In the days before trucks and tractors, large and prodigiously strong draft horses were needed. This was the only way to get heavy-duty farm work done and the only way to haul heavy loads: Clydesdales.
Of course, the most famous Clydesdales of all are, of course, the Budweiser Clydesdales. Anheuser-Busch first assembled a team of these magnificent and powerful horses in 1933.
Since then, the Clydesdales have been on tour all over the country, giving people a rare opportunity to see the sort of draft horses that were a common sight back in their day, but most of us remember seeing them for the first time in this classic commercial we all truly love.
This Budweiser Clydesdales ad from 1987 is more of a video Christmas card than a normal commercial. That’s because the product isn’t really mentioned — granted, these horses hardly need further introduction.
This is the type of Christmas I recall as a child growing up. Being with family and enjoying each other’s company around a warm fire, drinking hot chocolate, and telling Christmas wishes. Those were the days…
Surely, this is one of the most memorable and iconic. Christmas ads ever, and I hate to even us that word, “ad”, because it doesn’t feel like a commercial. It has it all. The beautiful houses with warm candlelit windows. That bridge… The couple out on a snow walk.. maybe off to by presents or visit neighbors? The Clydesdale’s pulling the spruce trees freshly cut from the forests. I get tremendous warmth from this classic.
Now take a nostalgic trip back to 1987. If you’re like me, you’ll remember this TV Christmas card from Budweiser with fond memories:
Watch Miller’s Classic Christmas
Many years ago, my neighbor wrote to Miller Beer and told them how much he loved this commercial. They must have like his letter because they sent him a case of beer!! True story.
