! Cheers! Dara

[@damianmccoy6128]

This still gets me each time I see it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Right?! It's a very poignant advert.

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

Very emotional reaction here. I knew of it but not thought of it for a long time. We need more of these moments of peace. 💝🙏🇳🇱🙋‍♀️🇳🇿

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

So true, Anita! I thought of the war memorials you visited in France. So heartbreaking that this Christmas there will still be young soldiers in harms way again fighting yet another war...

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 🙏🥹

[@lizbignell7813]

Gets me every time. What l also like about it is that there is no real advertising but l bet most people who have seen it remember that it was Sainsbury’s.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Exactly! In marketing, that is what we call "brand building advertising". You aren't selling a product (e.g. get your Christmas turkey here!)... you are just building up respect and trust for your brand name. I bet Sainsbury's did well with this ad! ;-) Cheers, Liz! XX Dara

[@lizbignell7813]

I thought this was your field of expertise, Dara. Do you see a marked difference between British and American advertising?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@lizbignell7813 yes, in general, British advertising is definitely cheekier! And for Christmas advertising, most American companies are still focused on selling something… getting you to buy what they sell.

[@lizbignell7813]

I suppose that is the point of advertising but a bit of humour goes a long way.

[@The_Brit_Girls]

This was the first time I had seen this Christmas ad. Wow, it was a very emotional experience. So moving and poignant. Thank you for sharing it on your channel, Dara.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I’m so surprised that you had not seen it before! Where were you living in 2014?

[@The_Brit_Girls]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I was living in the US in 2014.

[@elizabetherwin1315]

I absolutely LOVE your videos, Dara!! Such a wonderful contribution both you and Ian make to the world. Ultimately you both do what you advise, "Try to do something good in the world". Thank you for this heartwarming account ~

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much Elizabeth! I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!🧡

[@martinconnors5195]

Beautifully produced advert. Yet it made me cry because i thought of my Ancestor who fought and survived the war. He died in 1949 aged 53

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it was such a tragic war for countless families! Both world wars. Bless you for keeping the memory of your ancestor alive!💖

[@pipharrington6734]

When I was in school I was crying when I saw this ad to teach us how our country had a truce to Germany and play some football/ soccer.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes it’s a tear jerker for sure 😭

[@mrchickflick4444]

The thing is this is actually a true story which makes it so much more magical

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@mrchickflick4444 yes, very poignant!

[@sharisalewis2579]

Whoa. So grateful you shared. I was not ready for those emotions. Tis the reason for the season, peace and love of Christ! ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I remember as a child learning that people sang Silent Night in Germany, but I didn't know about this true story from WW1. I know the events were shown with "poetic licence" in the advert, but it is still a very moving bit of film! Thanks for watching and commenting, friend!

[@TravelingTramps]

Wonderful ad, Dara. At least sanity prevailed for a day!

[@lennies_mindful_life]

That still makes me cry 😢

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yeah, gets me every time.

[@the98themperoroftheholybri33]

They made a movie about this event called Joyeux Noel. Definitely one of those movies everyone should see

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Cheers for the recommendation! Dara

[@vallee3140]

We used to do some amazing ads, dont know whats happened now though.Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Times have changed, and so have budgets... but there are still a few good adverts out there. Happy Holidays! Dara

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

As a child I remember a heated exchange between a group of soldiers about the hard war they’d been through, another man saying it was nothing compared to the trenches. When I was working in Mons, I helped look after visiting British veterans of WWI most of them in their 80’s. None of them spoke of their ordeal, because words weren’t enough to describe it. The truce did happen and it lasted for several days. Many soldiers came close to mutiny when they were ordered back to the trench and open fire.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I can’t imagine how horrible it would’ve been to be in those trenches!!!

[@RhubarbAndCod]

Yep... made me tear up as well! So wonderful to see. Thank you for this Dara, and looking forward to those Liverpool videos!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, Susan! One of my New Year’s resolutions will be to do my Liverpool videos in January!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Powerful is right! Wow! What a moment.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, very poignant!

[@williamkennedy5492]

My grandfather took part in this Christmas truce , and became life long friends with the German he met that day. As we can see today it is far too easy to drift into war encouraged by a controlled press . Lets make a new rule, politicians over the top first, then the troops.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

WOW! That is amazing that your grandfather was part of this historic event. Did he say anything about whether or not any football games were played (to his knowledge)? That is wonderful that he stayed in touch with his German "enemy". I agree with your suggestion about politicians first....

