A YouTuber who posted a nostalgic tribute to the Sears Christmas wish book catalog said he received a measure of vindication after NBC used footage from his video on national television without giving him credit. Steve, who runs the “Life and Sad Ending” channel, said the network eventually added a credit line acknowledging his work after he complained. Steve first uploaded his video reminiscing about the Sears Christmas catalog, widely known as the wish book, several years ago. In it, he recalls how children of the 1950s would pore over the pages of the catalog, circling toys and other holiday gifts they hoped to receive.
Many families relied on the catalog to shop for Christmas, and some children even included page numbers from it in their letters to Santa Claus. e said that while watching the Sunday Today show, he noticed the program used a clip from his YouTube video. When he saw it, he reached out to NBC to complain, arguing that he should at least receive a screen credit for his work. According to Steve, NBC responded to his complaint and subsequently added the “Life and Sad Ending” credit to the video, making it viewable with acknowledgment of his channel.
While appreciating the gesture, Steve acknowledged that the credit provided some consolation, adding that he was pleased the network at least recognized his contribution. He also noted that thousands of these catalogs were sold in that era, reinforcing the cultural significance of the wish book in mid-century American holiday traditions.
