The ad remembers that time, showing both British and German forces coming together for a friendly soccer match and a touching gift exchange.

It is a powerful remembrance of the true meaning of Christmas.

The BBC reports that Sainsbury's commercial is a counter-offensive against UK competitor store chain John Lewis which launched a Christmas commercial that that was equally memorable. Between these epic commercials, one thing is obvious: American advertisers need to step up their game.

In the Sainsbury’s commercial, some scholars debate exactly what happened during the truce, specifically whether or not a game of soccer was played. Below is a companion video about the story behind the truce.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1126033600001?bctid=3891861917001

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez