The Christmas Truce

[FourScore]

Generally, I am against all things Christmas until after Thanksgiving. This time, however, I am going to ignore that personal rule. Please enjoy.

A Christmas ad for Sainsbury's is taking the internet by storm:

According to Wikipedia:

"The Christmas truce (German: Weihnachtsfrieden; French: Trêve de Noël) was a series of widespread, unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas 1914, during World War I. Through the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to exchange seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches; on occasion, the tension was reduced to the point that individuals would walk across to talk to their opposite numbers bearing gifts. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many soldiers from both sides—as well as, to a lesser degree, from French units—independently ventured into "no man's land", where they mingled, exchanging food and souvenirs. As well as joint burial ceremonies, several meetings ended in carol-singing. Troops from both sides were also friendly enough to play games of football with one another, in one of the truce's most enduring images..."

[Tommy_Carcetti]

1. A historical event both simultaneously heartwarming and bizarre.

If only it had stuck on December 26, 1914.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I can't hear the audio

But there is a beautiful little movie - I believe it's called -

Joyeaux Noel - And it's about the truce during world war 1. It's quite lovely if you can catch it on Netflix!

[riversedge]

3. So young. That is the image I take away

[Ink Man]

4. Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving and my God Bless you all.

[jwirr]

5. I sob every time I hear this story. Maybe the only day in history when peace really meant something.

I wish we could care that much every day of the year.


My little 3 year old wants to know why I am crying. I wish I could help her understand. I just told her that it was something beautiful that I wish could happen everyday.

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Advertising Standards Authority receives 240 complaints about Sainsbury's Christmas ad

The Advertising Standards Authority has received 240 complaints about the Sainsbury's Christmas ad in the first two days since its launch.
...
The spot was created by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, and was produced in partnership with the Royal British Legion.
...
Although Sainsbury’s said the ad was created sensitively and respectfully, working with historians and the charity to get the tone right, it has divided public opinion.

While some say it is a beautiful tribute to the soldiers' memory, others argue it is a crass attempt to exploit the war for commercial reasons.

http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1322061/asa-receives-240-complaints-sainsburys-christmas-ad

[FourScore]

7. I do not think it exploits war, but rather celebrates peace.

I had a great uncle who died in those trenches after he was shot and a gangrene infection set in.

Also, 240 out of the millions who have seen it isn't much.