Posted on December 04, 2015

As we enter December, brands from both the high street and online are increasingly vying for attention — the purpose to position their brand as the go-to destination for Christmas.

Beneath are a selection of the Christmas adverts we've found of interest. If you've located any others you'd like us to consider adding to our list feel free to send us a tweet or comment beneath.

John Lewis
Since 2007 the John Lewis brand has been synonymous with its memorable, evocative and highly creative Christmas adverts. As a direct effect sales last year saw a 4.8 per cent rise in like-for-like sales across the five weeks to Christmas hitting £777m on the back of strong online growth.* (Source: The Drum).

This years' campaign we found to be a fitting extension to their established brand as it adopts a powerful form of storytelling through music and emotion. Additionally, at the heart of the advert is an admirable core message which helps raise awareness of the selfless work of Age UK. We were unashamedly moved. Bravo.

Another indication of the success of the advert are the various parody versions which piggyback on the brand. Of particular note are the videos from The Poke, The GLC and Aldi.

The Poke's parody version of the 2015 John Lewis Christmas advert aka 'The Dark Side Version'.

The GLC's parody version of the 2015 John Lewis Christmas advert featuring Oasis.

Aldi's parody version of the 2015 John Lewis Christmas advert aka 'Telescope'.

Currys/PC World
A comical approach in which the Hollywood actor, Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day and The Fly) helps turn the frown upside of a disappointed wife who receives a less than thoughtful gift from her husband. 

BBC
The nation's public service broadcaster tells the story of an animated character, 'Sprout Boy' who longs for someone to share Christmas with. Along the way he meets a baker, a toy maker and a woodcutter but sadly each person rejects him saying, 'nobody ever liked a sprout'. As his journey continues he meets Peter Capaldi (Dr. Who) who invites him for dinner which he shares with other BBC stars eg Dot Cotton, Graham Norton, Sherlock and Watson, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Will.i.am, Mary Berry and Luther. 

"BBC One truly is the home of Christmas, with more families watching it together than any other channel. Our endearing little Sprout Boy celebrates this sense of togetherness".
— Alison Hoad, vice chairman of RKCR/Y&R.

Sainsbury's
For their Christmas advert, Sainsbury's revive 'Mog The Forgetful Cat', who was the main character in a series of children's books written by author, Judith Kerr. The advert sees Mog accidentally start a fire in her home after having a bad dream, but is able to alert the fire brigade (as she had called 999 when scrabbling across a phone); she is hailed a hero for saving her owners, and (after her owners' neighbours pool their resources to undo the damage she had done, in reference to Sainsbury's 'Christmas is for sharing' tagline) is later given an egg as a treat. Kerr herself appears in this advert as a neighbour of the Thomas family.

Accompanying merchandise are available at the supermarket, with all profits being donated to Save The Children's child literacy work.

Last year, one child in five in England left primary school unable to read well despite the best efforts of their teachers. 
— Save The Children 

Edeka
Within this black comedy video the German supermarket depicts the powerful story of how a Dad/Grandfather faces being alone at Christmas as his family are too busy. The cunning elderly man though decides to bring his family together and fakes his death which results with his family rushing home only to arrive and find a table set for a holiday meal. Additionally, of note is the soundtrack by Neele Termes which beautiful lyrics include the evocative line:

Truth is my home means nothing without you.

The video has caused much controversy worldwide gaining comments of 'emotional rape' and being 'morbid' but has achieved its desired effect as current views are in excess of 32 million which currently supersedes the John Lewis advert which is 20 million.

Save the Children
The world's leading children's charity provides a thought-provoking advertising campaign, helping ensure that children in the poorest parts of the world can grow up strong and healthy.

If you'd like to consider making a £5 donation towards their Christmas appeal you can do so by texting SAVE5 to 70008. If you make your donation by 31 December, the UK Government will match your gift pound for pound up to £5m.

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Contact us

Should you be interested in discussing how we can provide a meaningful story about your brand using video feel free to contact us: info@sugarcs.com / +44 (0)29 2000 6776.