Starbucks: Go Fly A Kite

Starbucks has launched an intriguing campaign this holiday season. The ad opens with graceful snowflakes falling from the sky. Person after person looks to the sky, intrigued by the cornucopia of interesting snowflakes that seem to be floating everywhere.

And then the perspective changes. You learn that they're not really snowflakes. That is, they're not snowflakes created by Mother Nature. These are man-made snowflake kites that are being flown by people.  As an increasingly larger number of onlookers gaze upon these kites, you find yourself drawn to the kite strings, the unique shapes, the happiness that seems to be multiplying as more and more kites fill the sky.

What's amazing is that you have no idea whose commercial this is ... and you really don't care. It's just so enjoyable to hear the "Snow Days" music in the background and to watch the graceful and delicate snowflakes create artistic splendor in the sky.

In the last few seconds of the ad, a super comes up, declaring: 

"You know when the holidays are here. Share in the first taste of the season." 

Three fabulous beverages - peppermint mocha, caramel brûlée latte, and gingerbread latte - appear on the screen, followed by the URL link to Starbucks 12 Days of Sharing site.

The site itself is worth looking at. Secret doors open to reveal 12 days of sharing - five cents of the cost of a special beverage goes to The Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. You can also find out the seasonal beverages that are brewing and share a story or a wish that you may have.

Share your spirit - whether it involves Starbucks beverages or not - with the ones you love this season.  Happy Holidays!