There’s an uproar of epic holiday proportions over the iconic Hershey’s holiday commercial.
The idea for the commercial was formed in 1989 and is now the company’s longest-running commercial, according to PopCulture.com. These chocolates have marked the beginning of the Christmas season for many. It’s also, perhaps, one of the things that bring Christmas magic to the season.
As you read this, you’re probably imagining the exact commercial that we’re talking about. The spot features a triangle of Hershey’s Kisses that symbolize bells, and play out the Christmas classic “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Furthermore, the commercial finishes with one of the Kisses wiping its “brow” after finishing a particularly hard part of the song.
However, this year the chocolate empire’s changing things up after 30 years. The commercial starts with the Kisses in the formation we’re used to. But just a few seconds into the ad, a hand sneaks in and grabs the Kiss that’s known for the final note in the song. The commercial then cuts to a father and daughter using the candy to make peanut butter blossoms. Furthermore, the Christmas carol continues to play, but on brass instruments instead of bells.
Hershey’s Kisses Traditionalists Go on Twitter Tirade
The new commercial is far from hitting the sweet spot. Hershey’s fans are letting out their frustrations on Twitter.
This user shares a video of the new commercial, writing, “Hershey’s updated their iconic Christmas commercial, and it doesn’t have the same impact IMO.”
This person is especially a holiday traditionalist based on their comments.
can companies stop screwing up holiday traditions? the original was timeless, it didn’t need live action segments or new awful music replacing the carol. this is just pure cringe!
— Nintles (Ginseng Media) – KFA ON HIATUS (@nintles) November 29, 2020
Also, one user is referencing the times.
I understand what they were going for here in the context of 2020, as a year. But, outside of that context: yeah I agree. Don’t ruin a good classic jingle here, Hershey’s.
— Cassidy Books (#BlackLivesMatter) (#WearAMask) (@cassidy_books) November 30, 2020
This fan of the original commercial’s citing an age-old saying in their response.
Have they not heard the saying called, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”?
— Spookia Mesa Animation Studios (@SandiaMesa) November 30, 2020
Additionally, this person writes, “So disappointed to see they changed my favorite holiday commercial. Not many things get me into the Christmas spirit but I truly loved the original bells commercial.😢😢😢. Sad”
So disappointed to see they changed my favorite holiday commercial. Not many things get me into the Christmas spirit but I truly loved the original bells commercial. 😢😢😢. Sad
— Sandy (@Sandygann3679) December 2, 2020
Furthermore, one user’s chalking it up to the misfortunes on 2020.
LAME!!! Everything in 2020 changed for the worse. Leave the Hershey’s christmas belles alone. They were perfect and needed NO CHANGE. #BoycottHersheyKisses
— Roxxie Locks (@ROXXIEPERSISTED) December 2, 2020
Hershey’s Response to Commercial Dislike
The changing of the iconic Hershey’s commercial is causing some serious backlash. So much so, several petitions on Change.org have been started to revert the spot back to its original form.
After enduring some heat from the public, Hershey’s has finally responded. They told TODAY in a statement, that they “made the decision to make a slight update to the original.” They especially wanted to keep the original opening holiday melodies. However, they also wanted to incorporate another holiday tradition, and that’s baking.
Furthermore, Hershey’s is melding together these two time-honored traditions. The statement continues, “From playing the bells to baking peanut butter blossoms, it’s Hershey’s Kisses that have stood the test of time.”
Also, the chocolate company addresses the new versus the traditional ad. Hershey’s says that both the “Christmas Bells” and “Bells to Blossoms” commercials will air this holiday season.