Who's your Christmas number one?

Yay it's Christmas!! My favourite holiday.. I love getting into the festive spirit. But if your not in the Christmas mood just yet, click here for a bit of Mariah to help get you there.. (Obvious, I know.. But so, so good!)
With Christmas comes lots of cosy nights in front of the telly, which means its hard to ignore the Christmas ads. Retailers spend millions of pounds and practically all year planning for their Christmas campaigns in hope that they are going to win us over and get us to spend all our hard earned cash with them! It is without a doubt the most important season for the retail industry. So.. I'm doing a little review on the three main ads this year (in my opinion).. One lucky retailer will be crowned the winner of my blog- woohoo to them ;)

I'm starting with...
Marks and Spencer's: Believe in Magic and Sparkle. Click here to watch

It's no secret that M&S have been struggling with their clothing sales recently. So all eyes are in them this Winter to see how they perform over the Christmas period. And they've certainly gone to town with their campaign, which features the beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whitely, oscar nominated Helena Bonham-Carter and the oh-so gorgeous David Gandy.
The advert takes us through a fairy tale journey, following Rosie as she transforms into well-loved, magical characters from our childhood stories, including: The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin.

My favourite scene has to be the Mad Hatters tea party. Nothing at all to do with the fact that this is the first time we are introduced to David Gandy... But it showcases Marks and Spencer's delicious food...

The advert is certainly family orientated; with children and adults able to reach out and identify with each character or story that is represented. I think M&S are possible trying to convey that the clothing range they offer is versatile through the constant change in character- they also use this as an opportunity to showcase much of their products.
However, although I'm not complaining, the use of Rosie Huntington-Whitely and David Gandy may be a little bit young for the M&S core customer (who in my eyes is 50+) to connect with. I'm presuming the strategy behind that was to reach out to a younger audience, so that in the future when they reach M&S' target age, they feel confidence in the brand.

Next...
Debenhams: Wishes made Fabulous. Click here to watch

This campaign oozes glamour, sophistication and romance! It follows two young lovers journeying to meet at a giant ice rink. It is pretty cute and romantic!

The focus on the advert is on Debenhams designer collaborations (same focus as 2012's Christmas as), which include Jullian Macdonald and Jonathan Saunders collections. I love how the ad kind of pauses from reality, and a fashion sketch is shown. I think that really impacts the importance of the designer collaborations which they are promoting. The fashion sketches also convey exclusivity.

Overall, I think Debenhams have done a good job of conveying fabulousness! The advert seems to focus on fashion and sophistication. I think it will certainly appeal to families due to the children and children's wear shown, but even young professionals who are starting out a family (based on the ages of the lovers). Debenhams have shown the best of their clothing, lingerie and cosmetics, and got us in the Christmas party spirit (a sophisticated Christmas party that is)! The finale at the ice rink, where everybody is wrapped up warm really encapsulates the winter spirit.

And finally...
John Lewis: The Bear and the Hare. Click here to watch

John Lewis Christmas adverts have become pretty iconic. In the past they have never failed to bring a little tear to my eye. This years is no different. They bring us a beautiful animation that follows two woodlands animals friendship (the animation reminds me of watership down- if anyone remembers that?!). When it's time for two best friends (bear and the hare) to part, the hare gets extremely upset. The bear has never seen Christmas before, due to hibernation. On Christmas Eve, the hare brings the bare a present- an alarm clock. This wakes the bare and he comes to enjoy Christmas with the rest of the woodland anaimals. It really is quite touching.. I'm feeling emotional just typing this!!

Lily Allen signs the soundtrack to the advert: somewhere only we know by Keane, in an acoustic version. Lily Allen has been away from the music industry for a few years, and what a great way to make her comeback- on an iconic advert. I read that she even had to audition for the part!

There is text at the beginning and the end of the advert telling the story in a way similar to how a children's novel would. This together with the animation brings back childhood memories of mine, which is what I think john Lewis are trying to do. They want to emotionally connect with the audience and bring them back to a time (childhood) when Christmas was the most special and exciting time of year.
John Lewis showcased no products in their advertisement, but promoted the John Lewis brand. The advert was first broadcast on TV during the Xfactor, taking up the whole duration of the advert break. I think this shows the impact the brand has on us and the status their Christmas adverts have across the country.

So what do you make of the ads? Which is your favorite, and which is your least favorite?

The order I would put them in is....

*drumrole*

3. Debenhams
2. Marks and Spencer's
And number one...
John Lewis
I think the John Lewis advert has the biggest impact on the audience, whereas the Debenhams one has the least.
Anyway, like I said, I'd love to know your your views.. Do you agree, or disagree with the order I put them in? Do you think the adverts have captured the Christmas spirit enough to make you part with your money??

Danielle x