The Sprite Christmas Commercial with Anta Claus

Sprite puts its own spin on the Santa & Christmas tradition with tricked out sleigh and not Santa Claus, but Anta Claus– played by NBA basketball player Anthony Edwards. Take a look then scroll down for more…

Right off the bat I need to point out that this Sprite holiday commercial is SO much better than the one from a couple of years back. Whereas that one was pretty terrible– barely even mentioning or showing Sprite– this new one has Sprite cans and cases cleverly scattered throughout the ad, along with a nice green color scheme and thought-out rhyming that keeps the viewer engaged. I love the line: “and for once in his life, Ant hit nothing but brick,” playing off the term in basketball when someone severely misses a shot and opponents yell, “Brick!” but in the case of Anta Claus, sending gifts down a brick chimney is a swish.

Good job Sprite!

-Out of the Wilderness

What’s That Song in the Kleenex Commercial? Answers Here!

I never thought I’d be writing about a Kleenex commercial on my birthday but I can’t think of anything else I’d rather blog about today. Sure it’s nice to be 46 and Christmas was yesterday and college football playoffs are heating up, but you guys, it’s a Kleenex commercial that stopped me in my tracks last night! Take a look then scroll down for more about it…

The Song. This super sweet commercial features a song from the 1970s but it’s not Bob Marley singing it this time. It’s Joshua Radin performing “Three Little Birds,” recorded in 2018. His uplifting version might very well be the best I’ve ever heard and makes me actually believe that every little thing is actually going to be alright.

-Out of the Wilderness

Merry Christmas from Out of the Wilderness!

Whether this holiday brings you together with family and friends or it’s one you prefer to just get through because of past hurts, I hope this season finds you either… 1. doing well or 2. getting better and stronger each day. I hope the Lord blesses you and makes Himself known to you each day (the same prayer I have for myself).

Merry Christmas!

-Out of the Wilderness

Christmas Sleigh Ride (On a Trek Bike)

It’s not quite a sleigh in the traditional Christmas way, but this morning I flew across town (in a truck… on the ground… obeying all traffic laws) to ride my own Christmas sleigh (a Trek road bike… on the ground… obeying all cycling rules) for a Christmas Eve workout. It was a bit on the chilly side so I layered up more than usual and actually, I love wearing my full-finger teal gloves from Pearl Izumi.

Merry Christmas to all of you and I’ll see you out on the road, track, lake, ocean, or pool!

-Out of the Wilderness

O Holy Night With a Country Twang

One of my favorite songs at Christmas season all year long is “O Holy Night.” A well-known version is by Celine Dion. Her voice is so angelic, a gift that keeps on giving.

But there are plenty of other versions… and there’s one with a country twang. One of the big surprises of this year was coming across singer/songwriter Anne Wilson. Awhile back I wrote about her song “Songs about Whiskey.” (more here)

Luckily for us, and another nice surprise, she sings “O Holy Night” and I think you’ll really enjoy it. Check it out below and I hope you’re having a fabulous Christmas season.

PS. I feel like it would be wrong to not include one of my favorite mashups featuring “O Holy Night.” Here’s America’s favorite brother trio, Hanson and their “Silent Night” medley.

-Out of the Wilderness