Bells are a-jingling, Mariah’s on the radio again and Instagram’s awash with festive style tips; this can only mean one thing…Christmas is fast approaching!
Now that the alluring Christmas ads are making an appearance, we thought what better than to run through a few of our festive faves!
This year, with the Cost of Living Crisis denting most people’s purses, it’s pleasing to see that some of our well-known brands have been a little more empathetic with their seasonal messages. More companies seem to be focusing on who’s celebrating with you, rather than enticing us to buy expensive stocking stuffers.
Best illustrating this is John Lewis – arguably the most anticipated Christmas campaign of the lot. This year, the retailer has outdone itself. No aliens or trampolining dogs, just a simple message communicating support of its partnerships with Action for Children and Who Cares? Scotland. A guaranteed tear-jerker of an ad that really hits you in the feels.
As the film plays, we begin to wonder what a hapless, middle-aged man is doing with a skateboard. He’s eagerly practicing and falling short of the skills displayed at his local skate park. We later see a timid foster child, clutching a skateboard, arriving at the man’s family home with a social worker in tow. Connecting charity with a brand message is spot on this year, rather than giving us a more commercial offering which would likely fall flat against the current financial backdrop.
Grab the tissues and watch the ad here:
Lidl, has also gone down the charity support route with its ad featuring Lidl Bear who becomes an unexpected global celebrity. Thankfully, he remembers his roots and returns home from his jet-setting in time for the Christmas feast and a cuddle from his little girl owner. The supermarket has perfectly wrapped up the message that Christmas is all about making the little ones happy and enjoying some good grub with the family.
The bear is the furry face of its’ initiative – Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank – which encourages customers to donate unwrapped toys and games which will be given to children across the UK through the Neighbourly community network. Nice one Lidl! Encouraging the public to do good for the community at Christmas, without breaking the bank, gets a vote from us.
Follow the bear’s antics at:
Of course, we couldn’t let Asda’s offering slip through our Christmas ad countdown. Who doesn’t love Buddy the elf? Their ‘Have your elf a merry Christmas’ campaign has been fully joined up through TV, print and social media, so you can’t help but notice this cheerful ad which will perk everyone up in time for the big day – even the Scrooges amongst us.
Using classic footage from the 2003 movie, this blockbuster of an ad stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf, who undertakes a trial day in the store in the run-up to Christmas. With plenty of nods to the original movie, this memorable, feel-good display is definitely up there with the best for 2022.
See Buddy in action here:
So that’s it, WSA’s top three from ad-land. We believe having those you love around the dining table, and not just splashing the cash, is what Christmas is all about after all. Plus, if you can do your bit for charity at this time of year, then even better.
However you are spending your Christmas, we wish you a happy, peaceful time.
