This Uplifting Kohl’s Holiday Ad Is the Cathartic Cry We All Need Right Now

Central Films sparks a ‘rainbow connection’ in this tearfully sweet holiday spot for Kohl’s, out of agency Yard NYC. Directed by Rodrigo García Saiz, a little girl befriends an elderly neighbour, filling her routine days at home with colourful messages in the form of posters to her new window friend. When one of the girl’s messages goes unreturned for days and weeks, she is forlorn in the absence of her distant companion - only to be granted the only holiday wish on her list - the return of that friend in the adjacent window.

Amidst newly-released holiday spots, the ad sends an uplifting message without straying from the hardships of the times. Separated by a side yard and windows, the crayon-coloured messages, albeit very cute, remain the neighbours’ only means of communication. The ailing neighbour returns by the end with a hospital wristband in tow during the Covid-19 pandemic, director Rodrigo hints at current events without making them the focus of the spot, choosing instead to turn his lens on a happy and hopeful ending to an unusual Holiday season.

"It was an honour to work with such a collaborative team to bring some hope to this holiday season, in a year where it"s needed more than ever," noted Rodrigo. "I think that through this emotional time, positive connection is what we all are looking for - I think we can all relate to the little girl longing for a friend."