Merry Christmas!

This is not an add for Coke, which produced the product, but Vendo, which made the machine that kept the product cold. What a wonderful, vivid ad, and a great way to wish a Merry Christmas to you all!

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 24

Plymouth rocks! Seriously, there's just something very, very inviting about this ad. Perhaps it's the vividness of the colors, the red rug in the entryway, the wreath hanging on the front door and the red decorations hanging down from the walls. Maybe it's the arms laden with gifts on what probably is Christmas Eve. The holly inserted in various parts of the frame. Whatever, it's an evocative tableau—especially this year, when we're not supposed to travel or get together with family and friends or do any of the other things that reinforce our humanity and bring joy to others. Maybe next year—if they'll let us.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 23

The perfect stocking stuffer.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 22

It really doesn't get any better than this, does it?

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 21

Anthropomorphized bears apart, I enjoy ads like this because they remind me of when we were allowed to socialize at Christmastime. Or any time of the year, for that matter.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 20

Ah, those were the days, back when we were allowed to have parties and get together with other households.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 19

Lamps on your Christmas tree? That's what they were called back then. Whatever they were called, I'll bet they looked great.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 18

That's the way it was in our household, anyway. Whitman's or Fanny Farmer. Sweet times.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 17

I'm surprised we didn't have one of these when I was growing up! Looks like a friendly old soul, doens't he?

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 16

Smile when you say that, pardner.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 15

Who'd turn away Santa when he comes bearing these kinds of gifts? And only a penny! Curtiss had some wonderful brands back in the day; Baby Ruth and Butterfinger are now manufactured by Ferrero.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 14

Wonder if those Schwinns have Goodyear tires?

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 13

Lots of good things—like tires.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 12

I think a lot of people will be looking for the real thing this year.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 11

Is this true? Are there any husbands out there who lived to tell the tale?

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 10

For a kid, getting a catalog like this was almost as exciting as Christmas morning. Notice I said almost.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 9

I

 allow myself to indulge in Rice Krispie Treats a couple of times a year. Always had them as bars, though, never as a Christmas confection. I think it's time to start a new tradition!

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 8

I don't  know how many of you remember what soakers were; they were like the Santa Soaker above, and kids took baths with them. You unscrewed the top and poured out the soap, and when it was empty, you kept it and played with it as a toy. I still have some of them from my youth; Top Cat, Alvin, Bullwinkle and the like. If I'd had a Santa, I'd have it on display right now, with the rest of our decorations.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 7

I'll bet he doesn't have any trouble following that star.

The 24 Days of Ad-vent, 2020: Day 6

This is not a wonderful way to say "Merry Christmas." It is a wonderful way to get a concussion on Christmas morning.