This touching McDonald's holiday ad is a simple family tale that teaches us the importance of a hug. A Chinese grandfather is at the center of this ad, and as clips of special moments in his life are shown, physical affection is absent, even though the moments warrant it.
Upon giving his grandson a toy, and receiving a spontaneous and genuine hug, the grandfather was enlightened and touched by the simple gesture. The commercial ends in an airport where the grandfather offers his son a goodbye with a sudden and surprising hug.
BBDO Hong Kong used the Christmas season as an opportunity to release a sentimental and emotional campaign, a strategy that is rarely used in this culture. Among many Chinese families, physical affection isn't practiced. Through this story however, McDonald's aims to change that.
Comforting Christmas Commercials
This McDonald's Holiday Ad Shows Us the Importance of a Hug
Trend Themes
1. Emotional Marketing - Businesses can use sentimental and emotional campaigns to connect with customers on a deeper level.
2. Promoting Affection - Brands can explore campaigns that encourage and promote physical affection, tapping into cultural shifts and norms.
3. Cultural Adaptation - Companies can find success by adapting their strategies and messaging to fit specific cultural contexts and traditions.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage brands can leverage emotional marketing techniques to create powerful connections with consumers during the holiday season.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The marketing and advertising industry can develop campaigns that address cultural norms and challenge traditional behaviors, opening up new avenues for consumer engagement.
3. Family and Relationships - Businesses focused on family and relationships can explore opportunities to promote physical affection and generate meaningful connections between generations.