Christmas Season Ads

What would Christmas be without advertising, and more advertising?  Christmas in the U.S. has been commercialized since sometime in the 19th century, so doing without it would be like returning to the dark ages for most of us.

I particularly watch for the old warhorses, the national and local commercials that return to television right along with Santa Clauses and Christmas trees, and then disappear for the rest of the year. The "Ove Glove" is one such, but it actually is available year-round and does have some practical use.  Others, however, do not:

There's the "Clapper," that wondrous (?) device that allows the feeble or lazy to turn off their lights from their bed or easy chair just by clapping their hands.  Do you know anyone who owns one?  I strongly suspect the only person in the world who owns one is the little old lady who's been clapping her lights off in these ads for several years.  But they're still trying!

Another return visitor is the woman who comes back to one of the mattress stores every year at this time (and in the same clothes) looking to buy at least two mattresses (one of which will be free).  We know she's forgetful because she asks the same questions every year.  I figure the only way she could use so many mattresses is that she's running a brothel. 

Ah, but my favorite is the Chia Pet.  Pet Rocks came and went, but Chia Pets seem to continue in popularity in some weird Brigadoon-like alternate universe that appears only once a year, at Christmastime.  They mutate constantly into new forms; there were only two or three shapes a decade ago, but a whole range of choices now, including President Obama and Sponge Bob.  Try the Chia website to see them all, as well as finding links to register your Chia pet, find out what to feed it, get its shots, and even find a Chia veterinarian (I exaggerate somewhat). 

And here's my discovery for the day, something I didn't know myself until just now:  Chia, OveGlove, and the Clapper actually are all sold by the same company... but this is a "good wholesome fun" company - they have nothing to do with the mattress lady's brothel. 

Comments

[Mark]

I'd also nominate the very well advertised Snuggy - blanket with sleeves -- for the strange products hall of fame. They are selling huge numbers of these and someone is buying them. Go figure.