Hey Sweeties,

Before ClaireySweetie was born, my very first blog was over at thepassionqueen.wordpress.com which allowed me to talk about my love of advertising. Before John Lewis took over, I used to really look forward to the adverts at Christmas and I would do a roundup post discussing the key ones of that particular year. I miss doing this so I thought I would recreate that post on here for you guys, I hope that’s ok?

Before we get to it, what I will say is that I find the key players (the big brands –John Lewis, Sainsbury’s etc.) lose their momentum as the month goes on. At the start of November, particularly now with social media, everyone goes mental over the new Christmas adverts but within a week or two, I barely see them on my TV and conversation stops, and that’s before we’ve even actually had Christmas! Considering the budgets behind them, I actually think it’s the brands with the simpler campaigns that I feel have any kind of consistency. Agree?

Disclaimer: If you’re a fan of John Lewis advertising, please skip to the next advert so I cause no offence.

#Manonthemoon

I’m sorry, I really dislike this advert, not only is it not in the least bit sad, the whole science of the concept is completely unbelievable. While I can cry at most things at the drop of a hat, I have never cried at a John Lewis advert –I’m not made of stone, I just become numb to forced emotion and John Lewis seem to have got set on making people cry, over going out and making a great advert. I totally get the message about not forgetting the elderly at this time of year, and I know of a few people that were pushed to call up their Grandparents and relatives which is great. But that aside, I still dislike it and I am really disappointed in John Lewis for not taking the opportunity to go in a different direction this year with their advertising. Hopefully next Christmas they’ll have a change of tact.

Sainsbury’s –Mog’s Christmas Calamity

In defence of poor Mog, like with any domestic pet, you do something called ‘pet proofing’. As you know I have a house bunny (Lola) and as a fairly experienced rabbit owner, I understand that they chew through everything. I have never owned a cat but I assume there is a similar process that experienced owners go through with proofing their home. Mog’s family cannot be experienced cat owners for who would leave a cable of lights dangling by her bed? I’ll also say it took them a long time to realise shit was going on downstairs as she must have made a hellava racket. That all being said, I actually really like this offering from Sainsbury’s as it captures the true meaning of Christmas but like the John Lewis ad, it seems to have disappeared from our screens as quickly as it appeared?!

Asda

Remember what I said earlier about some brands creating simpler campaigns? Asda is the perfect example (as well as Lidl and Aldi this year too). On launch its long but as the month goes on, shorter edits of the advert are used and are far more impactful. *applauds*

Sky

I’ll let slide why people have left the table for a movie before everyone (notably Rosie) has finished eating, but I otherwise really like this advert –its fun and it captures a child’s imagination perfectly.

Waitrose –What makes Your Christmas?

I hated Waitrose’s advert last year (you can tell I’m a tough critic to please, right?). To be honest, along with John Lewis it’s what for me was the final straw with Christmas advertising becoming all about being over emotional rather than fun. So this year, I’m glad they didn’t follow John Lewis’ lead and instead went back to their roots and concentrated on what they do best –selling good quality food.

But of course, the real winner of the Christmas adverts is of course, Cocoa Cola –without fail, every single year, Christmas hasn’t officially started until you hear that distinctive sound and chime of the bells to confirm that the holidays are coming!

What are you favourite Christmas adverts?

Until next time x