Christmas is a time for giving, spending time with family, and the battle of the adverts. In recent years, companies have stepped up their game and have created mini masterpieces in an attempt to ‘win’ the imaginary Christmas ad competition.
As soon as November begins, people up and down the country hold their breath in anticipation, desperate to see what these shops and brands have come up with. As soon as the first is released, the others appear and Christmas excitement fills up our screens as we rapidly share them on social media.
There are now loads of them about, and we know you don’t want to waste time watching a rubbish advert. Because of this, we decided to take one for the team and spend time watching every Christmas advert from 2016 that we could find and then make a list of our top 5. You’re welcome.
Marks & Spencer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5QPXhStb5I
When a little boy called Jake accidentally ruins his sister’s shoes, he contacts the one person who can help, Mrs Claus. When her fairly well known husband goes off to work, Mrs Claus reveals her hidden side. She jumps into her helicopter and delivers the special shoes, and when her husband returns she keeps the secret to herself.
John Lewis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr6lr_VRsEo
As if we could leave this one off the list! Bridget loves to bounce, so her mum and dad treat her to a trampoline. During the evening, the local animals have a bit of fun, whilst poor Buster the boxer has to remain inside and watch. However, as soon as he gets his chance Buster gets his turn on the fun new toy.
Sainsburys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq5SGSCZe4E
At 3 minutes and 35 seconds long, this is one of the longest Christmas ads. The musical animation, voiced by James Corden, shows Dave the hard working dad who soon learns that the best gift he can give his family is his time. Beyond promoting a supermarket, the advert is also helping to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital accommodation. 50p from every gingerbread Dave bought goes straight to the cause.
Morrisons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-hqWBvYvxY
This 40 second ad does a great job at showing off the realities of a family Christmas day! A young boy is quizzed on various facts, providing the answers without any reservations. When the big day finally arrives, we discover that he is finally ready to take on his Grandfather at a game of Trivial Pursuit.
Burberry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5IZtDCS5c
Directed by Academy Award-winner Asif Kapadia, and starring Sienna Miller, Domhnall Gleeson, and Dominic West, this festive ad is more of a short feature film rather than your typical advert. The designer brand spent £10million on this film, which tells the tale of Thomas Burberry, founder of the company.