[@ians3586]

Yeah, the Russians should be sending Putin to the front lines.

[@Distant394]

They often have events at the bombed out church I often go couple times a year and as you probably found out it’s near the cathedrals and China town archway , look forward to your vid of your day up here 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hopefully I will get to it in January!!! I will have to do a few Liverpool vids because we did so much and I filmed so much! Loved visiting there! XX Dara

[@mikehunt8823]

Lovely reaction! Both my grandfathers and great grandfathers served in the Hertfordshire regiment in the wars, I just googled what the regiment did on the Christmas truce day expecting a heartwarming story, turns out they waited for the Germans to come out of their trenches with lanterns singing carols, then ambushed them with rapid fire and battled them all Christmas Day, not the happy story I was expecting.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, that is an awful story. The unfortunate reality is that war is hell... one I wish we could avoid! I'm glad that you have ancestors that you can honour for their selfless service. Thanks for your comment! Dara

[@thewealduk9802]

I have never seen this Dara, my eyes were leaking. Merry Christmas, Dara, Ian and family.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Mine too! Someone must have been chopping onions nearby...

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Ah this was such a great advert!! Made me tear up the first time I watched it. Great work. X

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I was just talking about Wills in a comment I made on Generation Xplorers. Both of us posted videos with Christmas shops in them yesterday and mentioned you guys!😂

[@nicksykes4575]

Hi Dara, I didn't know about that statue in Liverpool, just amazing! A lot of people didn't believe the story at the time, until photographs of it started appearing. Btw I believe the Germans won the football match, I bet it was on penalties, we always lose on damn penalties!!!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

LOL yeah, those Germans have been good at football for a long time ;-) I didn't know about the statue until this summer, and I saw it and took photos with a mental note that I needed to learn more about the story and finally watch the Christmas advert about that incident! Thanks for watching and commenting! Dara

[@ians3586]

Lol!

[@GENerationXplorers]

Been watching those Irn Bru Adverts over and over. Really dont think we had them in England! Never seen this Sainsbury’s advert either. My problem is im always watching American and Canadian TV! All I ever get is medical adverts with the occasional local hardware shop thrown in for good measure! I need to watch more British TV at Christmas I guess! I’ll start after Thanksgiving! That was a lovely advert Dara! ♥️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Or you can just watch the best adverts on KZbin and skip watching all the rubbish ones live on the telly when you are waiting to find out whodunnit in your favourite mystery show!

[@GENerationXplorers]

@@MagentaOtterTravels thats a much better idea Dara! 🎅🏻

[@charlotte241000]

This advert has always been a favorite of mine sainsburys hasnt been able top it since theyve tried but other ads havent been as good

[@samuel10125]

Extra Credit has a very detailed video on the Christmas truce.

[@briantitchener4829]

Simply the greatest TV advertisement of all time.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@briantitchener4829 yes, epic!

[@titchs9098]

The best Christmas advert I’ve seen. If I remember correctly, sainsburys were selling those chocolate bars for £1.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I didn't know about that but a few other viewers have mentioned. Apparently they were very popular and sold out quickly! Thanks for your comment. Cheers! Dara

[@titchs9098]

@@MagentaOtterTravels admittedly, it was very nice chocolate! 🤭

[@estralitaoliveira2304]

I have a photo of my mother's father, Vincent Carlos Oliveira with two of his comrades dated in 1918 taken in Versailles France. My mother told me that England needed men & that my grandpa left Capetown Africa to join up in 1914. I was so proud to learn this. He married my grandmother Maria & came to USA settledown in Newport, Rhode Island. Our family has a history serving our country military forces (10) my sister Captain Mary D. Last to retired had served in Afghanistan. It was not a happy period. One thing she did tell me she had to take over her drivers duty for they didn't know how to drive manual transmission that well & she wasn't going to get killed. She won't stay on the road when fighting occurs use any exit or means (sideways etc.) Mary drove all over the world & picked up a few bad habits. It seem that upon rtn Mary started teaching nieces & nephews how to drive stick at age 13yrs. I been driving since 1978 & have taught a few friends in the spring I will teach my godson. Military vehicles are mainly stick so anyone planning to join learn here first-get the feel of the gears & pedals.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I love that you remember and honour those who have served! Yes, we Americans are bad about driving manual transmission. Good that your family is teaching people to do it! 👍

[@ΑντωνηςΜανωλαγκας]

Can't see for tears

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it's a tearjerker for sure!

