Amazon Captures the Heartbreak and Hope of 2020 in New Christmas Ad

Brutal honesty time: I had a mini-nervous breakdown this morning as I sat down to write this. It had been a while since I had a good, “Holy crap this year is HARD,” cry and I was due. My family is doing well physically, but we have had our share of unique 2020 heartbreaks and challenges. But still, we press on. We can do hard things . . . and when I saw Amazon’s new Christmas ad acknowledge both the hard and the hope of this year perfectly, I pretty well lost it. Grab your tissues, because you just might, too. 

Amazon’s holiday ad is called “The Show Must Go On,” and is set to the song of the same name by Queen.

The ad starts off joyously as a young ballet dancer learns she’s been chosen for the starring role in her ballet school’s holiday show. But soon, the joy turns to uncertainty as schools are closed. Though she continues to practice and rehearse virtually in hopes of performing the big show, her heart breaks when her performance is eventually canceled as well.

As a viewer, my heart broke for this young ballerina. I saw in her face every disappointment, canceled summer camp, party, and concert my own children have missed.

But like so many real-life 2020 stories, the people surrounding this ballerina soon conspire to bring hope.

And as I watched and realized what was about to happen, my heart began to lift.

Family members made invitations. Neighbors made Amazon purchases. A community came together.

And a young woman’s hard work and talent, so lately shelved, was put on display in a circle of glorious light.

The show must go on.

The show will not look like we are used to it looking. “Going on” will be much harder than it has ever been before. But oh, my friends, it will be worth it. Sweet moments will seem even sweeter. Victories will not have even a hint of hollow.

And, when things return to “normal,” our hearts will be filled with gratitude like never before. Hugs will be longer, ovations more thunderous, and the things we hold on to won’t be actual “things” at all.

Thank you, Amazon, for the inspiration to keep on going.

PS – We love this Etsy commercial, too (get the tissues ready!).

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Articles by Jenny Rapson

Jenny Rapson

Jenny Rapson is a follower of Christ, a wife and mom of three from Ohio and a freelance writer and editor. You can find her at her blog, Mommin' It Up, or follow her on Twitter.