John Lewis goes Christmas crackers with Snapper the Perfect Tree

It's traditionally the most looked-for Christmas ad in Britain, but this year's John Lewis ad is a quirky acknowledgment that festive traditions themselves are a'-changing.... “We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas - from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers," said a spokesperson for the high-end, high street department store traditionally run on a partners-not-staff model. "Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special. The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions”. Well, that's a lot of traditions in one place, but the weirdly evolving animated visuals with punchy little twists make for a varied yet coherent message. John Lewis is known for its emotionally-charged - some would say over-sentimental - Christmas ads. What do you think of this variation on a theme? As the brand's website explans: "The music is provided by the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli who performs a song called ‘Festa’, which means ‘celebration’, and is written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci specifically for the John Lewis advert. The rousing track is a brand-new recording, with lyrics written especially for and approved by Maestro Bocelli, to carry the joy and emotional power of our story, putting a twist on traditional music at Christmas. It is wildly different to AI (artificial intelligence) generated predictions, which forecast that a cover of a classic ballad would feature on the soundtrack. The soundtrack will be released in longer form as a charity single with a proportion of the proceeds from the sale of the single going to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures charities, which help care experienced young people and families in need". Maestro Bocelli said: “I am delighted to take part in this wonderful and unique tradition of Christmas storytelling. It is very special for me given the great support this will bring to both the John Lewis and Andrea Bocelli foundations. Joy to all of your worlds this Christmas!" Has it brought a smile to your face?

Keywords: John Lewis Christmas ad 2023, John Lewis Snapper the Tree, Andrea Bocelli La Vita della Festa, Christmas ads 2023, Saatchi & Saatchi