[@johnadey3696]

The next time you are in Austria you can visit the little chapel where this hymn was written and first performed at Oberndorf bei Salzburg.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I would love to do that!

[@andy70d35]

This advert always gets to me, I lost both my Great Grand fathers in WWI now that my dad has pasted away I have the two plaques and letters from the King acknowledging, their sacrifice. They became known as death penny's. I have other medals also, but for me there is no amount of money in the world that can replace the medals from both my Great grand Fathers and both my Grand father's from WWII. There was even a book written about my family's sacrifice in WWI, it's on Amazon it is called Blood On The Thistle.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh wow, that is amazing! I'm glad you are keeping their legacy alive by remembering them and telling their story. And how wonderful to have the medals and letters and a book about their sacrifice! XX

[@shanewaterman4125]

Hi Dara! Nine years on and that commercial still chokes me when I watch it. You've actually got the slightly edited version- I think the full one is about a minute longer? Sainsbury's took a LOT of ill-informed criticism for making that ad. Accusations that they were cashing in on the centenary commemorations and so on. Apart from all the profits on that specially recreated chocolate bar (as close to the 1914 original as modern regs allowed - people were unaware that Sainsbury's were the first corporate sponsor and donor to the Royal British Legion... in 1921!! The ad was made with the full backing of RBL, and with advice from experts on WW1 to make it as accurate as possible, within the confines of the need to produce a superb piece of advertising and marketing. I can't recall a UK Christmas commercial that’s come anywhere near that one.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is a classic! Yes, I only learned recently that there's a five minute version of the advert!

[@csb7376]

Something about Silent Night that always gets me.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it's a very serene and peaceful yet powerful song!

[@tracyglasgow5571]

That was a moving ad. Thanks for sharing.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks! I think you and I have both British and German ancestors, so the fact that this event (in some form) really happened makes it particularly moving to watch. Thanks for your comment, friend! XX

[@sueannemetz1285]

LOVE THIS!!!!! Do more please 💕💕💕💕💕

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much... I'm considering it ;-)

[@trevgoodwin7900]

Sainsbury's sold millions of those special chocolate bars and the British Legion received a large share, a lot of the lads were from Stockport Manchester infantry as you can tell by their accent.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Ah, I had heard about the chocolate bars... but not about the Stockport Manchester Infantry. Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Dara

[@AutoAlligator]

Hope is never beyond us as people. Merry Christmas x

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for your lovely comment! Dara

[@TheHikingHermit]

I seem to vaguely remember watching this at the time. Great advert tho I didn't shop at Sainbury's. Still looking forward to your video of your Liverpool visit. I probably already told you I went to Uni there many moons ago. It's changed a bit I believe 👍Paul

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I really need to force myself to do that Liverpool series! It will be a few videos, because I filmed an enormous amount while I was there, and I don’t want it to be one long 45 minute video! It will have to wait till January, though, because I have a lot of special stuff planned for my December uploads. 😉 Thanks for watching, and commenting, Paul!

[@TheHikingHermit]

@@MagentaOtterTravels that's cool I can wait 🙂Happy Thanksgiving 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@TheHikingHermit thanks! I’m very much looking forward to turkey, mashed potatoes, amazing gravy, sweet, potatoes, and pie!

[@SaltimusMaximus]

I have told this story in a Christmas service, no greater symbol of peace and unity exists, men found their enemies were just ordinary men, they showed each other family photos and shared gifts, truces lasted several days, a shame they didn’t end the war there and then

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Right?! I agree. It is a beautiful thing when we can see the shared humanity in each other, rather than looking for differences and reasons to hate each other.💕 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Cheers! Dara

[@adrianhughes8143]

It is an incredible true story that means a lot to us Brits and our German cousins. In history Germany has always been our allies and our friends, we fought them twice but it was there dictator leaders and there evil regime but not ordinary German's. 10,000 German's joined the British Armed Forces during WW2. 💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇩🇪🇩🇪💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@ians3586]

It's a good point. Especially for Anglo-Saxons, Germans are our distant cousins. It's sad to think how just a very small number of autocrats have been able to create such a large amount of misery and carnage that continues to this day.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I am both British and German... and it is heartbreaking to think of all the wars fought between various countries around the world because of evil dictators! I wish I could say it was not continuing today...

