Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Barry from EastEnders are battling it out for festive attention as John Lewis and Lidl unveil two very different Christmas adverts hours apart. One tugs at the heartstrings, the other turns up the volume on festive fun
It’s Gran Cave verses a very Lidl Christmas.
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas against Barry from EastEnders.
Two very different offerings, but in the battle for the most memorable Christmas advert, there’s definitely one you will still be humming come December 25th, when it’s playing on the telly for the 500th time.
The Lidl ad is brash, bright and the message is bold – ‘Fill up that trolley!’ Whether it’s mince pies, Brussell sprouts, bottles of fizz or a middle-aisle festive gonk, throw it in there. The more the merrier.
The John Lewis advert couldn’t be more different. This year customers are encouraged to buy thoughtfully and put value on considered presents for that perfect family get together.
Both creating stress-inducing shopping scenarios, albeit in slightly different ways.
While you might find yourself singing along to Slade with Lidl’s reworked lyrics, the John Lewis ad will give you a little bit more to mull over this year.
It won’t be ranked as one of the retailer’s classics, but parents and grandparents will relate to the panic of knowing what to buy children and grandchildren – and the thrill of watching a gift go down brilliantly.
John Lewis’ ability to hit you right in the festive feels is the reason the retailer is celebrating its 20th Christmas advert this year and why many consider its release the unofficial start of the holidays.
With household bills continuing to rise, there’s a useful, if slightly bah-humbug, message here: think carefully about what you’re spending rather than handing over envelopes of cash.
The nation’s young folk may take a different view.
The creative team at the high street retail giant say this year’s ad comes from the heart and has the cost of living in mind.
That said, all the goodies on display – including the wooden Fisher-Price dog, which turns 60 this year, can be yours for a price in store. We bet that wooden pooch didn’t cost £12.99 in 1966.
With the toy likely to sell out as in previous years, the real winner this Christmas will be anyone who can dig one of those vintage pull-alongs out of the attic to flog on Vinted.
So while Lidl might have you singing all the way to the supermarket, it’s the John Lewis advert that will have you thinking a little harder about what makes Christmas really memorable.
Lidl ★★★
John Lewis ★★★★