December is finally here and E1MA team have picked their favourite Christmas ads from recent years:
George – Digital Account Manager
So I’ve gone with the somewhat controversial Sainsbury’s 2014 100 year anniversary of WW1 ad;
I think it resonated with me because of the historical nature of the ad – it’s based on real events that actually happened in WW1. That along with the lack of products shown throughout kept the tribute and message (that Christmas is for sharing) genuine rather than just showcasing Sainsbury’s products the whole way through.
It also sparked a debate over how tasteful it was to use this historical moment and “glamourise it” for TV to use as a campaign to sell groceries. However the debate around this essentially just got more people talking about it – all press is good press right?
Joey – General Manager
I’ve randomly actually gone with Sainsbury’s too – but from last year:
Aside from the now infamous, ‘plug boy’ at the end, this advert ticks a lot of Christmas advert boxes – cute kids, catchy music, and an overall Love Actually feel. The concept of a school panto resonates with both young and old, whilst the fancy dress manages to incorporate every aspect of Christmas; each time you watch it you see a new character.
From the Queen’s speech on TV to Christmas cards, to wise men – they really have Christmas covered! The words in the song tie it all together at the end, and with no product placement – selling Christmas as a time for giving, and spending time with friends and family. (Awwww.) It’s a yes from me!
Fun fact: 35 people reported the advert to the ASA for ‘health and safety’ concerns – you really can’t please everyone!
Ben – Junior Digital Marketer
Seeing as my actual favourite has been taken (thanks George), I’ve gone for another one I love – John Lewis’ 2014 ad:
It features Monty the Penguin (who doesn’t love penguins?). I appreciate how it focuses more on the ‘winter romance’ aspect of Christmas rather than the stereotypical elements like jingle bells or reindeer.
It has absolutely nothing to with John Lewis and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. You never feel like you’re being sold to – it’s just a wonderful xmas short provided by John Lewis.
The CGI penguin is adorable and emotive – you genuinely feel joy when he finds love at the end! Tom Odell covers John Lennon’s ‘Real Love’ superbly to provide a wonderful backing track. I would argue that John Lewis haven’t managed to top ‘Monty the Penguin’ since its inception.
I also highly recommend watching the Geordie parody version after – it’s canny good like! Especially as I lived in Newcastle for 5 years. It’s side-splittingly funny (a lot of swearing though, you’ve been warned).
Joel – Senior Account Manager
My favourite Christmas advert is actually this year’s IKEA advert:
My favourite Christmas advert is actually this year’s IKEA advert. It’s funny and not saccharine like a lot of Christmas ads. What I like most about it is that it shouldn’t work. D Double E rapping about someone’s messy house doesn’t sound very Christmassy at all, but that is what makes it great, it stands out from the crowd.
The concept is also just so strange in general that it provoked a lot of social media chat, proving it to be an effective marketing campaign not just on TV, but online, through the media and beyond.
Maha – Finance Manager
Holidays are coming, but they didn’t need to tell us that; we knew as soon as we saw the red glittery Coca-Cola trucks drive onto our screens. This nostalgic, feel good ad doesn’t seem to have changed in my lifetime, which must equate to marketing gold!
It ticks all Christmas boxes, Father Christmas , snow, lights, Christmas trees adorned with decorations, snowmen. Whether you’re a Christmas lover or not, it’s hard not to like.