[@thomaslowdon5510]

One of the sadest parts of that frontline...most of those 18yr olds didnt even know what they were actually fighting for... they were just doing whst thry were told.. So deeply sad...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely! Heart breaking 💔

[@EmyrRees-n6j]

Hi its me from Wales again. If you liked the Sainsbury's 2014 Add, you might like to look at Celtic Thunder - 'Christmas 1915' well worth a look, very moving they have lovely harmony to be prepared, I would like to know what you think?

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. Every time, Dara, every time. Ice cold all over right from the start and then the onion ninjas make sure I can't see the rest of it! This year, so far, it's the John Lewis ad that gets to me and is back on top. Happy Thanksgiving, stay safe, all the best to you.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! We will have a happy Thanksgiving! Yes.... the onion ninjas were at work on me when I watched this advert too!! XX

[@martinmillar7137]

If not for the small plug at the end this would be a truly powerhouse piece of film making...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree!

[@gilly9666]

How can an advertisement for a supermarket be better than all the tv and movies made in 2022 ?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Right?! Excellent question. Too bad most movies these days are lame sequels to movies that were big decades ago...

[@silentzoner267]

never even heard or saw this add in my lif and im a scott sooo i call bs on well loved great add.. 2 of the best and greatest i guarantee many if not all have Sean is the carbonated drinks adds 2 as examples for Christmas adds coke holidays are coming and irn bru snowman.. tbh noone except the oap,s and there kids care about a 60 year old war these days its time to forget it,, war will always be a thing bigger harder wars are fought these days dont see thoes banging on 60 years later.. Christmas is celebration time not bored to tears time

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I reviewed the Irn Bru ad the week before in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b53Yda15bJ2dj7c

[@stefanus1968]

By the way, I am German, and have relatives in Cheltenham whom I was allowed to visit every summer. So much for the senseless killing of each other. What a waste of life. Life is not pink - I know - but something like this gives me hope back in humanity. Hopefully we will learn from this.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

How fun that you have relatives in Cheltenham! It's a lovely place. I'm of German heritage. My father was born to German immigrants. Today is Father's Day AND his birthday! He would have been 99! I'm hoping next year to visit Germany to celebrate when he would be turning 100!🇩🇪 Thanks for watching and commenting, Dara

[@TravelingTramps]

You ask, what's worse than war. The answer follows:

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yep. I'm going to keep hoping for peace on earth...

[@alisonrandall3039]

My great grandfather was at the front on Christmas Day 1914. He could well of been part of this event.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Such an honour to have ancestors who served and sacrificed in the name of duty. Thanks for sharing the memory! XX Dara

[@alisonrandall3039]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Thank you he was in the Royal engineers a regiment who had to dig the trenches. When he came home in 1918 he hated gardening. Did you know that Upper Slaughter is known as a Double Thankful Village due to all their then members of the armed forces surviving both World War I and World War II. The only other two Thankful Cotswold Villages having no fatalities in the Great War was Coln Rogers and Little Sodbury. Happy thanksgiving day for tomorrow. You will not be surprised it’s been tipping it down here in Gloucestershire today. But yesterday was very sunny.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@alisonrandall3039 well, I guess the rain came this way! It’s a very rainy Thanksgiving morning here in Texas! 🦃🌧️ I had never heard the term thankful village until I did my video about the Slaughters, and then I read what the meaning of a double thankful village was. So moving! And sad to think of all the little villages, who lost so many young men, and were forever changed. 💔

[@alisonrandall3039]

@@MagentaOtterTravels yes very moving story. But interesting. Enjoy the rain. 🤪

[@chrisjones2224]

The Pal's Battalions were both a blessing and a curse, to boost enlistment the idea that men from Towns an Cities, Companies and friends could enlist and fight together worked, what they never realised was the devastating impact the mass casualties and deaths would have back home, when the Men of whole streets, neighborhoods or companies were wiped out.

[@davidjones332]

I live near Accrington. The town still mourns the Accrington Pals to this day.

[@chrisjones2224]

@@davidjones332 Sheffield for me, the City Battalion, 90% of them wiped out on the first day of the Somme

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Man, you are making me cry AGAIN! I think of this every time I go by a war memorial in those small towns and villages... the bands of brothers in arms who never came home. Changed the course of history for their families and their communities.

