From the squishie machine to the sandwich maker: how a Christmas confusion became a real-time marketing action
A viral mix-up, thoughtful branding, and a timely response transformed a mistake into an opportunity for connection.
What started as a reading error ended up becoming one of the most talked about moments on social media during the Holidays. In a comical mix-up, a little girl found herself with a sandwich maker instead of the squishie maker she had asked for from Santa Claus. The girl's reaction was recorded by the father in a video that went viral and unleashed thousands of reactions, comments and interactions.
Following the story of Clarita and her family closely, Moulinex decided to intervene with a spontaneous and genuine action, sending the protagonists of the story a personalized letter, along with a kit of four appliances, transforming the mistake into a positive and memorable experience.
Through this action, the brand managed to add to the story with humor and sensitivity, remembering that for a holiday to be perfect, everything does not always have to turn out perfect. Remembering everyday moments such as shared breakfasts, improvised snacks and family time around the table, they managed to redefine the confusion through emotion and authenticity.
Rather than a reactive response, the action functioned as a cultural reading and timing exercise. Without large productions or a traditional advertising message, Moulinex transformed a spontaneous conversation into an opportunity for real connection, reinforcing its positioning and generating affinity with a wide audience, especially families and young people. A case that confirms that, when brands understand the context and respect the tone of the conversation, they can gain relevance without forcing prominence.
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