[@chrisjones2224]

@@MagentaOtterTravels It gets worse, the Pal's Battalions either by accident or design brought local and civic pride to the fore, if one City raised 1 Battalion, the local 'rivals' tried to raise 2 or 3. And not just City's but towns too like Accrington.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@chrisjones2224 so sad

[@mauriceedwards9588]

I think after want happened the British Officers were charged with misconduct and the soldiers were moved to different parts of the battle lines as punishment but they were lions led by donkey s.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, the story made for a nice advert, but it was still war... and lots of awful aftermath resulted I'm sure.

[@ArthurHawker-zh3fi]

Just stumbled across the channel, was not expecting to hear Gloucestershire, I'm from the forest of dean Gloucestershire. 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hiya Arthur, so fun to meet someone from the Forest!!! We live in Cheltenham 5 months of the year and have spent dozens of visits the past 30 years in and around Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. We love that area! If you want to check out my Gloucestershire Vlogs, they are here: kzbin.info/aero/PLOedWVhYewAWLB_AjFIk6ueIhHwCpo1Gm Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment! I hope to hear from you again! Cheers! Dara

[@suzannehigginson1756]

Watch Joyeux Noel movie, exactly like that ad only much better ... Merry Christmas all X

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for the recommendation! Cheers for watching and commenting. Happy Christmas! XX

[@seangraham57]

Best advert ever.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It's a classic for sure! Thanks for commenting. Cheers! Dara

[@chriscarter2101]

My grandfather fought in that war. He was 18 when he went into battle on horseback wearing his black jerkin and red-stripped trousers, swinging his cutlass. By the end of the war he was in trenches serving under a sadistic sergeant, who threatened to shoot him when they next went over the top, in retribution for reporting him after he forced a young man to look over the trench wall: the lad was killed by a sniper. My granddad survived by borrowing his mates trench-coats and sitting next to a fire to raise his temperature, then chewing cordite he'd taken from a bullet to make him sick. Whilst 'recovering' in the medical facility, the sergeant was killed by a shell landing on the toilet he was using. Grandad returned from the war hairless and withdrawn. He was clearly changed by his experiences, and whenever on holiday to Spain in the '70's. he'd seek-out older Germans for fellowship and sing "Deutschland ober alles" with them. He donated his uniform to Sunderland museum (UK) in the late '80s. Perhaps it's still there? I enjoyed your tour of Warkworth castle, by the way. I live near there. Bless you, Christopher

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for your comment, Christopher! What an amazing story about your grandfather! I'm glad that you honour his service by continuing to tell it and keep his memory alive. It is definitely an example of the horrors of war and a reminder that we should be trying to avoid those atrocities. You are lucky to live near Warkworth castle! I hope to visit again one day when all the daffodils are in bloom. I've seen photos and it is just stunning! Happy Holidays, Dara

[@chriscarter2101]

@@MagentaOtterTravels they are lovely in Spring. By the way, or church pastors, Neil and Joanne, used to serve in a Texas cowboy church in the States! One of their friends from California, a radio host named Brian Sussman, was speaking at our retreat two weeks ago.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@chriscarter2101 how fun! I lived in California for many years. In fact, that is where Ian and I met and got married. There’s actually a video about that if you are interested. As for cowboy churches, I had never heard of them until I moved to Texas. They are quite the novel idea! 🤠

[@weedle30]

I work for Sainsbury’s and during that Christmas advert occasion, we produced “souvenir” chocolate bars in the same wrapping as in the advert…..to my utmost regret, I never bought any at the time they went on sale to customers - fully intending to get some “later”…. Not realising having my ‘stupid head on’, that they would be limited availability, to avoid over commercialisation of the War itself…and of course, once the quota of my shop’s “limited availability” had been sold, there were no more…. I wasn’t the only one disappointed of course, having to explain the limiting rationale to customers was very awkward and didn’t go down too well - hearing when all of the chocolate bars had been sold “but…I want to give one as a gift…., you should have produced more….” Was oft repeated but then again, I did have it said to me that Sainsbury’s selling chocolate to “commemorate war” was “cashing in on the deaths of young men…” as well. Customers eh? Always right? But which one was the ‘most’ right? 🙁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Both the customers were right. What matters is that we all strive for peace and putting aside our differences... if we can't stop the big wars between countries, let's at least stop the ones we wage in our own hearts.

[@elizabethnicoll]

💗

[@veryvarley6706]

The British are coming He is not armed A very rough translation. The idea of two opposing forces showing that they are essentially the same people is my take home from this. Mostly very young men that did not know why they were fighting other than they were told they had to. I am not sure that aspect of war has or will ever change. This advert captures the sentiment perfectly -- I always appreciate that.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Such a well done video of a very sensitive and poignant topic. Something that advertising rarely does! Thanks for your comment! Cheers! Dara

[@mikdavies5027]

Seriously, why the hell did it not finish there? I'll never know.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Right?!

[@deangee6781]

Really shows how both countries didn't want war

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

The people on the frontlines usually don't... right?

[@pamelabishop1793]

It really happened! Grampy was there!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It has been wonderful to hear from people whose relatives were part of this historic day! Cheers for your comment! XX Dara

[@dancedecker]

Lovely reaction from the lady watching and commenting. This always makes me cry too. But for a VERY special and personal reason. My grandad was at The Somme and was in one of the football matches on Christmas Day 1914. ( There were a few, he told me, as they heard about each one down the line). He NEVER EVER spoke of his service in the First World War, except once. He and my nan, had a coal fire and he kept the poker in an old shell casing. I'd be probably nine or ten visiting one Sunday afternoon, which my mum and dad took my sister and me to their house most weeks. I asked what this very shiny tube they kept the poker in and he told me it was a brass shell casing from The Great War. I must have hit the right da,y, as for the one and ONLY time ever, he opened up about the war. He showed me a crinkled and very worn photo of a lady. It had German words at the bottom such as Heinz Wolff Photgraphieren,, 26 Linden Strasse Berlin. That sort of thing. So I asked, not surprisingly perhaps, why he had an old worn out photo of a young German lady in his wallet. He just said " I swapped photos with the German soldier I was playing football with on no man's land at The Somme, on that first Christmas Day of The Great War. Somewhere in Germany, there's hopefully still a photo of your grandma in the pocket of some German man and hopefully he takes it out sometimes and like me, looks down at it and maybe sheds a tear." Whilst I absolutely understood what he'd said, I was, I think, just too young to take in the full enormity of what he'd told me that he'd been a part of. But years later, doing history at secondary school, I absolutely did, as one day, it was the subject of a couple of history lessons. I was then and still am now, so immensely proud, not only of my grandad and what he sacrificed, but how someone I actually met and loved dearly, was actually in, what has become such an iconic and heroic part of our world's history. I absolutely now cannot see anything to do with The Somme or much to do with WW1, without an incredible pride in him and trying (and usually failing), to stifle my emotions. He was in the reserves of Bolton Wanderers football team and he just ended his story with...., " And it was my football they used". WOW!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh my goodness! Thanks so much for sharing your incredible story. It is so powerful to have that family connection! I hope that when he passed, someone in your family kept that photo and documented the story! I really appreciate you leaving this wonderful comment! Cheers! Dara

[@dancedecker]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Hello Dara. Many thanks for your kind comments. Yes, we did just as you said. It was just too deep a connection to just let it go. He lived to I think 93 in the end. Was such an unassuming slightly built man. But such a connection with history. Still proud of him now and he's been gone probably twenty years or more. It was an honour to have known him. Many thanks again.

[@Cannon-Fodder]

The fact that this event really happened, and that after the truce, the men had to go back to their respective trenches and continue to try to kill each other, is one of the saddest things about it.. War is such a brutal ,and disgusting last resort to win either an argument over territory, or religion, or just pure greed. It's sad to know that things will never change while mankind exists. Peace to all who seek it, and to all that deserve it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, that is the really touching part of the ad for me. It reminds us of our shared humanity, which is what should motivate us to work through our problems without resorting to war. I pray for peace in those places in the world where conflict is raging.

[@Cannon-Fodder]

I totally agree@@MagentaOtterTravels

[@chipsthedog1]

Please react to a video called John Smiths Yorkshire Bitter the near complete set. Its on KZbin and is about 5 minutes long or less, it's is a collection of adverts from the 80s all advertising the same thing but honestly they are so funny and I am sure you will love them too.

[@johnpoile1451]

Gordon Rollings original not the Peter Kay re makes. Who could forget Tonto?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for the recommendation! Cheers! Dara

[@garydavies2771]

Shame we couldn't do it in this world cup with it been in December 💛💙👏👏

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yeah!👍

[@robertlonsdale5326]

Hard to believe it really happened

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely! Thanks for your comment. Cheers! Dara

[@johnnybeer3770]

The thing that makes me cry is the unnecessary waste of a whole generation of young lads in an absolutely pointless war . 🇬🇧

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Definitely 😢